Whipped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates

Whipped Blue Cheese Appetiser:

Sweet, Savoury, and Irresistible appetisers.

If you’re searching for an appetiser that’s easy to prepare yet effortlessly elegant, look no further than these Whipped Blue Cheese-Stuffed Medjool Dates wrapped in Serrano ham.

This whipped Blue Cheese appetiser recipe combines luxurious flavours and textures—the creamy tang of blue cheese, the caramel-like sweetness of Medjool dates, and the subtle saltiness of Serrano ham—for a bite-sized treat that knows no bounds when it comes to satisfaction.

The Allure of Medjool Dates

Often referred to as “nature’s candy,” medjool dates are a standout ingredient in this recipe.

Their soft, almost velvety texture and rich, sweet flavour make them the perfect base for a savoury filling.

Unlike regular dates, medjool dates are larger, more plump, and have a distinct caramel note, elevating the complexity of every bite.

They not only complement the creamy filling but also create a delightful contrast to the salty Serrano ham.

A Filling That Shines

The star of this dish is the whipped blue cheese filling, a carefully crafted blend of bold and complementary flavours:

• Blue Cheese: Brings depth and a tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness of the dates.
• Feta: Softens the blue cheese’s intensity, adding a smooth, creamy texture.
• Garlic: A subtle savoury undertone that enhances the complexity of the filling.
• Yoghurt: Adds a light, airy consistency, making the filling easy to pipe into the dates.
• Parsley: Brightens the overall flavours and adds a touch of herbaceous freshness.

The Art of Assembly

This whipped Blue cheese appetiser is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. The process is straightforward but by all means, get a little creative with your presentation:

1. Carefully slice the Medjool dates open and remove the pits.
2. Pipe or spoon the whipped cheese mixture into each date, ensuring a generous filling.
3. Wrap each stuffed date in a strip of Serrano ham, leaving one end exposed to showcase the creamy filling.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for crunch and a fresh parsley leaf for a pop of colour…and you are ready to serve!

A Versatile Party Hero

These stuffed dates seamlessly transition from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.

Serve them on a grazing board alongside cheeses, nuts, and fruits for a rustic vibe, or arrange them on a sleek platter for a cocktail party.

Their size makes them easy to pick up, and their balanced flavours mean they pair beautifully with a variety of drinks.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the dates a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add garnishes just before serving.

• Personalise: Experiment with variations, such as using Prosciutto instead of Serrano ham or adding a drizzle of honey for an extra layer of sweetness & you can change up your herbs as well.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s all about balance & the Libran in me knows the importance of balance.

The boldness of the blue cheese is tamed by the creamy feta and yoghurt, while the sweetness of the dates offsets the salty Serrano ham.

The pistachios add crunch, and the parsley keeps the flavours fresh and vibrant.

It’s a perfectly orchestrated bite that feels indulgent yet relaxed.

Ready to wow your guests with these Blue Cheese-Stuffed Medjool Dates?

This Whipped Blue Cheese Appetiser is a surefire way to elevate your appetiser game with little effort and they create a memorable appetiser experience.

I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own—share your twists and creative presentations in the comments!

Whipped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates

(Serves 14 Prep 30 Mins)

You Will Need:

Serrano Ham:

• A type of dry-cured Spanish ham with a delicate, savoury profile. Not dissimilar to Prosciutto, but the Serrano I buy is a lot softer than Prosciutto, so easier to wrap. Considered a luxury deli meat which, elevates even the simplest of appetisers & adds a touch of elegance. Prosciutto or Parma ham can be substituted if Serrano is unavailable.

Medjool Dates:

• Large, soft, and sweet dates with a rich caramel-like flavour and a tender texture. These are ideal for stuffing because of their size and natural sweetness. Look for fresh, plump Medjool dates for the best results. I buy them in a pack which generally has around 14.

Smooth Blue Cheese:

• A creamy and mild variety of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola Dolce or Danish Blue, which blends easily and offers a balanced tangy flavour without being overly sharp. I buy Blue cheese from Aldi as it is generally a few $$ cheaper.

Danish Feta:

• A rich and creamy feta cheese with a mild, slightly tangy taste. Its soft creamy texture complements the blue cheese, creating a luscious, well-rounded filling.

Greek Yoghurt:

• Full-fat or plain Greek yoghurt, which adds creaminess and a slight tang to the cheese mixture, helping to balance the richness of the filling. It actually lightens the filling as the Blue cheese & Feta can be pretty rich.

Garlic (Clove):

• A Fresh garlic clove or 2, peeled and minced or roughly chopped. Just a small amount adds depth and a subtle aromatic note to the cheese filling.

Flat-leaf Parsley:

• Fresh parsley leaves with a mild herbal flavour that complements the boldness of the blue cheese and ham. Used both in the filling and as a garnish to add freshness and visual appeal.

Chopped Pistachio Nuts (for Garnish):

• Finely chopped unsalted pistachios provide a crunch and a little greenery, enhancing both the texture and visual presentation of the finished appetiser.

Flat-leaf Parsley Leaves (for Garnish):

• Twelve small, fresh parsley leaves for individual garnishes. These add a bright, herbal note and a touch of elegance & freshness to each stuffed date.

Fresh Dill (Chopped, for Garnish):

• One tablespoon of fresh dill finely chopped and sprinkled over the platter or individual dates. Dill’s delicate, slightly sweet flavour enhances the overall freshness of the dish while providing an additional visual element.

Instructions:

Prepare the Dates:

• Take each date and slice it in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Use a small knife to make the cut precise and avoid splitting the date entirely. Gently open the date to reveal the pit and remove it carefully, ensuring the fruit remains intact. Set the prepared dates aside on a clean surface.

Make the Cheese Filling:

• In a small food processor, combine the following ingredients:

• Blue cheese
• Feta cheese
• Garlic
• Greek yoghurt
• Fresh parsley leaves
• Salt (optional)

• Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Fill the Dates:

• Using a teaspoon, scoop a generous amount of the cheese mixture and carefully fill each prepared date. Ensure the filling is slightly mounded for an attractive appearance. Smooth the surface of the filling gently with the back of the spoon for a neat finish. Alternatively use a piping bag.

Wrap with Serrano Ham:

• Take a slice of Serrano ham and cut it in half lengthwise to create long, narrow strips. Wrap one strip around each filled date, covering about three-quarters of the date while leaving one end exposed. Repeat this step with all the dates.

Add the Garnish:

• For the finishing touch, tuck a parsley leaf into each filled date as a vibrant garnish. Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped pistachios over the exposed filling. Ensure the garnishes are evenly distributed to enhance the presentation.

Serve & Enjoy!

Helpful Hints

• Serrano ham, although similar to Prosciutto, tends to be a bit softer and easier to manage especially when wrapping.

• You could substitute Danish feta with Greek, but Greek Feta has a much coarser texture and your cheese filling will be grainier.

• Any herbs will work here. It is really just about adding colour and freshness to cut through the rich cheese filling.

Whipped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates

Recipe

(Serves 14 Prep 30 Mins)

Ingredients

• 100g Serrano Ham
• 230g Medjool Dates
• 100g Smooth Blue Cheese
• 100g Danish Feta
• 1 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tbsp flat-leaf Parsley 
• 1 Tbsp Chopped Pistachio Nuts
• 12 Flat-leaf Parsley leaves (Garnish)
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Dill (Garnish)

Method

1. Slice the dates in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, and remove the stone.
2. In a small food processor, combine the blue cheese, feta, garlic, yoghurt, and parsley. 
3. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Spoon a generous teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each date.
5. Slice each piece of Serrano ham in half lengthwise. 
6. Wrap one piece around three-quarters of the filled date, leaving one end exposed.
7. Repeat with the remaining dates.
8. Garnish each date with a parsley leaf and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Serve & Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

A few options here to choose from with a couple of usual suspects.

• Sparkling Wine (Prosecco or Cava):
  The bubbles cut through the richness of the cheese and ham while complementing the sweetness of the dates. A dry Prosecco with hints of green apple and citrus or a Cava with toasty notes is ideal.

Alternative Whites:

• Sauvignon Blanc:
  Its bright acidity and herbaceous character pair wonderfully with the parsley and dill garnishes while balancing the creamy cheese filling.

• Gewürztraminer:
  Offers aromatic floral and spice notes that mirror the sweetness of the dates and the boldness of the blue cheese.

Alternative Reds:

• Grenache:
  A medium-bodied red with ripe berry flavours and soft tannins enhances the ham’s saltiness and balances the sweetness of the dates.

• Pinot Noir:
  A lighter, fruit-forward red with earthy undertones that complements the complexity of the cheese and the savoury Serrano ham.

Dessert Pairing:

• Port:
  For a decadent touch, pair with a tawny or ruby Port. The sweetness echoes the dates, while its richness balances the blue cheese.

Anna

Hey there, it's Anna! Anyone who knows me knows that I proudly wear the 'foodie' badge. Trying to select from a restaurant menu time & time again seems impossible- I want a taste of everything. It's precisely that, that got me into making canapés and appetisers for friends, family & colleagues so everyone could taste a bit of everything. It is truly possible for the average person, to make these delectable bites and take their next social occasion from average to stunning. Follow me at bitesizehostess.com and learn to cater for memorable events.