Delicious Almond Stuffed Dates Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for almond stuffed dates. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that is both healthy and indulgent, you’ve come to the right place. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a fancy dinner party.

Dates are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They are packed with nutrients, including Vitamin E and dietary fiber, making them a great choice for a healthy snack or dessert. When combined with the crunch of almonds and the savory flavor of bacon or goat cheese, these stuffed dates become a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress your friends and family. So let’s get started and make some delicious almond stuffed dates!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy snack or dessert, then this Almond Stuffed Dates recipe is the perfect choice for you! Whether you’re hosting a party, in need of a quick energy boost, or just craving something sweet, these almond stuffed dates are sure to satisfy your taste buds while providing you with essential nutrients.

One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s incredibly versatile. You can stuff the dates with almond butter or goat cheese, wrap them in bacon or smoked almonds, or even dip them in dark chocolate for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s packed with nutrients. Dates are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including Vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin and eyes. Almonds are also a great source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

But perhaps the best reason to love this recipe is because it’s so easy to make! All you need are some pitted dates, almond butter or goat cheese, and your choice of toppings. Simply stuff the dates with the filling, wrap them in bacon or smoked almonds, and bake them in the oven for a few minutes until crispy and golden. It’s that simple!

In conclusion, this Almond Stuffed Dates recipe is the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. It’s versatile, nutritious, and easy to make, making it a great choice for busy people who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is so popular? Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

Before starting with the recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients you need to make these Almond Stuffed Dates. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 16 large Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup of blanched almonds
• 8 pieces of bacon, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of goat cheese
• 1/4 cup of smoked almonds
• 1/4 cup of almond paste
• 1/4 cup of nut butter
• Dark chocolate for drizzling
• Shredded coconut

All of these ingredients are easily accessible in your local grocery store, and you may already have them in your pantry. The main ingredients are the key to making these Almond Stuffed Dates perfect. The bacon provides the savory element, and the dates provide the sweetness that pairs perfectly with the almond stuffing. The almond butter and honey mixture gives a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, while the cinnamon and black pepper add warmth and depth to the recipe. The optional ingredients can be added to the almond stuffing mixture to add more flavor and texture to the recipe.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe how-to!

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, remove the pits from the dates by making a small slit on one side of each date and carefully taking out the pit.

Step 2: Stuff the Dates

Now it’s time to stuff the dates with the almond filling. You can use either blanched almonds, smoked almonds, almond butter or even goat cheese to stuff the dates, depending on your preference.

For the almond filling, start by finely chopping 8 almonds (or using 1 tablespoon of almond butter) and mixing them with a pinch of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of honey. If you’re using goat cheese, simply stuff the dates with a small amount of cheese.

Take each date half and stuff it with the almond or goat cheese filling. Then, press the two halves together to seal the stuffed date.

Step 3: Wrap the Dates

To take these almond stuffed dates up a notch, wrap them in bacon! Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.

Step 4: Bake the Dates

Bake the bacon-wrapped almond stuffed dates for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These almond stuffed dates are perfect as an appetizer or as a sweet and savory snack.

You can also try some delicious variations, such as almond joy dates by stuffing the dates with almond paste and dipping them in melted dark chocolate or coconut-covered stuffed dates by rolling them in shredded coconut. The possibilities are endless!

Substitutions and Variations

There are many substitutions and variations you can make to this almond stuffed dates recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

– Bacon wrapped almond stuffed dates: If you’re a fan of savory and sweet combinations, try wrapping the almond stuffed dates with bacon before baking them. The salty bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet dates and nutty almond filling. Simply cut the bacon slices in half and wrap them around the stuffed dates before securing them with toothpicks.

– Goat cheese stuffed dates: If you prefer a creamier filling, swap the almond butter for goat cheese. The tanginess of the cheese complements the sweetness of the dates, and the creamy texture is a nice contrast to the crunchy almonds.

– Smoked almond stuffed dates: For a smoky flavor, use smoked almonds instead of regular blanched almonds. The smokiness adds depth to the filling and makes the dish more interesting.

– Almond joy stuffed dates: If you’re a fan of the classic candy bar, try making almond joy stuffed dates. Add a teaspoon of coconut flakes to the almond filling and drizzle the stuffed dates with melted dark chocolate before serving.

– Chocolate covered almond stuffed dates: If you have a sweet tooth, try dipping the stuffed dates in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat. You can also roll them in cocoa powder or chopped nuts for added texture.

– Nut butter stuffed dates: If you don’t have almond butter on hand, you can use any nut butter you like, such as peanut butter or cashew butter. The filling will be just as delicious and nutritious.

– Cheese stuffed dates: If you’re not a fan of nuts or nut butters, you can stuff the dates with your favorite cheese, such as blue cheese or feta. The cheese will melt slightly in the oven, creating a gooey and savory filling.

Experiment with different substitutions and variations to find your favorite combination of flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with this versatile recipe.

Serving and Pairing

These almond-stuffed dates are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a dessert. They are perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a casual get-together with friends. These dates are best served at room temperature, and they pair well with a variety of drinks and snacks.

For an appetizer, serve the dates with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon or an IPA. You can also serve them with a charcuterie board, some olives, or a plate of smoked almonds to create an elegant and delicious starter.

If you want to serve these dates as a dessert, try pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea. The richness of the dates and the almond filling pairs well with the bitterness of black coffee or the sweetness of a chai tea latte. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

For a healthier option, serve these dates with a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad. The natural sweetness of the dates and the healthy fats from the almonds make this dish a nutritious and satisfying snack.

No matter how you choose to serve these almond-stuffed dates, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their delicious flavor and easy preparation, they are the perfect addition to any menu.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

These almond stuffed dates can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. To make ahead, stuff the dates with the almond mixture and wrap with bacon. Place them on a lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

After baking, these dates can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.

If you have any leftover almond mixture, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use it to stuff more dates or as a filling for other desserts.

These dates also freeze well. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Overall, these almond stuffed dates are a versatile and convenient appetizer that can be made ahead of time and stored for later use.

Tips for Perfect Results

When preparing almond stuffed dates, there are a few tips and tricks you can keep in mind to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some of my top tips:

1. Choose the best almonds: For this recipe, you want to use blanched almonds or smoked almonds. These types of almonds have a more delicate flavor that pairs well with the sweet dates. You can also use almond paste, almond butter, or any nut butter of your choice.

2. Use high-quality dates: Medjool dates are perfect for this recipe. They are soft, chewy, and have a caramel-like flavor that complements the almonds perfectly. Make sure to remove the pits from the dates before stuffing them.

3. Cut a slit on one side of the date: To stuff the almond, cut a slit on one side of the date, making sure not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the almond to fit into.

4. Stuff the almond: Take one smoked or blanched almond and stuff it into the pocket in the date.

5. Wrap with bacon: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, wrap the stuffed date with a small piece of bacon. Cut the bacon in half lengthwise and wrap it around the date, securing it with a toothpick.

6. Season with cinnamon and honey: Drizzle the stuffed dates with honey and sprinkle them with cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper for added flavor.

7. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the dates are slightly caramelized.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the best almond stuffed dates recipe that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQ

Before we conclude this article, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this almond stuffed dates recipe. These questions will help you better understand and execute the recipe, so you can get the most out of it. Let’s dive in!

How many calories are in almond stuffed dates?

This recipe yields a single serving with a total of 149 calories. It contains 1.4g of protein, 36.7g of carbohydrates, and 3.5g of dietary fiber. The dish has 1.4g of fat and 0.1g of saturated fat. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, with a low sodium content of 13.3mg.

What food pairs well with dates?

When it comes to finding the perfect cheese to pair with dates, there are a variety of options to choose from. Popular choices include cream cheese, bleu cheese, ricotta, and many others. However, my personal favorite cheese to pair with dates is goat cheese. Not only does it provide a delicious flavor profile, but it is also packed with protein, healthy fats, and bone-strengthening nutrients such as calcium, copper, and phosphorus.

What to pair with bacon wrapped dates?

I’ll provide detailed instructions for preparing a delicious meal that includes pasta noodles with marinara sauce, a refreshing cold bean salad, a flavorful corn salad, a sweet and savory sweet potato casserole, some mouth-watering cheesy garlic butter rolls, and some tender garlic butter potatoes.

What is the difference between almond and dates?

When it comes to nutritional value, almonds outrank dates in several categories. Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B2, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, and Calcium, surpassing the nutrient levels found in dates. In fact, almonds provide 171% more of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin E than dates do. However, it’s important to note that almonds also contain significantly more saturated fat than dates. While dates contain only 0.032g of saturated fat, almonds contain 3.802g, which is 119 times more than the amount found in dates.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, these almond stuffed dates are a perfect addition to any party or gathering. With their delicious combination of flavors, they are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Whether you choose to stuff them with bacon, smoked almonds, or goat cheese, there is no doubt that they will be a hit. Plus, the health benefits of dates and almonds make them a guilt-free indulgence.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try! With the easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips provided, you will be able to create a delectable treat that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make this recipe your own. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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