How to Create Perfect Pistachio Feta Stuffed Dates

Date Preparation

Careful pitting technique to maintain the date's shape while creating optimal space for filling.

Cheese Mixture Balance

Achieving perfect proportions of tangy feta, creamy base, and aromatic elements.

Filling Technique

Strategic piping to ensure dates are generously filled with proper distribution.

Garnishing Method

Artful application of pistachios, honey drizzle, and optional elements for visual impact.

Baking Tips

Choose dates that are plump, soft, and not overly dry for the best texture and flavor.

For a more complex cheese filling, use a mixture of different feta varieties, including some barrel-aged feta.

Toast the pistachios lightly (5 minutes at 350°F) before chopping to enhance their flavor.

For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with a mixture of soaked cashews, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast.

These can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Try variations with blue cheese, goat cheese, or labneh for different flavor profiles.

Stuffed Date Delights

Name: Stuffed Date Delights
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 24 pieces
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 24 large Medjool dates; 1 cup high-quality feta cheese, crumbled (preferably sheep's milk); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup raw pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons dried rose petals (optional); 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional); Flaky sea salt for garnish

Stuffed Date Delights balance sweet Medjool dates with tangy feta cheese and crunchy pistachios for an elegant no-bake dessert. This sophisticated yet simple preparation showcases the perfect harmony between Middle Eastern flavors in a visually stunning bite-sized treat.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Total Time

20 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

24 large Medjool dates

1 cup high-quality feta cheese, crumbled (preferably sheep's milk)

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling

1 teaspoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup raw pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped

2 tablespoons dried rose petals (optional)

1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)

Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

Make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pit, being careful to keep the date intact.

In a medium bowl, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, honey, orange zest, cardamom, and cinnamon. Mix until well incorporated but still maintaining some texture.

If using orange blossom water, add it to the cheese mixture and gently fold in.

Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip, or use a small spoon for filling.

Pipe or spoon the cheese filling into each date cavity, allowing it to slightly overflow for a generous appearance.

Press chopped pistachios onto the exposed cheese filling, ensuring they adhere well.

Arrange stuffed dates on a serving platter and lightly drizzle with additional honey.

If using, sprinkle with dried rose petals and a small pinch of flaky sea salt.

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow flavors to fully bloom.

Stuffed Date Delights

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create Perfect Pistachio Feta Stuffed Dates

Stuffed Date Delights

Ingredients

Instructions