Crispy Grana Padano Cannoli with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Grana Padano Cannoli with Ricotta Filling

Category: Appetizers
Servings: 10

These delicious Grana Padano cannoli with ricotta filling are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy flavors. With crispy cheese shells filled with a smooth ricotta mixture, they make a delightful appetizer that will impress guests at any gathering. Here’s how to prepare these elegant little bites of goodness.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grana Padano Shells
   Begin by grating the Grana Padano cheese using a fine grater. Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 392°F) in static mode. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread 15g of the grated Grana Padano evenly on the paper.

2. Bake the Cheese
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cheese for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once the cheese has reached the desired golden color, remove it from the oven.

3. Form the Cannoli Shells
   While the cheese is still hot, carefully roll it around a cylindrical mold (such as a cannoli tube), using the parchment paper to assist with the rolling process. Press the ends gently to seal the cylinder shape, then set the cannoli shells aside to cool on a wire rack. Allow them to harden and become crisp as they cool.

4. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
   While the cheese shells are cooling, sift the ricotta through a fine mesh sieve to make it smooth and creamy. Transfer the ricotta into a bowl and add the lemon zest, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and finely chopped fresh chives. Mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

5. Fill the Cannoli
   Once the cheese shells are completely cooled, remove them from the molds carefully. Using a pastry bag fitted with a smooth tip, fill the cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture, starting at one end and gently squeezing until the filling comes out the other side. Repeat this process for all 10 cannoli shells.

6. Garnish and Serve
   Finally, to add some texture and flavor, sprinkle the ends of the filled cannoli with crushed pistachios and hazelnuts. This will not only add a beautiful finishing touch but also enhance the flavor profile with a slight crunch.

7. Serving Suggestion
   Serve the Grana Padano cannoli with ricotta filling immediately or refrigerate them for a short time before serving. They make an exquisite appetizer for parties, gatherings, or even as part of a festive spread. These cannoli can also be enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

Enjoy these Grana Padano cannoli with ricotta filling and take your appetizer game to the next level!