Stuffed Dates with Gochujang Glaze

These stuffed dates with gochujang glaze are the appetizer you didn’t know you needed. Sweet, chewy Medjool dates filled with creamy cheese and drizzled with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze — they’re the perfect bite. The combination of sweet, spicy, salty, and creamy is absolutely addictive, and they come together in under 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Dates with Gochujang Glaze

• Sweet-spicy-salty flavor combo that’s completely addictive
• Ready in 20 minutes with minimal ingredients
• Naturally gluten-free and easily made dairy-free
• Perfect for parties — everyone loves them
• Gochujang glaze adds Korean-inspired depth

Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates (pitted)
• 4 oz goat cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 20 pecan halves or walnuts (toasted)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Sharp knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Piping bag or small spoon
• Small saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Gochujang Glaze

Whisk gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat 2-3 min until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 3-4 min until fragrant. Let cool.

Step 3: Stuff the Dates

If not pre-pitted, slit dates and remove pits. Stuff each with ~1 tsp goat cheese. Press a toasted pecan into the cheese. Arrange on a platter.

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

Drizzle warm gochujang glaze over dates. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Best Results

💡 Use the largest, plumpest Medjool dates you can find.

💡 Cream cheese or ricotta work as milder alternatives to goat cheese.

💡 Gochujang glaze can be made 3 days ahead. Rewarm gently.

Variations & Substitutions

• Wrap in bacon and bake at 400°F for 15 min.
• Use blue cheese for bolder flavor.
• Add jalapeño slice inside for extra heat.
• Drizzle with tahini for Middle Eastern twist.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Unstuffed dates keep at room temperature for 2 weeks. Stuffed (without glaze) keep in fridge for 2 days. Glaze before serving.

What to Serve With

• Charcuterie board with cured meats
• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc
• Hummus and pita chips
• Fresh figs and honeycomb

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• Watermelon Bourbon Smash
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• Frozen Strawberry Hot Honey Margarita
• Chili Crisp Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 6): approximately 190 calories, 3g protein. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gochujang?

A Korean fermented chili paste — sweet, spicy, deeply savory. Find it in the Asian aisle or at Asian markets.

Can I make ahead?

Stuff dates and refrigerate up to 2 days. Add glaze before serving.

Are they very spicy?

Moderate heat balanced by honey and date sweetness. Use half the gochujang for milder version.

Can I make them vegan?

Use vegan cream cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.

Try this stuffed dates gochujang recipe and let us know how it turns out! Save it, share it, and make it your own.