Ina Garten’s three-ingredient party appetizer is Warm Dates with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto: pitted Medjool dates filled with sharp blue cheese, wrapped in prosciutto and baked at 400°F for about eight minutes. The recipe makes 24 dates, serves six, and takes about 30 minutes, including 20 minutes of active preparation.
What you need
Food Network credits the recipe to Ina Garten and identifies it as reprinted from her 2018 cookbook Cook Like a Pro. The published ingredient list is:
- 24 large dried Medjool dates with pits (14 ounces)
- 6 ounces sharp blue cheese, such as Bleu d’Auvergne
- ¼ pound thinly sliced prosciutto (8 to 10 large slices)
Garten is reported as saying that Roquefort or another blue cheese can be substituted; the recipe does not rank one cheese above another. Use a small paring knife to open and pit the dates. Food Network’s cook’s note recommends looking for dried Medjool dates in the produce section, where they will be freshest.
How to make the warm dates
- Heat the oven. Set it to 400°F.
- Pit the dates. With a small paring knife, slit each date lengthwise and open it just enough to remove the pit, keeping the date intact.
- Fill and wrap. Put blue cheese inside each date, fold it closed, and wrap it twice with a strip of prosciutto.
- Bake. Arrange the dates on a sheet pan and bake for about eight minutes, until the prosciutto is browned and the cheese is beginning to melt.
- Serve warm. Let the dates cool slightly before serving.
Timing, yield and serving
Food Network lists six servings, 30 minutes total, and 20 minutes of active preparation. Garten describes the appetizer as a small bite to serve with drinks before dinner. The recipe’s timing is approximate: use the browned prosciutto and starting-to-melt cheese as the doneness cues.
#1 Best Overall
- Semi-soft texture that's perfect for salads and sauces
- Great topping for steaks or burgers
- Wonderful addition to serve with fruit for dessert
- Proudly Wisconsin cheese
- Aged 60 days for a taste that's savory, creamy, and tangy
Recipe source
The recipe appears in Food Network’s Warm Dates with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto and is credited to Ina Garten’s Cook Like a Pro (copyright 2018, Clarkson Potter/Publisher).
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Approx. 6 lbs / 2.7kg
- Cow's milk cheese
- Aged for 10 weeks
- Imported from Denmark
- Comes in a full wheel
Rank #4
- A GOOD CHEESE SAMPLER NEEDS GOOD COMPANIONS - This amazing cheese sampler is made of 4 premium quality cheeses that you will absolutely devour, ships expedited in an insulated package to ensure freshness.
- THE BEST-SELLING 4 CHEESES ASSORTMENT - An assortment of four of our favorite cheeses, Each cheese is cut and wrapped an 8 ounce package.
- AN OUTSTANDING 4 CHEESES SAMPLER - Mountain Gorgonzola Cheese, Extra Aged Gouda Cheese, Gruyere Cheese and the delicious mature English Cheddar.
- QUALITY CHEESE SAMPLER - At igourmet, we take great pride in the high-quality of our products. We strive to ensure they'll arrive to you in peak condition, as fresh and delicious as when they leave our facilities.
- GIFT, HOST, SNACK, SAMPLE GO! - Yum, yum yummmmm.... This incredible mouthwatering 4 cheese sampler truly does leaves you wanting for more. Perfect for a housewarming gift or a gift for the gourmet foodie in your life, for a party, for snacking, and so much more.
Rank #3
- HANDCRAFTED GOURMET DATES - Premium Medjool dates carefully filled with premium nuts and Hazelnut, Pistachio Paste, then crafted into an elegant gourmet confection.
- VEGAN INGREDIENTS - Made with plant-based ingredients and selected premium nuts for a naturally delicious treat suitable for vegan lifestyles.
- LUXURY GIFT PRESENTATION - Beautifully packaged in an elegant gift box, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, corporate gifting, thank-you gifts, wedding and special occasions.
- PREMIUM QUALITY & FRESHNESS - Crafted in small batches using carefully sourced ingredients to deliver exceptional flavor, texture, and freshness.
- PERFECT FOR SHARING OR INDULGING - A sophisticated alternative to traditional sweets, ideal for entertaining guests, celebrations, or enjoying a luxurious snack experience.
Rank #2
- One 6 ounce container of Crumbled Blue Cheese
- Keep refrigerated
- Contains: Milk
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip.
- Feed your every day with Amazon Grocery
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
