Sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible—these Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates are a bite-sized treat that packs a punch. With the perfect balance of rich sausage, sweet dates, and tangy feta, they make the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates
Is this Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates recipe for you? Let’s see. These stuffed dates are…
- The perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, salty, and a little spicy all in one bite.
- Super easy to make – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for entertaining – A crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast.
- Versatile – Swap the sausage or cheese for your favorite variations.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep them in advance for stress-free hosting.
Ingredients in Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates
Here’s why these stuffed dates are a must-try:
Marinara Sauce: A rich and flavorful base that complements the savory filling.
Whole Dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, providing the perfect vessel for stuffing.
Spicy Italian Sausage: Adds a bold, flavorful kick to balance the sweetness of the dates.
Feta Cheese: A tangy, creamy garnish that enhances every bite.
Castelvetrano Olives: Buttery and mild, they bring a delicious briny contrast.
Fresh Parsley & Oregano: A pop of freshness to brighten up the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinara: Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until heated through.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Stuff the Dates: Remove pits from the dates if they’re not already pitted. Fill each date with a small amount of spicy Italian sausage, pressing gently to keep the filling in place.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the stuffed dates on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and slightly browned.
Assemble and Garnish: Spoon the warm marinara sauce onto a serving plate. Arrange the baked stuffed dates over the sauce, then sprinkle with crumbled feta, torn Castelvetrano olives, and chopped fresh herbs.
Serve and Enjoy: These are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven!
How to Serve Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates
Drizzle with Honey: A touch of honey enhances the sweet-savory contrast.
Pair with Toasted Bread: Serve alongside crostini or crackers for an added crunch.
Add a Cheese Board: These make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie spread.
Serve with Wine: A glass of red wine like a bold Zinfandel or Syrah pairs beautifully.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed dates
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can stuff the dates and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Try Different Fillings: Swap the sausage for chorizo, goat cheese, or even chopped nuts.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Quick Tips for the Best Sausage-Stuffed Dates
- Use high-quality dates like Medjool for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the dates—just enough sausage to pack in the flavor.
- Let them cool slightly before serving so the flavors meld together.
These Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates are an appetizer that never fails to impress. Whether for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a simple snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try and watch them disappear! Enjoy!
Easy Sausage-Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups prepared marinara sauce
- 25 whole dates pitted
- ½ pound spicy Italian sausage
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese for garnish
- ½ cup torn Castelvetrano olives for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley and oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Place a rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Pour the marinara sauce into a 10-inch skillet or a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Stuff the Dates:
- Fill each pitted date with 1 tablespoon of raw sausage.
- The date will remain slightly open with the sausage mounded on top.
- Place the stuffed dates sausage side up into the marinara sauce.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 160°F).
- Garnish & Serve:
- Let the dish cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with feta, olives, and fresh herbs just before serving.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Stuff the dates in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers for extra texture.
