Description
These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Orange, Pistachio, and Pomegranate are a delightful and elegant appetizer or snack. Soft, sweet medjool dates are filled with a creamy mascarpone mixture flavored with honey and bright orange zest, then topped with crunchy pistachios and garnished with vibrant pomegranate arils and flaky sea salt. They are quickly baked to warm through, creating a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
- Pinch of salt
Dates and Garnish
- 16–18 large medjool dates
- 1–2 tablespoons pomegranate arils, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dates: Preheat your oven to 375℉. Carefully remove the pits from the dates by slicing gently on one side, making sure to keep the dates intact for stuffing.
- Make the mascarpone filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, honey, orange zest, chopped pistachios, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Stuff the dates: Using a small spoon, fill each pitted date with about 2 teaspoons of the mascarpone mixture, adjusting based on the size of the dates. Place the stuffed dates on a plate and chill them in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the filling and prevent it from melting during baking.
- Bake the stuffed dates: Arrange the chilled stuffed dates on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the dates are warmed through and the filling is slightly softened but not melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately garnish the dates with fresh pomegranate arils and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chilling the stuffed dates before baking is essential to keep the mascarpone filling from oozing out.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetener option.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios or replace them with toasted coconut flakes.
- Medjool dates work best due to their size and softness; smaller dates may be harder to stuff.
- Serve these as an elegant appetizer or a sweet snack at parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: mascarpone stuffed dates, medjool dates, orange zest, pistachios, pomegranate, easy appetizer, baked stuffed dates
