Similar to another Maltese delicacy known as pastizzi, qassatat is a delicious pastry filled with a variety of different ingredients, even though ricotta cheese is the most popular choice. These pastries are so popular that they are one of the most consumed street food items on Malta.

The dough consists of flour, butter or olive oil, eggs, salt, and water, while the ricotta filling may be additionally enriched with raisins, onions, or fava beans. Apart from ricotta, other varieties of qassatat include ingredients such as spinach, capers, peas, olives, and anchovies.