Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites Recipe

Introduction

Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites are a delightful treat that combines creamy ricotta, crunchy pistachios, and a sweet honey drizzle. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for entertaining or a special snack that feels both elegant and comforting.

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)
• A sprinkle of sea salt (optional)

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, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth. Avoid overmixing.
3. Step 3: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to firm up.
4. Step 4: Finely chop the pistachios.
5. Step 5: In a shallow dish, mix the chopped pistachios, flour, and sugar to create the coating.
6. Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Remove the chilled ricotta mixture and scoop out small portions about 1 inch in diameter using a small scoop or spoon.
8. Step 8: Optional: Roll each scoop between your palms to form smooth balls. Dampen your hands if needed.
9. Step 9: Roll each ricotta ball in the pistachio coating, pressing lightly to ensure they are fully coated.
10. Step 10: Arrange the coated bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
11. Step 11: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Step 12: Bake the bites for 12-15 minutes until they turn lightly golden and the pistachios are toasted. Watch closely to avoid burning.
13. Step 13: Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Step 14: In a small saucepan, combine honey and water.
15. Step 15: Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until combined and thinned, about 1-2 minutes. Do not boil.
16. Step 16: Remove from heat and let the honey mixture cool slightly.
17. Step 17: Drizzle the cooled ricotta bites generously with the honey drizzle.
18. Step 18: Optionally garnish with extra chopped pistachios, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
19. Step 19: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Allowing the ricotta to drain well is key to avoid watery bites and achieve a firmer texture.
• If you prefer, substitute almonds or walnuts for the pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
• For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture.
• Use a small cookie scoop to make uniform-sized bites for consistent baking.

Storage

Store the ricotta pistachio bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Reheat gently in a warm oven if desired, but avoid microwaving as it may affect texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and even bake the bites a day ahead. Store them refrigerated and drizzle with honey just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Almond extract is optional and can be omitted without sacrificing the overall flavor. The vanilla extract provides a nice base note on its own.

Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites are delicate, creamy ricotta cheese balls coated with a crunchy pistachio and sugar mixture, baked to perfection and drizzled with a luscious honey glaze. They make an elegant and delightful dessert or snack with a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of floral notes from edible flowers.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 20–24 bites 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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

Pistachio 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. Drain it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour), pressing gently to remove excess moisture to ensure a firmer texture for shaping.
2. Combine Ricotta Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the drained ricotta, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Take care not to overmix to maintain the creamy texture.
3. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ricotta mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into bites.
4. Chop Pistachios: Finely chop the pistachios and set aside for coating.
5. Combine Coating Ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix the chopped pistachios, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar thoroughly to prepare the coating.
6. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Scoop the Ricotta: Remove the ricotta mixture from the fridge, and using a small scoop or spoon, portion out small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
8. Shape the Bites (Optional): Gently roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls, dampening your hands slightly if the mixture is sticky.
9. Coat the Bites: Roll each ricotta ball in the pistachio coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres completely for a crunchy exterior.
10. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated bites spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even baking.
11. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
12. Bake the Bites: Bake the pistachio-coated ricotta bites for 12-15 minutes until they turn lightly golden brown and the pistachios are toasted, watching carefully to prevent burning.
13. Cool the Bites: Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set their shape.
14. Combine Honey and Water: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water.
15. Heat Gently: Warm the honey mixture over low heat while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to thin the honey without boiling.
16. Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the honey drizzle to cool slightly for easier handling.
17. Drizzle with Honey: Once the ricotta bites are completely cooled, generously drizzle them with the honey glaze to add sweetness and shine.
18. Garnish (Optional): Add extra chopped pistachios, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
19. Serve: Serve the ricotta pistachio honey bites immediately for best flavor, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are delightful at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Notes

• Drain ricotta well to avoid soggy bites.
• Do not overmix ricotta mixture to maintain a light texture.
• Chilling the mixture makes shaping easier.
• Watch baking closely to prevent the pistachios from burning.
• Store leftover bites refrigerated and consume within 3 days.
• Optional almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma.
• Use good quality honey for the drizzle for best taste.

Keywords: ricotta bites, pistachio dessert, honey glazed ricotta, Italian dessert, ricotta cheese recipe, baked ricotta balls, nutty sweet bites