16 Authentic Italian Struffoli Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dessert to impress your family and friends, look no further than the classic recipe for struffoli. This sweet treat, also known as Italian honey balls, has been a staple in Italian households for centuries, especially during the holiday season. With a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy center, struffoli is a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. In this article, we'll dive into the history of struffoli and provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to this traditional Italian dish. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: 00 Flour, Egg, White Sugar, Butter, Liquor, Lemon
The first recipe on our list is a classic Italian dessert - the Neapolitan Struffoli. These bite-sized honey balls are a staple during the holiday season and are often served as a sweet treat after a big meal. They are made with a simple dough that is fried until crispy, then coated in a honey syrup and topped with festive sprinkles. This recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
2of 19
Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Large Eggs
This next recipe is another variation of the traditional Struffoli, but with a twist. These honey balls are filled with a delicious ricotta cream and topped with a generous drizzle of honey. The combination of the crispy exterior and creamy filling makes for a decadent dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
3of 19
Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Sugar, Oil, Pure Vanilla Extract
No list of Italian recipes would be complete without mentioning meatballs. These hearty and flavorful balls of meat are a staple in Italian cuisine and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses a blend of ground beef and pork for a perfect balance of flavors.
This next recipe takes meatballs to a whole new level with its great big size. These giant meatballs are stuffed with a melty mozzarella cheese center and topped with a rich tomato sauce. Not only are they visually impressive, but they are also packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied and full.
5of 19
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
Another festive take on the classic Struffoli, this recipe adds a touch of citrus flavor by incorporating orange zest into the dough. The result is a bright and refreshing twist on the traditional honey balls. This dish is a must-try during the holiday season and is sure to become a family favorite.
6of 19
Struffoli di Natale – Italian Christmas
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Egg Yolk, Salt
This hearty soup is a popular dish at Italian weddings, hence the name. It is made with a flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and small pasta shapes. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day or as a comforting meal when you're feeling under the weather. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
If you're following a keto diet, these Italian-style stuffed peppers are a must-try. They are filled with a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage, along with a blend of spices and herbs for a burst of flavor. The peppers are then baked until tender and topped with a layer of melted cheese. This dish is low-carb, high in protein, and perfect for meal prep.
8of 19
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
Braciole is a classic Italian dish made with thin slices of beef that are rolled up and filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. They are then braised in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender. This dish may seem intimidating, but with a little patience and practice, you can create an authentic Italian braciole that will impress your dinner guests.
These bite-sized cookies are a staple in Italian bakeries and are known for their rich and nutty flavor. They are made with almond paste, which gives them a dense and chewy texture. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or as a sweet treat any time of the year. Plus, they are gluten-free and a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
10of 19
Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
If you prefer to make your own meatballs from scratch, this recipe is for you. It uses a combination of beef and pork, along with a blend of spices and herbs, to create a flavorful and tender meatball. These homemade meatballs are perfect for topping on pasta, or you can freeze them for later use in other dishes.
11of 19
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
This pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. It is made with penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh mozzarella, along with a homemade Italian dressing. This salad is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as salami or roasted peppers.
Ravioli is a classic Italian dish made with pasta dough and a variety of fillings. In this recipe, we use a creamy ricotta and spinach filling and top it with a rich tomato sauce for a luxurious and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving some comfort food.
13of 19
Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
This hearty casserole is a one-pot wonder that is sure to please the whole family. It is made with chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, along with a blend of Italian herbs and spices. This dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
This next casserole recipe uses crescent roll dough for a quick and easy meal that still has all the delicious flavors of traditional Italian dishes. The dough is filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, cheese, and vegetables, then baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a no-fuss meal.
Another keto-friendly option, these meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and seasonings, and are baked instead of fried. They are then topped with a rich and flavorful marinara sauce and served with zucchini noodles for a low-carb and satisfying meal. These meatballs are perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet, but are also delicious for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.
These stuffed mushrooms make for a delicious appetizer or side dish. They are filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, and baked until tender and golden. These stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit at your next gathering and are easy to make with just a few ingredients.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a classic Italian dish, these quick and easy meatballs are the perfect solution. They are made with ground beef and a blend of Italian seasoning, then baked in the oven until golden and cooked through. These meatballs are perfect for topping on pasta, but can also be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack.
18of 19
Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
This one-pan meal is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It features chicken breasts, potatoes, and vegetables, all seasoned with Italian herbs and spices and roasted in the oven until tender and flavorful. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein for a delicious and hassle-free dinner.
19of 19
Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This soup is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for colder days. It is made with tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a rich tomato broth that is seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. This soup is a complete meal in itself and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
The History of Struffoli
Struffoli has been a part of Italian cuisine since the 8th century when the Byzantine Greeks introduced it to southern Italy. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and become a beloved dessert in various regions of Italy. In Naples, struffoli is often served during Christmas, while in Calabria, it is a popular treat during Easter. The name "struffoli" comes from the Greek word "strongulos," meaning "round-shaped." These bite-sized honey balls are typically coated in honey and decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them a festive addition to any holiday table.
The Ingredients
To make authentic struffoli, you will need flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and honey. These simple ingredients come together to create a dough that is rolled into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown. The use of honey in this recipe is what gives struffoli its characteristic sweetness and makes it a perfect dessert for those with a sweet tooth. The dough can also be flavored with lemon or orange zest, adding a hint of citrus to the dish.
The Tradition of Making Struffoli
In Italy, making struffoli is a family affair. Traditionally, the dough is prepared by the women of the household, who gather in the kitchen to mix, roll, and fry the dough. This tradition brings the family together and creates a sense of community and togetherness. Once the struffoli is fried and coated in honey, it is often piled high on a serving platter and decorated with festive sprinkles. The final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar, making this dessert a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
So, why not try your hand at making authentic Italian struffoli? With its rich history, simple ingredients, and delicious taste, it's a dessert that is sure to impress. Plus, it's a fun and festive activity to do with your loved ones. Just be warned, it's hard to have just one bite of these addictive honey balls!
