Pecan-Stuffed Dates With Balsamic (A Perfect Thanksgiving Snack) Recipe

If you're the cook in the household, cooler weather and falling leaves may bring about thoughts of the upcoming holidays and more specifically the food, the table, and the guests. Of course, you have those traditional recipes favorites that are the same every year, but should you mix it up? While tradition and familiarity are important aspects of holiday celebrations, introducing creative elements to your holiday menu can add a little fun and make your holiday gatherings even more enjoyable and special. Appetizers are a great place to showcase your creativity.

Wellness coach and recipe developer Miriam Hahn brings us this recipe for pecan stuffed dates with balsamic and says, "These little stuffed dates are the perfect snack to put out on Thanksgiving day while the turkey is cooking and everyone is anxiously awaiting the big meal. It's a quick sweet and savory snack that blends in well with just about everything." And, conveniently, you can make these little snacks ahead of time, so that's one less thing to worry about on the big day.

To make this recipe, you only need five ingredients. Pick up some medjool dates to start. "I like to use medjool dates because they are larger and sweeter than other varieties. I buy them in the produce aisle where they are super fresh, and since they are in season in the fall, they're plentiful," Hahn says.

Then you'll need some cream cheese, pecan halves, rosemary, and balsamic glaze. We told you it was simple!

Cut the medjool dates in half lengthwise, and if they have a round stem, remove it and discard.

Remove and discard the pits.

Stuff the inside of each date with cream cheese.

Add a pecan half on top of the cream cheese and press to secure it in place.

Chop the rosemary.

Top each date with chopped rosemary.

Drizzle the dates with balsamic glaze.

Serve the pecan-stuffed dates.

There are many ways to modify this recipe. Consider using flavored cream cheese, going either the sweet or savory route, such as honey or chive, to add extra layers of flavor. You can also substitute cream cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese, and if you want to make this recipe dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese.

Instead of pecans, use other types of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for the filling. You can even go nut free here, and use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

For a more savory profile, consider using minced garlic, shallots, finely chopped sundried tomatoes, or kalamata olives in the cream cheese filling. Or to go in a sweeter direction and include dried fruits like apricots, figs, or cranberries for extra texture and flavor.

Experiment with different herbs to complement the rosemary or use in place of rosemary. Fresh thyme, basil, or tarragon can provide unique flavors.

Pecan-stuffed dates can be a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack, and they pair well with a variety of other foods and beverages. Add them to a charcuterie board with cured meats like salami, pepperoni and a selection of cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, blue cheese, or cheddar. The combination of sweet and savory is a classic and delicious pairing.

Provide a platter of sliced carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers to balance the richness of the dates with fresh, crisp textures. Alongside that you can serve a simple hummus or a pumpkin hummus to fit the season.

Include a variety of bread, crackers, or breadsticks for texture and a base for building small bites. Offer a selection of olives, both green and black, to balance the sweetness of the dates with some briny, salty notes.

For beverages, pair the pecan-stuffed dates with apple cider, either hot or cold, for a refreshing and seasonal beverage. Some red or white wine will also be nice as the sweetness of the dates complements the flavors in the wine.