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These gorgonzola-chorizo stuffed dates are a taste sensation with the creamy-tangy gorgonzola, the spicy chorizo sausage and the sweet moist dates. A lemon-tarragon vinaigrette is spooned over the dates adding another element to this appetizer which can also be served as a salad or starter.
Our recipe for gorgonzola-chorizo stuffed dates is easy and can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Oh, to savor the spicy chorizo along with the creamy tangy gorgonzola, the crunchy pecans and the sweetness of those dates. Pure delight!
This is a treat that doubles as a first-course salad or add them to that appetizer spread and surprise your guests with the complex flavors. Bite into a warm not-too-sweet date that is just oozing with a filling of spicy chorizo, gorgonzola cheese and chopped pecans. You will be addicted to these babies. Served either as a salad along with some greens or an appetizer these stuffed dates are just as delicious warm or chilled.
Chorizo is a rich, spicy seasoned pork sausage that you can buy smoked or cooked in casings or fresh ground bulk chorizo sausage that is raw. For this recipe we used the raw version. The sausage is browned in a skillet with flavor enhances of shallots and garlic .
I love these huge Medjool dates that are so moist and sweet. I have found that the dates that still have the pits in them are moister than the pitted dates. The pits are easily removed with a paring knife and a small appetizer spoon is perfect for stuffing them.
The cooked chorizo, shallots and garlic mix is blended with the gorgonzola cheese and chopped pecans then stuffed inside the date cavity. They are baked in a 350°F oven for just a few minutes to warm the filling, then served with a lemon-tarragon vinaigrette drizzled over them. It’s a combination that will have you coming back for more.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Gorgonzola Chorizo Stuffed Dates
- Asian Teriyaki Meatballs
- Chipotle Pulled Pork and Mini Corn Waffle Appetizer
- Kamut Chip Spicy Nachos
- 37 Easy Party Appetizers
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Gorgonzola-Chorizo Stuffed Dates
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Ingredients
- 24 large dates, with pits
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces chorizo sausage, raw, bulk
- 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup roasted pecans, chopped
- 24 roasted pecan haves
For the Salad and Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 5 ounces salad greens
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- With a small knife, cut each date lengthwise on one side of the date. Open the date, remove and discard the pits. Place the dates on a plate and reserve.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the shallot appears translucent. Add the chorizo, salt and pepper and cook, breaking the chorizo up with a fork into small pieces. Continue to cook and stir until the chorizo is fully cooked and slightly browned but not crisp, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain and cool.
- To a small dish, add the gorgonzola cheese, chopped pecans and the cooled chorizo mixture. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended. Using a small appetizer spoon, fill the cavity of each of the reserve pitted dates with about 1 teaspoon of the filling. Add a pecan half to each filled date and place on a baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are heated through and the filing is slightly oozy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
For the Salad and Vinaigrette:
- Combine lemon juice, garlic, tarragon, and mustard in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Alternatively, add the ingredients to a pint Mason jar, put the lid on and shake to combine.
- Add the salad greens to a shallow bowl and pour 1/3 of the vinaigrette over and toss to combine.
To assemble:
- Arrange the salad in a long strip on one side of a serving platter. Add the warm dates in a strip alongside of the salad and spoon some of the remaining vinaigrette over the dates. Alternatively, add a portion of the salad to a small salad plate and add 3 or 4 dates to each plate and spoon the vinaigrette on the dates.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
I’ve also found that dates with pits are better than the pitted ones. Love the combo of dates and blue cheese. Haven’t combined them with chorizo though — great idea. Thanks!
Thanks, John….Dates, Gorgonzola and chorizo sausage….it works! 🙂
They sound great, and I love that you can make them ahead of time!
Thanks, Kate….Yes, it is convenient to make them ahead and store in the refrigerator. 🙂
What a wonderful appetizer! I’m sure all would love!
Thank you, Rebecca…we always need a little sweetness added to our appetizer tray. 🙂
Oh my, oooh my! I love dates and I LOVE gorgonzola. I never thought of this combination but I seriously have both ingredients in my fridge right now, I will try this today!
Thanks, Evan…..I hope you enjoy them!
mamma mia! they look and sound terrific. do you think I could use Italian sausage as well?
Hello, Claudia….I bet these would work really well with a nice spicy Italian sausage. I would love to hear how it tastes 🙂
These look absolutely incredible! I love the idea of serving them as an appetizer. That would be a show stopper, no doubt! I would have never though to pair chorizo and dates, definitely going to have to give these a try.
Thanks, Alli….you are going to love these babies 🙂
This looks great! I love the idea of pairing the dates with the chorizo sausage. I never would have thought to do that. 😀
Hi, Kelsey, The spicy chorizo really does balance the sweetness of the dates. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
What a showstopper of an appetizer! I need to pin this recipe and have it on hand to impress my friends during holiday parties, thanks!
Thanks, Kelly, this is an easy appetizer to make that delivers a big punch in flavors. Your guests will love them. Thanks for pinning! 🙂
OMG – I think I’m in love! That vinaigrette over the top sound AMAZING. And I mean, you already had me at “gorgonzola”. This looks terrific.
Hi, Kylee…These dates are delicious! Guaranteed to please the palate! 🙂
I am totally digging this. I am a gorgonzola lover, so this is right up my alley!
Thanks, Olivia….enjoy! 🙂