Name: Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped; pinch of sea salt

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing bite that takes almost no time but delivers maximum flavor, let me introduce you to my go-to appetizer: Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates. This recipe is the kind of sweet-salty treat that checks every box: plump dates filled with luscious, subtly sweetened ricotta, a touch of fragrant vanilla, crunchy toasted pistachios, a drizzle of honey, and a spritz of sea salt to finish. It’s Mediterranean-inspired, ridiculously easy, and elegantly transforms a handful of pantry staples into something magical you won’t want to stop popping into your mouth.

Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly, the magic of Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates is how each ingredient shines and complements the others. Simple, bold flavors blend together for a showpiece appetizer or snack that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—and every element matters.

Medjool dates: The juiciest, chewiest dates provide the perfect natural sweetness and velvety bite.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta gives the filling its ultra-smooth richness—opt for whole milk for the most luscious texture.
Honey: A couple spoonfuls sweeten the filling and add that irresistible sticky drizzle on top—choose a floral variety if you love a fragrant note.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch enhances the ricotta’s flavor and brings a delightful aroma to the filling.
Shelled pistachios, chopped: These give gorgeous color, buttery crunch, and a gentle pop of flavor with every bite; toast them for extra depth!
Sea salt: Just a sprinkle balances the sweetness and brightens up the whole affair.

How to Make Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Start by gently slicing each Medjool date lengthwise to open it up without cutting all the way through. If your dates aren’t already pitted, carefully remove those pits—you want beautiful pockets ready to cradle that luscious filling later!

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the whole milk ricotta, honey, and vanilla extract. Give it a hearty mix until everything melds together and the ricotta is irresistibly smooth and creamy. I find a fork works wonders here to whip extra air into the mixture.

Step 3: Fill the Dates

Using a small spoon (or a piping bag if you want to be extra fancy), fill each date generously with the ricotta-honey mixture. You want enough to peek out the top but not so much that it spills over when you bite in. It’s all about that perfect ricotta-to-date ratio!

Step 4: Add the Pistachios and Sea Salt

Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over each filled date, pressing lightly so they nestle into the creamy center. Finish with a delicate pinch of sea salt on top—this is what makes all those flavors really pop.

Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle

Line up your stuffed dates on a pretty platter or wooden board. Just before serving, give them a generous drizzle of extra honey. It not only adds shine but also creates the most dramatic, sticky-sweet finish that will have your guests swooning.

How to Serve Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, scatter a few whole pistachios around the serving platter, and maybe add some edible flowers or a dusting of orange zest for vibrant color. That sweet drizzle of honey right before serving also acts as a beautiful, glossy garnish and brings everything together.

Side Dishes

These little gems pair beautifully as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread. I love them with olives, wedges of manchego or goat cheese, marinated artichokes, and crisp crackers or flatbreads. They’re divine alongside a fresh salad tossed with arugula and citrus for a burst of contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, you can thread the stuffed dates onto small skewers for playful party bites, or nestle each date in a little cupcake wrapper for a charming touch at more formal gatherings. For special occasions, arrange them in a ring or a pattern on a round plate and tuck in fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. The dates will keep perfectly, and the flavors have time to mingle even more, making each bite possibly even more delicious!

Freezing

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if necessary. Place the stuffed dates in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and give them a fresh drizzle of honey before serving.

Reheating

These are a no-bake, chilled treat, so there’s no need for reheating. If you’d like to enjoy them closer to room temperature, just let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes after removing from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have ricotta?

Absolutely! Mascarpone is a fantastic alternative if you want a richer, creamier filling. Cream cheese also works in a pinch, just let it soften slightly before mixing.

Are Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates vegan-friendly?

This recipe as written contains dairy and honey, so it’s not vegan. To veganize, use a plant-based ricotta (almond or cashew-based) and swap in maple syrup or agave for the honey.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed dates up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. For best presentation, save the final honey drizzle for just before serving.

Is it necessary to toast the pistachios?

It’s optional but highly recommended. Toasting the pistachios brings out their natural oils and adds a deeper, nuttier flavor and crunch. It takes just a few minutes in a dry skillet and is worth the extra step!

How long do Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates keep?

They’ll stay delicious for up to two days in the refrigerator. After that, the ricotta might start to separate or become watery, so I recommend enjoying them sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s equal parts easy and elegant, you absolutely must treat yourself to Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates. Whether you serve them as a dinner party appetizer, a sweet midday snack, or a centerpiece for a holiday spread, these bites are guaranteed to wow your taste buds and everyone else’s too. Give them a try and watch them disappear!

Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 stuffed dates 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess with these Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates. A delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that is as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

12 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare Dates: Slice each date lengthwise on one side to create an opening, remove pits if necessary.
Mix Ricotta Filling: Combine ricotta, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
Stuff Dates: Spoon ricotta mixture into each date, top with pistachios and sea salt.
Serve: Arrange on a plate, drizzle with honey before serving.