A Sweet and Savory Bite to Remember
There’s something magical about the combination of salty prosciutto and sweet dates. The first time I made Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates, my kitchen smelled like heaven warm, slightly smoky, and just a little nutty from the creamy filling inside. It’s one of those simple yet elegant Italian appetizers that feels right at home at any gathering. I love making these for cozy nights in or when I need a quick, crowd-pleasing bite for a tapas spread.
I’ve always believed that the best party foods are those that surprise your guests with flavor and texture. These stuffed dates are soft, chewy, and wrapped in a crisp, savory shell that almost melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them alongside crostini appetizers or other starters recipes, they never fail to impress.
Reasons to Fall in Love with These Little Gems
What makes these stuffed dates irresistible is how effortlessly they blend sweet and savory. The natural caramel notes of the dates pair beautifully with creamy cheese and smoky prosciutto. I often prepare them ahead of time, which makes entertaining stress-free.
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They also fit perfectly into an assortment of small bites like my smoked salmon bites or salami cup appetizer bites. They’re easy to pop into your mouth while chatting with friends, yet elegant enough for dinner parties. The combination of textures sticky, creamy, and crisp creates that delightful contrast I always look for in my favorite stuffed dates recipes.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what I use to make these irresistible bites. Each ingredient has a purpose and plays a role in balancing flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients
- Medjool dates – I always go for these because they’re large, soft, and have a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Prosciutto – Thin slices work best; they wrap neatly around each date and crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Cream cheese or goat cheese – For creamy, tangy filling. Goat cheese gives a bolder flavor, while cream cheese keeps it mild.
- Honey or balsamic glaze – Adds that finishing touch of sweetness and sheen once baked.
Optional Add-ins
- Toasted almonds or walnuts – For a lovely crunch in the center.
- Blue cheese – If you love bold flavors, a crumble of blue cheese inside adds a sophisticated twist.
- Rosemary – A small sprig tucked inside or a sprinkle on top before baking brings a fragrant, herby note.
- Chili flakes or black pepper – Perfect for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
I like to prep all the ingredients before I start assembling so the process flows easily.
Recipe
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Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 crisps
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet, savory, and perfectly crisp, these Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates are an elegant Italian appetizer filled with creamy cheese and finished with a touch of honey.
Ingredients
12 Medjool dates, pitted
6 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
4 oz cream cheese or goat cheese
12 whole almonds or walnuts (optional)
1 tbsp honey or balsamic glaze
Fresh rosemary or cracked pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Fill each date with cream cheese or goat cheese. Add a nut or crumble of blue cheese if desired.
- Wrap each stuffed date with half a slice of prosciutto.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until prosciutto is crisp and cheese is warm.
- Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and garnish with rosemary. Serve warm.
Notes
You can prepare these ahead of time and bake just before serving. For a vegetarian version, wrap the dates in roasted red pepper strips. Use mascarpone for a milder flavor or blue cheese for a bolder one.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 12
Step by Step How I Make It
1. Prepare the Dates
First, I slice each date lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. I make sure not to cut all the way through so the date stays in one piece, like a little pocket ready for stuffing.
2. Fill the Dates
Next, I spoon or pipe a small amount of cream cheese (or goat cheese) into the cavity. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I add a sliver of almond or a few blue cheese crumbles for texture and punch.
3. Wrap with Prosciutto
Then comes the fun part. I cut thin slices of prosciutto in half and wrap each date snugly. The prosciutto should slightly overlap, creating a neat little bundle that holds everything together.
4. Bake Until Golden
I arrange the wrapped dates seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, just until the prosciutto crisps and the cheese starts to bubble slightly. The aroma at this stage is divine salty, sweet, and mouthwatering.
5. Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, I drizzle them lightly with honey or balsamic glaze. I sometimes finish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary for an aromatic lift.
These bites are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is soft and creamy inside.
Ideas to Make Them Your Own
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tailor it to fit the occasion or your pantry.
- Cheese Swap – Try mascarpone for a milder filling or blue cheese for bold flavor.
- Meat-Free Option – Skip the prosciutto and wrap the stuffed dates in roasted red pepper strips or phyllo for a vegetarian twist.
- Nutty Surprise – Stuff a roasted almond or candied pecan inside for a crunchy surprise.
- Sweet Drizzle – Instead of honey, use maple syrup or a dash of pomegranate molasses for a gourmet finish.
- Mediterranean Touch – Add finely chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes inside the filling.
- Party Spread Idea – Serve alongside cheese and grape skewers or mini cheese ball bites for a colorful, balanced appetizer board.
These stuffed dates work beautifully for tapas ideas or even as part of a bigger Italian appetizers menu. They’re elegant enough for a cocktail night but easy enough for a casual family dinner.
Wrapping It Up
Every time I make these prosciutto wrapped stuffed dates, I’m reminded that the best recipes don’t need to be complicated to feel special. With just a few ingredients, you get a perfect mix of salty, sweet, creamy, and crisp in every bite.
If you’re looking for something simple yet impressive for your next gathering, give these a try. They fit right in with your favorite crostini appetizers or stuffed bell peppers, and they’ll quickly become one of your go-to starters recipes.
I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. If you try this recipe, share it with someone who loves a good bite-sized treat and tag it with your favorite party platter ideas.
