Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites are delicate, creamy treats with a crunchy pistachio coating and a sweet honey drizzle. Perfect for a special dessert or elegant snack, they’re simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.

Ingredients

• 15 ounces (about 425g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped (unsalted or lightly salted)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey (good quality)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Extra chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• Edible flowers (optional garnish)
• A sprinkle of sea salt (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the ricotta by placing it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towel. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the drained ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
3. Step 3: Cover the mixture and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to firm up.
4. Step 4: Finely chop the pistachios and combine them in a shallow dish with the flour and 1 tablespoon sugar. Mix well to create the coating.
5. Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Scoop out small portions (about 1-inch balls) of the chilled ricotta mixture using a small scoop or spoon.
7. Step 7: Gently roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls, dampening your hands if needed.
8. Step 8: Roll each ball in the pistachio coating, pressing lightly to fully adhere the coating all around.
9. Step 9: Arrange the coated bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
10. Step 10: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bites are lightly golden and the pistachios are toasted. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12: In a small saucepan, combine honey and water. Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until thinned and combined. Do not boil.
13. Step 13: Remove the honey mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
14. Step 14: Drizzle the cooled ricotta bites generously with the honey.
15. Step 15: Garnish with extra chopped pistachios, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired, then serve immediately or store as directed.

Tips & Variations

• For best texture, be sure to drain the ricotta thoroughly to avoid soggy bites.
• You can substitute almond extract with a little orange zest for a citrus twist.
• If you prefer, use honey infused with lavender or other flavors to add complexity to the drizzle.
• To make these vegan, try using a plant-based ricotta alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg.

Storage

Store the ricotta pistachio bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or serve chilled; avoid microwaving to keep the coating crisp. Drizzle additional honey just before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the ricotta mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake and add the honey drizzle just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of pistachios?

You can substitute pistachios with finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different nutty flavor and texture.

Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

Delight in these Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites, a luscious dessert featuring creamy whole milk ricotta cheese blended with subtle vanilla and almond extracts, coated in a crunchy pistachio and sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a fragrant honey drizzle. Perfect as an elegant snack or a light, sweet treat.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 bites 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ricotta Mixture

• 15 ounces (about 425g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Coating

• 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped (unsalted or lightly salted)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Honey Drizzle

• 1/4 cup honey (good quality)
• 1 tablespoon water

Garnish (Optional)

• Extra chopped pistachios
• Edible flowers
• A sprinkle of sea salt

Instructions

1. Drain the Ricotta: Place ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towel and drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour, pressing gently to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a thicker, creamier texture for the bites.
2. Combine Ricotta Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the drained ricotta, egg, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth but not overmixed to maintain tenderness.
3. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to firm up the batter, making it easier to scoop and shape.
4. Chop Pistachios: Finely chop the pistachios finely, ensuring a crunchy coating for the bites.
5. Combine Coating Ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix together the chopped pistachios, flour, and sugar thoroughly to create the coating.
6. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
7. Scoop the Ricotta: Remove the chilled ricotta mixture from the refrigerator and use a small scoop or spoon to portion out about 1-inch balls for uniform baking.
8. Shape the Bites (Optional): Roll each scoop gently between your palms to form smooth balls; damping hands slightly can help shape without sticking.
9. Coat the Bites: Roll each ricotta ball in the pistachio coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly on all sides.
10. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated bites spaced evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
11. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for baking.
12. Bake the Bites: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bites are lightly golden brown and the pistachios are toasted; monitor carefully to avoid burning.
13. Cool the Bites: Take the bites out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
14. Combine Honey and Water: In a small saucepan, combine honey and water.
15. Heat Gently: Warm the mixture over low heat while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until thinned and well combined, avoiding boiling to preserve honey’s delicate flavor.
16. Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and allow the honey drizzle to cool slightly, so it doesn’t melt the ricotta bites when drizzled.
17. Drizzle with Honey: Generously drizzle the cooled honey mixture over the ricotta pistachio bites.
18. Garnish (Optional): Add extra chopped pistachios, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt for decorative appeal and flavor enhancement.
19. Serve: Enjoy immediately or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining freshness and texture.

Notes

• Draining the ricotta thoroughly is crucial to achieving the right texture for these bites.
• The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely nutty depth complementary to the pistachios.
• Be cautious when baking to prevent burning the pistachio coating; ovens vary.
• The honey drizzle can be adjusted in sweetness depending on your preference.
• These bites can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them versatile for various occasions.
• Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.

Keywords: ricotta, pistachio, honey, dessert bites, baked dessert, Italian dessert, nutty dessert, sweet snack