by Jennifer Bell
These pecan stuffed dates are an easy and delicious appetizer for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, dinner parties, or any other festive occasion. These date appetizers have the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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What to serve with these pecan stuffed dates
If you’re looking for another easy finger food recipe for a party, try these mouthwatering chocolate covered dates. You can make an assortment with different toppings for your guests to choose from.
Ingredients and substitutions
I like using Medjool dates in this recipe because they’re bigger than most other varieties of dates which makes them perfect for stuffing. They’re also particularly flavorful and moist.
Sautéed onions add a savory layer of flavor to these pecan stuffed dates. You can use any type of onion you like in this recipe.
Toasted pecans add a cozy, festive flavor and plenty of richness to these date appetizers. You can substitute other nuts such as walnuts or cashews if you prefer. Or for a nut-free version you can substitute toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Fresh sage adds a warm, woodsy flavor to these dates. You can substitute other fresh herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, or chives if you prefer.
How to make these date appetizers
These date appetizers are easy to prepare. Start by adding the finely chopped onions, extra virgin olive oil, and salt to a large nonstick pan on the stove set to medium heat. Sautee for about 15 minutes or until the onions are softened and golden brown. Once the onions are golden brown, add the finely chopped fresh sage and sautee for two more minutes.
Remove the onion mixture from the heat and allow it to cool off while you remove the pits from the dates. Next you’ll use your fingers to open up the dates and coax them into a bowl shape.
Once the onions have cooled off for a few minutes, add the finely chopped toasted pecans to the pan and stir to combine.
Add a spoonful of the onion, sage, and pecan mixture to each date, then use your fingers to press the mixture firmly into the date.
Optional step
Tie a fresh chive around each date. Make a knot to hold the chive in place.
Preparing these date appetizers in advance
You can prepare these a couple of days in advance if you like (if you’re making these for the holidays that might make things easier). Just get the dates stuffed and ready to go, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge until party time. Be sure to allow these date appetizers to come to room temperature before serving.
Making this for a crowd
You can scale this recipe up if you’re feeding a crowd. Two of these pecan stuffed dates per person should be perfect.
More easy recipes to try
- This chickpea flour omelette is easy to make, filling, and delicious.
- This chocolate buckwheat cake is nutrient dense yet totally decadent.
- These chickpea flour cookies are soft, chewy, and sweet with a hint of saltiness.
Pecan Stuffed Dates Recipe
These pecan stuffed dates are an easy and delicious appetizer for Christmas, New Year's Eve, or any other special occasion. These date appetizers have the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 18 minutes minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
Total Time 28 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Calories 248.7kcal
Author Jennifer Bell
Equipment
Nonstick frying pan
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional ingredient: fresh chives to tie around the dates
Instructions
Add the finely chopped onions, extra virgin olive oil, and salt to a large nonstick pan on the stove set to medium heat. Sautee for about 10 minutes or until the onions are softened and golden brown.
Once the onions are golden brown, add the finely chopped fresh sage and sautee for two minutes.
Remove that mixture from the heat and allow it to cool off while you remove the pits from the dates.
Use your fingers to open up the dates and coax them into a bowl shape.
Once the onion mixture has cooled off for a few minutes, add the finely chopped toasted pecans and stir to combine.
Add a spoonful of the onion, sage, and pecan mixture to each date, then use your fingers to press the mixture firmly into the date.
Optional step: tie a fresh chive around each date. Make a knot to hold the chive in place.
Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- These pecan stuffed dates can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- For a nut-free version of these date appetizers, substitute pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of the pecans.
Nutrition
Serving: 2stuffed dates | Calories: 248.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2.1g | Fat: 10.8g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.8g | Sodium: 99.1mg | Potassium: 430.6mg | Fiber: 4.8g | Sugar: 33.9g | Vitamin A: 76.9IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 52.4mg | Iron: 0.9mg
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