These Prosciutto Wrapped Dates are the kind of appetizer that feels a little fancy but couldn't be easier to make. With creamy goat cheese tucked inside sweet Medjool dates and wrapped in salty prosciutto, they're a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
A quick trip to the oven makes the prosciutto crisp, and a drizzle of honey with a sprinkle of fresh thyme brings it all together.
They're perfect for special occasions, holiday parties, dinner with friends, or even a cozy night in with a glass of wine. You only need a few simple ingredients, but the end result feels like something you'd order at a restaurant. Serve them warm and watch how fast they disappear!
If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, check out our: Ahi Tuna Tacos with Cabbage Slaw, Italian Baked Ricotta Dip with Garlic or Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Sweet & savory: The natural sweetness of Medjool dates pairs perfectly with the salty prosciutto and tangy goat cheese. A drizzle of honey ties it all together with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Simple: With only a handful of ingredients and a quick bake time, this recipe comes together easily without any complicated steps or equipment. It feels fancy but is totally fuss-free.
- Perfect for entertaining: These bite-sized snacks are ideal for parties and gatherings. They're easy to prep ahead, bake all at once and are served warm straight from the oven. They look elegant on a platter and are always one of the first things to disappear! Great for charcuterie boards, party spreads, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for these stuffed dates:
- Dates: Use Medjool dates which are larger, softer, and naturally sweeter than regular dates. If your dates aren't pitted, just slice them open and remove the pit before filling.
- Prosciutto: Use thinly sliced prosciutto. Imported Italian prosciutto is ideal for its rich flavor and delicate texture. Most store-bought options come pre-sliced and are easy to tear into smaller strips. It should be thin enough to crisp up in the oven while still holding everything together.
- Goat cheese: Choose a good quality goat cheese for the best texture and flavor. It should be creamy, tangy, and easy to spread.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey adds just the right touch of sweetness to finish the dish. If you can, use local honey, it often has a richer flavor and supports nearby farmers and beekeepers.
- Thyme: Use fresh thyme as a garnish.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make these prosciutto-wrapped dates together!
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice each date open lengthwise and remove the pit if needed. Fill the center of each date with a small spoonful of cheese.
- Step 2: Tear the prosciutto into smaller strips and wrap one around each stuffed date.
- Step 3: Place the wrapped dates on the baking sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy.
- Step 4: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve warm.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this date recipe.
- Goat cheese: Swap this soft cheese for gorgonzola, blue cheese or cream cheese.
- Prosciutto: Try wrapping the dates with bacon or thin slices of pancetta instead of prosciutto for a different twist.
- Thyme: Swap fresh thyme for rosemary, sage, or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper for a different flavor.
- Additions: Stuff a toasted almond or pecan inside the date along with the cheese for added crunch.
Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this finger food. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Baking sheet: Use a sturdy, good-quality baking sheet to help the prosciutto crisp up evenly.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easy and keeps the dates from sticking as they bake.
Storage
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this savory appetizer.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover wrapped dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Wrap the stuffed dates individually and freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the prosciutto is crispy again.
Top Tips
Here are some expert tips to make this quick appetizer:
- Use soft, fresh dates: If your dates feel a little dry or firm, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make them easier to slice and stuff.
- Watch the bake time:: All ovens vary a bit, so keep an eye on them around the 7-minute mark. You want the prosciutto crispy, not dry or burnt.
- Make ahead: You can stuff and wrap the dates a few hours ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
FAQ
Medjool dates are best for this recipe because they're large, soft, and naturally sweet, which makes them easy to stuff and a perfect match for the salty prosciutto. You can use other sweet dates, but smaller or drier varieties might be harder to stuff and less tender after baking.
Yes! You can stuff and wrap the dates a few hours or even a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to bake. After baking, they're best served warm, so reheat gently in the oven to crisp the prosciutto again before serving.
Absolutely! Cream cheese or gorgonzola are great alternatives if you want a milder or stronger flavor. Just make sure the cheese is soft enough to easily spoon into the dates for the best results.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 Medjool dates
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 2 oz goat cheese or gorgonzola
- Honey for serving
- Fresh thyme for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stuff the dates: Slice each date open lengthwise (remove the pit if not already pitted). Fill the center of each date with a small spoonful of goat cheese.
- Wrap with prosciutto: Tear prosciutto into smaller strips and wrap each stuffed date. The prosciutto should fully cover the date but not be too thick.
- Bake: Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve warm.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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