Blue Cheese-Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto

Looking for a unique, crowd-pleasing, and gluten-free appetizer for holiday or Thanksgiving parties? These Blue Cheese-Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, with each bite offering a delightful contrast of textures. Soft Medjool dates are filled with tangy blue cheese, then wrapped in silky prosciutto and garnished with fresh rosemary, adding a hint of aromatic warmth to each bite. You can serve these baked for a cozy, warm treat or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing twist. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, a festive holiday party, or a wine night with friends, this recipe is an elegant and gluten-free choice that pairs wonderfully with Murrieta’s Well Cabernet Franc. Known for its rich red berry flavors, herbaceous notes, and soft tannins, this Cabernet Franc perfectly balances the sweetness of the dates and the boldness of the blue cheese. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness, while its earthy notes enhance the rosemary, creating a memorable pairing that elevates both the wine and the appetizer. This easy recipe brings out the best in both the dish and the wine, making it ideal for your next holiday gathering. Try it and enjoy how each bite and sip come together to create a flavor experience that’s gluten-free, festive, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

12 Medjool dates, pitted

3 oz blue cheese (such as gorgonzola or Roquefort) or goat cheese

6 slices prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise

Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Toothpicks (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dates Using a small knife, make a slit along one side of each date to create an opening. Carefully remove the pits if they’re still inside.

Stuff the Dates Fill each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of blue cheese. Be careful not to overfill; you want the cheese to stay inside the date while it bakes.

Wrap in Prosciutto Take a half-slice of prosciutto and wrap it tightly around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick if needed.

Bake or Serve o For Warm Dates: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy. o For Chilled Dates: You can also serve them without baking for a cool, refreshing bite.

Garnish and Serve Remove from the oven (if baked) and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

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Why This Pairing Works

Murrieta’s Well Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its full-bodied profile with notes of dark berries, plum, and a hint of spice. These flavors pair beautifully with the robust pepperoni, while the ricotta adds a creamy contrast that complements the wine’s smooth tannins.

2021 Cabernet Franc

The 2021 Cabernet Franc offers a tantalizing bouquet of aromas that immediately capture the attention. As you raise the glass to your nose, you'll detect enticing notes of ripe black cherry, succulent blackberry, and the warm, comforting scent of baked cinnamon. This aromatic profile sets the stage for a truly captivating tasting experience.

$65