Best Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe

Wholesome. Naturally sweet. Delicious. These words come to mind when describing this easy recipe for the best ricotta Stuffed Dates. Whether preparing them as appetizers or as a snack for the kids, nothing can be healthier or easier to make.

Jump to:

• Introduction
• How to make ricotta stuffed dates
• Variations
• Tips
• FAQ
• More date recipes
• Recipe origins
• Recipe

Introduction

There’s no point in denying it: dates are sweet and delicious.

The fact is that 70% of a date’s weight comes from natural sugars. That being said, dates, which have often been referred to as “nature’s candy,” are still one of the healthiest foods you can eat and one of the best to provide you with a quick energy boost.

They are true nutritional powerhouses, containing dietary fiber and essential antioxidants. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Today, we will stuff dates with two simple ingredients -walnuts and homemade ricotta cheese to create the perfect flavor combination in each little bite!

Fresh, creamy Italian ricotta cheese is the foundation for many scrumptious, easy-to-make recipes.

Its versatility makes it a great ingredient in sweet and savory dishes -from rice ricotta pie to pasta shells to ricotta cookies to the classic, oh-so-Italian pastiera Napoletana.

Stuffed dates with ricotta cheese are yet another delicious way to enjoy this beloved Italian cheese.

We will take these delicious sweet Medjool dates and make them even more luxurious by stuffing them with ricotta cheese and walnuts. Then, we’ll garnish it with orange zest for a citrus flavor!

How to make ricotta stuffed dates

To prepare the dates, use a sharp paring knife to slit lengthwise down the center and remove the pit. Next, gently press a walnut piece in the center of each pitted date. Then, with a small spoon, cover the walnut with fresh ricotta cheese, as shown in the photo above. 

Repeat with the rest of the dates.

Next, we are going to top the ricotta with finely chopped walnuts.

To do so, press the ricotta-stuffed dates, one at a time, into a small bowl of finely chopped walnuts and gently roll so that the ricotta cheese is completely coated with the nuts, as shown in the above photo. You can also refer to the video in this post. 

Garnish with grated orange zest, and enjoy! 

Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be modified in a variety of ways. For example, you can use different kinds of nuts or dried fruits.

You could also replace the ricotta with different cheeses. Some examples include soft goat cheese, cream cheese, or other soft cheese, like mascarpone or blue cheese.

For a vegan variation, you can use your favorite nut butter, almond butter, or vegan cream cheese.

Add fresh herbs, garlic powder, and/or pepper to the ricotta instead of the orange zest for a different flavor. 

Tips

• Use fresh, soft dates for this recipe. Avoid dry or hard dates, as they may be difficult to stuff.
• The large Medjool dates are great to use in this simple recipe because they’re fleshier; not only can you fit the walnut half inside, but there’s also room for ricotta cheese.
• Make sure to finely chop the walnuts before topping the stuffed dates. This will ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the nutty flavor.
• Stuffed dates are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• Toasting the walnuts before stuffing the dates adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled based on your needed amount.

FAQ

More date recipes

There are many ways to use dates in cooking, from appetizers to desserts or even a little snack like these date energy balls -a go-to snack that’s nutritious and will stave off hunger pangs any time of day!

This recipe for healthy orange date muffins is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast. You won’t believe how fast these come together – in less than half an hour, you could be enjoying a warm muffin!

Look no further if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy date bran muffin! These muffins are made with natural bran and dates, so they’re moist and naturally sweet. They also happen to be a good source of fiber. You won’t believe how something so healthy can taste so good!

Finally, these date squares are a classic dessert that’s easy to make and tastes delicious. The perfect treat for the holiday season and any special occasion. They make the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter! 

Recipe origins

My mom would love to experiment with new recipes, especially easy Italian appetizer recipes. This simple and tasty recipe was one of her most requested.

I remember the first time she made these stuffed dates with ricotta and walnuts -it was my grandfather’s birthday. I was so intrigued by this decadent and delicious appetizer. 

Over the years, I have modified the appearance of my mom’s recipe by placing the walnut half in the date, covering it with ricotta, and then garnishing it with chopped walnuts and orange or lemon zest. 

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer, look no further than this recipe for stuffed dates. Once you taste them, you will make them part of your regular appetizer repertoire. Enjoy!

★★★★★ If you have made this recipe for stuffed dates with ricotta, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

This post was originally published on November 5, 2015 and republished on November 27, 2022, with updated photos, content and a video. Thanks for sharing.