Cheese Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

I'm SO excited to share the most delicious and simple appetizer with y'all today -- Cheese Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto! Go ahead and add this recipe to your weekend to-do list. I promise these little glorious bites will disappear right before your very eyes! Oh and did I mention, these can be made completely in advance and require ZERO baking!

I tried several different bacon/ prosciutto wrapped date recipes, and I wasn't going to post one until I found an absolute SHOWSTOPPER! Now I want to give y'all a rundown of each ingredient! Mainly because each one plays such an important role. Good news is there are only six!

Dates are almost like candy in my book. They have a very high sugar content which makes them sweet & super delicious! Personally, I prefer to use Medjool Dates which can be found at any specialty grocery store. Tip: Sam's Club has an amazing deal on them!

Prosciutto is a cured Italian ham that is cut into very thin slices! I prefer it over bacon which is saying a lot! ;) This slice of meat is salty, and it matches perfectly with the sweet dates!

Mascarpone is basically a smooth Italian cream cheese.

Goat Cheese is also a creamy cheese that is a little more crumbly than the mascarpone.

Fresh Basil is the abosulte STAR ingredient in this recipe so please don't skip or substitute it for something else! Tip: Roll the basil leaves to chop more easily.

Honey drizzled on top adds the PERFECT amount of sweetness and texture!

If you're looking for an appetizer to take to a party this is it! Guests will be RAVING about it y'all! I had foodies beelining toward me for the recipe the last time I made this!

There are a few things I always look for in a "perfect" appetizer. First, can it be made ahead of time?! When I'm having friends or family over, the last thing I want is to be stressing out in the kitchen. The biggest key to being a good hostess is making your guests feel relaxed! If you aren't, then your guests won't be either. Second, does it pair well with wine? What can I say I'm a wino! These go perfectly with champagne or prosecco due to the sweet/salty pairing. :) Third, is it easy to pick up? This recipe checks all three boxes!

Cheese Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

Yields 12 servings
(2 per person)
Prep time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (4 ounces) goat cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (4 ounces) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
12 Medjool dates, halved lengthwise & pitted
12 thin slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Honey for drizzling

NOTES
This appetizer can be made completely ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Drizzle with honey right before serving.

*The fastest way to make this recipe is to work in batches. I like to half & pit all the dates first, then slice the prosciutto, then stuff each date with cheese, and finally wrap each date with prosciutto & secure with a toothpick.

Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone, goat cheese, and fresh basil. Season with salt & pepper, to taste.

Using a spoon, stuff each date half with about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture.

Wrap a piece of prosciutto around each date and secure with a toothpick.

Drizzle with honey.