Homemade Sweet Pistachio Spread

This homemade sweet pistachio spread is a creamy nutty delight inspired by Italian pastry shops and perfect for toast desserts and spoonfuls straight from the jar. Its naturally vibrant green color and rich texture make it a showstopper for breakfast or dessert tables. After perfecting this recipe over countless brunches it is now my favorite edible gift and always a hit with my family.

I first tried making this for a holiday brunch and everyone ended up asking for the recipe now it has become a tradition whenever I host family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Unsalted shelled pistachios: one cup as the star ingredient always pick bright green nuts with no shells for best flavor
• White chocolate chips: three quarters cup melt smoothly and sweeten the spread try to find quality white chocolate with cocoa butter listed first
• Sugar: one tablespoon balances the natural earthiness and adds sweetness can adjust depending on your taste
• Salt: one fourth teaspoon brings forward the nuttiness use a fine pure salt not iodized
• Oil: one and a half tablespoons optional for silkiness olive oil or neutral oil both work taste your pistachios first to decide if you need added richness
• Water: one third cup helps blend everything to a smooth spread look for fresh clean water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Pistachios:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit two hundred Celsius Spread the pistachios in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for six minutes The nuts should smell fragrant and look just a bit deeper in color Let them cool slightly This adds a toasted flavor that is crucial for depth

Blend the Pistachios:

Place the roasted pistachios in a food processor Pulse for about two to three minutes Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides The mixture should become a coarse paste The finer you blend the smoother the final spread

Add Remaining Ingredients:

Pour in the white chocolate chips sugar salt and water Process again until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy It may take several pauses to scrape down the sides The white chocolate will melt from the blending heat

Adjust Consistency:

If the spread is too thick and not glossy drizzle in a little oil at this point Continue blending Blend longer for a lighter whipped texture and more oil will give a more luxurious finish

Store the Spread:

Spoon the finished pistachio spread into a clean airtight jar Cool fully then refrigerate until you are ready to use Swirl on toast drizzle over yogurt or eat with fresh fruit

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One of my fondest memories with this recipe is letting my kids help with the blending step Our kitchen always fills with that sweet nutty aroma and we end up licking the bowl clean Pistachios are a treat in our house so this feels special every time

Storage Tips

Store your pistachio spread in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator It stays fresh for about ten days If you want a more pourable drizzle simply bring the spread to room temperature or warm gently in a hot water bath before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap white chocolate chips for a bar of good quality white chocolate chopped If nuts are a concern try using unsalted roasted sunflower seeds for a different but still delicious take If you skip the oil use more water for blending though the final texture may be a bit thicker

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Serving Suggestions

Spread this on toasted brioche or croissants for an Italian bakery breakfast Stir into oatmeal fold into cake layers or swirl on pancakes It is a dream pairing with strawberries and even makes a great filling for thumbprint cookies

Cultural Context

Sweet pistachio cream is beloved in regions like Sicily where pistachios are prized Tradition pairs it with breads and as a cake filling This recipe uses simple steps to recreate the iconic Italian flavor with ingredients most home cooks have on hand

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?

Using salted pistachios is possible, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the mixture to avoid over-seasoning.

→ Is it necessary to roast the pistachios?

Roasting enhances the flavor and aroma, giving the spread a deeper, nuttier taste. While it's recommended, you can use raw pistachios for a milder flavor.

→ How do I make the spread extra smooth?

Add oil gradually while blending to achieve a silkier and more spreadable texture. Continue blending until completely smooth.

→ How long does this pistachio spread last?

Stored in an airtight container and refrigerated, the spread keeps well for up to two weeks.

→ What are the best ways to use this pistachio spread?

It's delicious on toast, croissants, drizzled over pancakes, as a filling for pastries, or as a dip for fresh fruit and cookies.