Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates
These three-ingredient appetizers combine sweet, sticky Medjool dates with creamy goat cheese and salty prosciutto for an elegant bite that tastes far more complex than its simple preparation suggests.
They take about 15 minutes to assemble and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love It
Only three main ingredients required.
The sweet-salty-creamy combination is universally appealing.
Ready in under 20 minutes including baking time.
Impressive presentation that looks like you spent much more effort.
Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
Perfect finger food size – no plates or utensils needed.
Ingredients
24 Medjool dates
4 oz goat cheese, softened
12 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
Optional additions:
24 roasted almonds or marcona almonds
Fresh rosemary leaves
Honey for drizzling
Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Flaky sea salt
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Use a small sharp knife to make a lengthwise slit in each date.
3. Carefully remove the pit from each date, keeping the date as intact as possible.
4. If using almonds, place one inside each date along with the cheese.
5. Fill each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of softened goat cheese – a small piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut makes this easier.
6. Gently press the date closed around the filling.
7. Cut each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise to create 24 strips.
8. Wrap one strip of prosciutto around each stuffed date, overlapping slightly.
9. Place the wrapped dates seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the prosciutto is slightly crispy and the cheese is warmed through.
11. Transfer to a serving platter.
12. Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if using.
13. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and rosemary leaves if desired.
14. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Medjool dates are larger and stickier than regular dates – they’re worth seeking out for this recipe.
Blue cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone can substitute for goat cheese based on your preference.
Bacon can replace prosciutto – just cook the wrapped dates longer until the bacon is crispy, about 15-18 minutes.
For a nut-free version, simply omit the almonds – the goat cheese filling is delicious on its own.
If your dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before stuffing.
Don’t overfill the dates or the cheese will ooze out during baking.
Insert a toothpick through each wrapped date if the prosciutto isn’t staying in place.
Serving Ideas
Arrange on a slate board or white platter for an elegant presentation.
Serve as passed appetizers at cocktail parties using small napkins.
Include on a charcuterie board alongside other cured meats and cheeses.
Pair with sparkling wine, prosecco, or a crisp white wine.
Serve as a starter course before a Mediterranean-style dinner.
Offer alongside mixed olives, marcona almonds, and crusty bread for a tapas spread.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble the stuffed and wrapped dates up to 24 hours ahead – cover and refrigerate on the baking sheet.
Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, or add 2-3 minutes to the bake time if baking cold.
Leftover baked dates can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
These can be served at room temperature if reheating isn’t convenient.
Stuffed but unwrapped dates can be frozen for up to 1 month – thaw, wrap in prosciutto, and bake as directed.
Effortless Elegance
Few appetizers deliver this much flavor impact with so little effort.
The combination of sweet dates, tangy cheese, and salty prosciutto hits every note your taste buds want.
Keep these in your entertaining repertoire for whenever you need an impressive bite that comes together in minutes.
