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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/ricotta-pistachio-honey-bites-recipe/