If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer or snack that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, these Easy Spinach Balls are sure to become a favorite. Made with fresh spinach, savory cheese, and a blend of breadcrumbs and seasonings, these spinach balls are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a quick snack. They are deliciously crispy on the outside, with a tender, flavorful center that even kids will love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these spinach balls are simple to make and require minimal prep time. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals from the spinach, making them as nutritious as they are tasty. Enjoy them as a finger food, pair them with a dipping sauce, or add them as a side to any meal. Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or one 10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added warmth and depth)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it by placing it in boiling water for about 1 minute, then quickly transferring it to an ice bath to retain its vibrant green color. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture, then chop finely. For frozen spinach, thaw, drain, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if desired. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a cohesive mixture.
4. Form the Spinach Balls
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one to ensure even cooking.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the spinach balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Allow the spinach balls to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
6. Serve
- Serve these spinach balls warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara, tzatziki, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Drain Spinach Well: Removing excess water from the spinach is key to ensuring that the spinach balls hold together and don’t become soggy.
- Breadcrumbs Choice: Regular, Italian, or gluten-free breadcrumbs all work well. Panko breadcrumbs can add extra crunch if you prefer a crispier texture.
- Customizable Add-ins: Add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat or sprinkle in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Dipping Sauces: These spinach balls pair well with a variety of sauces. Marinara and garlic aioli are great options, or try a tangy Greek yogurt dip for a healthier choice.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the spinach balls a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. They also freeze well; simply reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Nutritional Benefits of Spinach Balls
These spinach balls are packed with nutrients:
- Spinach: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron, spinach is known for its health benefits. It’s great for immune function, eye health, and reducing inflammation.
- Eggs: High in protein, vitamins B12, D, and choline, eggs help support muscle repair, brain health, and metabolism.
- Cheese (Parmesan and Mozzarella): Provides calcium, essential for bone health, as well as protein and a modest amount of fats that contribute to satiety.
- Garlic and Onion: Rich in antioxidants and known for their immune-boosting properties, these add a flavorful punch while offering health benefits.
- Breadcrumbs: If you use whole-wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs, these add fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Finger Food: These spinach balls are the ideal bite-sized appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
- Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you get a wholesome, delicious snack packed with nutrients.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust seasonings or cheeses to your liking. They can be adapted for all tastes, from kids to adults.
- Great for Meal Prep: Spinach balls store well, making them a perfect option for meal prepping. You can easily double the batch and freeze them for quick snacks or lunches throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a clever way to sneak some greens into kids’ diets! The cheesy, savory flavor and crispy texture make these spinach balls irresistible to little ones.
- Diet-Friendly: These spinach balls can be adjusted to suit many dietary preferences and are naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian, making it a perfect option for plant-based eaters.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Low-Calorie Option: Opt for low-fat cheeses and use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce calories.
Why This Recipe Works
These spinach balls are a balance of textures and flavors that work wonderfully together. The cheese melts within each ball, binding the spinach and breadcrumbs to create a tender yet crispy bite. Spinach is naturally mild in flavor, allowing the cheese, garlic, and onion to shine without overpowering the dish. Baking rather than frying keeps the spinach balls light and less oily, and the breadcrumb coating adds just the right amount of crunch. The eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together, while the added seasonings bring out the best flavors. This simple method and ingredient combination make for a reliable recipe that works every time, with a flavorful, golden-brown result that’s hard to resist.
Conclusion
These Easy Spinach Balls are a true treat that combines health and taste in every bite. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they also bring an exciting twist to everyday spinach recipes. They’re easy to make, versatile, and crowd-pleasing, perfect for any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, and enjoy the comforting taste of this wholesome recipe. Make a batch today, and you’ll see why these spinach balls are a hit in any household.
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Cheesy and Nutritious Easy Spinach Balls
- Total Time: 35mins
Description
If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer or snack that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, these Easy Spinach Balls are sure to become a favorite. Made with fresh spinach, savory cheese, and a blend of breadcrumbs and seasonings, these spinach balls are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a quick snack. They are deliciously crispy on the outside, with a tender, flavorful center that even kids will love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these spinach balls are simple to make and require minimal prep time. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals from the spinach, making them as nutritious as they are tasty. Enjoy them as a finger food, pair them with a dipping sauce, or add them as a side to any meal. Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or one 10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added warmth and depth)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it by placing it in boiling water for about 1 minute, then quickly transferring it to an ice bath to retain its vibrant green color. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture, then chop finely. For frozen spinach, thaw, drain, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if desired. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a cohesive mixture.
4. Form the Spinach Balls
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one to ensure even cooking.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the spinach balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Allow the spinach balls to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
6. Serve
- Serve these spinach balls warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara, tzatziki, or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 20mins