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Ina Garten Warm Dates with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

Ina Garten Warm Dates with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto - recipe card
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Sweet, sticky dates are stuffed with creamy blue cheese and wrapped in salty prosciutto, then baked until the cheese melts and the prosciutto crisps. This elegant appetizer balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a sophisticated start to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large Medjool dates, pitted
  • 4 oz creamy blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola dolce or Roquefort), at room temperature
  • 6 thin slices prosciutto (about 3 oz), halved lengthwise
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  2. If the dates are not already pitted, make a small slit lengthwise down each date and remove the pit, keeping the date intact. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, mash the blue cheese with a fork until smooth and creamy. If the cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mashing.
  4. Using a small spoon or your fingers, stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of the mashed blue cheese, filling the cavity completely. Do not overstuff, or the cheese will leak out during baking.
  5. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of prosciutto, pressing gently to seal the seam. The prosciutto should cover most of the date but leave the ends exposed for a nice presentation.
  6. Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, leaving about 1 inch of space between them for even cooking.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the prosciutto is crisp and slightly darkened and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The dates should be soft and caramelized.
  8. While the dates bake, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for 10 seconds, until it is thin and easy to drizzle.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the dates to a serving platter using tongs or a spatula. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot.
  10. Drizzle the warm dates with the honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately while the cheese is still soft and gooey.

Notes

Storage: These are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the dates and prosciutto will degrade. For a variation, substitute goat cheese for blue cheese or add a toasted almond inside each date before wrapping.

Nutrition

Keywords: warm dates, blue cheese stuffed dates, prosciutto wrapped dates, Ina Garten appetizer, easy party appetizer, sweet and savory bites, baked dates, blue cheese prosciutto, elegant appetizer, holiday appetizer, five ingredient appetizer

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/ina-garten-warm-dates-with-blue-cheese-and-prosciutto-recipe/