Cheese Date Pastries
Cheese Date Pastries are delightful bite-sized treats combining sweet date filling with savory cheese in flaky pastry shells. Perfect for parties or afternoon tea, their warm, rich flavors and crispy texture make them a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped dates, brown sugar, and water over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is soft.
- Cream margarine and grated cheese together; blend in flour.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured board.
- Cut the dough into rounds.
- Place a heaping teaspoon of date filling on half of the rounds.
- Cover each with another round of pastry to form a filled pastry.
- Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine, or try a blend of both. You can also substitute the grated cheese with cream cheese for a creamier filling. If you prefer a nutty flavor, finely chopped pecans can be added to the date filling. Ensure the dough is chilled thoroughly for easier handling during rolling and cutting.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheese Date Pastries make a delightful snack or dessert. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad, or browse more vegetarian recipes to complement the sweetness of the pastries. A drizzle of honey could also enhance their flavor when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Date Pastries contains roughly 291 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 24g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Once chilled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it even easier to roll out when you are ready to bake.
What if I don't have pitted dates?
If you can't find pitted dates, you can use dried figs or prunes as an alternative. Just chop them finely, and they will provide a similar sweetness and texture to the filling.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend has a binding agent to help the dough hold together well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).