Spinach Balls Recipe

Name: Spinach Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh spinach; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup breadcrumbs

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Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been in my family for years. These aren’t your average appetizers, they’re like little bites of savory sunshine! We call them Spinach Balls, and they are addictive. What are the best cheesy bread bites you get at a pizza place? Think soft, flavorful, packed with spinach and cheesy goodness – honestly, they’re gone in minutes. My grandma’s magic touch (and maybe a little extra parmesan) is the secret. What’s your favorite recipe for spinach balls?

What are Spinach balls?

What are Spinach balls? Think of them as mini savory muffins, but instead of being sweet, they’re bursting with flavor. What are some of the best combinations of spinach, cheese, and herbs? What are the best bite-sized appetizers? What is the name of these little balls of spinach? What is essentially comfort food disguised as a healthy snack (shhh, don’t tell the kids!). Is it incredibly versatile too, you can serve them warm, at room temperature or even cold? What are some of the best things about cookies?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Seriously, where do I even begin? This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons.

* **Flavor Bomb:** The combination of spinach, parmesan, garlic, and herbs is just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s savory, cheesy, and totally satisfying. My picky eaters (yes, even *those* ones) devour them!
* **Seriously Easy:** Don’t let “balls” intimidate you. This recipe is incredibly simple to throw together. We’re talking minimal effort, maximum reward. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are super accessible and won’t break the bank. You probably already have most of them in your pantry and fridge! This makes it a great option when you’re trying to eat well on a budget.
* **Super Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. I sometimes even crumble them over a salad for extra flavor and texture!

What I love most about this is how easily customizable it is. You can add different cheeses, herbs, or even a little bit of red pepper flakes for a kick. It’s a blank canvas for your taste buds! Plus, compared to store-bought appetizers, these are so much healthier and tastier. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back!

How do I make Spinach balls?

Quick Overview

What are some of the easiest ways to make spinach balls? How do you mix together wet and dry ingredients, combine, add star – spinach and stir. What are some ways to make cheese balls? What is the biggest advantage? You can prep most of it ahead of time. Mix the batter, refrigerate it, and bake them just before your guests arrive. Is this recipe foolproof?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why is it important?
* 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (make sure you really squeeze out all the excess air)
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch)
* 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs (Italian is my go-to)
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white works great)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a hurry)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always better)

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking sheet. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter. This will prevent the **spinach balls** from sticking and make them easier to remove after baking.

Step 2: Combine Batter Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. What is the best way to whisk all the ingredients together? How do we mix wet ingredients together?

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

Add the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. How do you make a light and fluffy potato pancake?

Step 4: Add the spinach

Gently fold in the squeezed-dry spinach into the batter. Make sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step is crucial for flavor, so be gentle. Avoid squeezing spinach in a cloth bag because you won’t get rid of the moisture correctly.

Step 5: Roll into Balls

What is the best way to make a ball out of the mixture? Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Don’t worry about them being perfectly round; a little rustic charm is always welcome! I always roll mine smaller because they disappear faster!

Step 6: Bake

Place a baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling. What are the balls? They are golden brown and firm. How long does it take to bake a cake? I always check mine at 20 minutes and add a few more minutes if needed.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the spinach balls cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them warm, at room temperature, or even cold. I find that they taste best when they’re slightly warm.

What should I serve it with?

These spinach balls are super versatile and can be served in a bunch of different ways!

**For a Party:** Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. A small bowl of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping is always a hit.

**As a Side Dish:** Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a simple pasta dish. They add a pop of flavor and nutrition to any meal.

**As a Snack:** Grab a few for a quick and satisfying snack. They’re great for those mid-afternoon cravings.

**For Brunch:** Add them to your brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. They’re a fun and unexpected addition.

My family’s favorite is to serve them with a simple creamy garlic dip. It’s just mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, and a little bit of dill. Trust me, it’s the perfect complement to the savory spinach balls!

How do I make Spinach Balls?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these **spinach balls** even better! Here are my top tips:

**Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze That Spinach:** This is the most important step! Make sure you squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the thawed spinach. Otherwise, your **spinach balls** will be soggy. I like to use a clean kitchen towel to really get the job done.

**Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in tough **spinach balls**. Mix the ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay!

**Get Creative with Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Feta, mozzarella, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious additions.

**Add Some Spice:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to your **spinach balls**.

**Make Ahead:** You can prepare the **spinach balls** ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This is a great time-saver for parties or busy weeknights. Just add a few minutes to the baking time. I also enjoy preparing them a day ahead and storing them in the freezer.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What are some good recipes for spinach balls? How do I reheat a potato **Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. **Refrigerator Storage: ** Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. **Freezer Instructions: ** For longer storage, freeze the **spinach balls** in a single layer on an baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. **Reheating: ** Reheat the **spinach balls** in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated. Can you reheat them in the microwave? If you like, bake them in the air fryer.

What are the most frequently asked questions on

How do I make this gluten free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs. There are many great gluten-free bread crumb options available at most grocery stores. Look for a brand that has a good texture and flavor. You might need to adjust the amount slightly, as gluten-free bread crumbs can sometimes absorb more moisture. Start with the same amount as the original recipe and add more if the mixture seems too wet. Also, be sure to check that all of your other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the Parmesan cheese and any seasonings you use.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Is fresh spinach good for you? Sauté spinach in a pan until it wilts, then chop it finely and squeeze out any excess moisture. What is the best way to remove water from spinach?

Can I add other vegetables?

Can you add other vegetables to the recipe? What are some good substitutes for carrots, zucchini or bell peppers? Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them until they’re tender before adding them to the sauce. If you add too much water to a ball, it will make it soggy. Be sure to drain any excess liquid.

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Can you make this recipe ahead of time? What is the best way to make homemade spinach balls? Is there any way to make them Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake them, just add a few minutes to the baking time.

What are some good side dishes to serve with spinach balls?

Can you serve these **spinach balls** in a variety of ways? Serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or creamy garlic dip. What are some great side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta? What are some good ways to crumble them over a salad?

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this **spinach balls recipe** a try. It’s a family favorite for a reason, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for other easy and flavorful appetizer recipes, be sure to check out my recipes for mini quiches and cheese straws! I’m always looking for new ideas and variations, so please share your own creations in the comments below! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

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