Crispy Spinach Balls Recipe

Irresistibly Easy Homemade Spinach Balls Recipe

Packed with vibrant green spinach balls, this irresistible appetizer brings a burst of flavor to any gathering.

These delectable bites merge classic Italian herbs with fresh ingredients for a mouthwatering experience.

Cheesy, crispy, and incredibly simple to make, these spinach balls deliver a delightful punch of nutrition and taste.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, combining breadcrumbs, parmesan, and tender spinach into perfect bite-sized morsels.

Each golden-brown ball offers a crisp exterior and a soft, savory interior that melts in your mouth.

Serve them hot and watch as guests eagerly reach for seconds, making these spinach balls the star of your next appetizer spread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 132 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Spinach Balls

For Base Ingredients:
  • Frozen Spinach: Provides the core vegetable foundation, choose a high-quality brand with minimal additives and squeeze out excess moisture completely.
  • Onions: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots for the best flavor profile.
For Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Eggs: Acts as the primary binding agent, ensuring the balls hold together perfectly, use fresh room temperature eggs for optimal mixing.
  • Stuffing with Herbs: Introduces complex herbal notes and helps create a crispy exterior, select a seasoned mix that complements spinach flavors.
  • Butter: Contributes richness and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior, opt for unsalted butter to control overall saltiness.
For Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty kick and enhances overall umami, choose freshly grated authentic Parmesan for maximum flavor.
  • Garlic Salt: Provides instant savory depth, look for a version with fine granulation for even distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and aromatic complexity, freshly ground provides the most vibrant taste.

What to Use for Rolling and Baking

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Sturdy surface for arranging and baking spinach balls.
  • Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents spinach balls from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Colander or strainer: Helps drain spinach and remove excess water.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients evenly.

Spinach Ball Preparation Guide

  • Spinach Ball Prep

Gather all your delicious ingredients for a super tasty appetizer that’ll wow everyone at your party. Squeeze out every drop of moisture from the spinach to ensure a perfect texture.

  • Mixing Magic

Combine all the ingredients in a big bowl, blending them until they create a harmonious, flavorful mixture that promises mouthwatering bites.

  • Shaping Excitement

Roll the mixture into cute little bite-sized spheres, making sure they’re uniform and compact. Place them carefully on a baking sheet, ready for their transformation.

  • Oven Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven, letting the heat work its magic. Watch as the spinach balls turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

  • Serving Delight

Pull out your crispy, golden spinach balls and let them cool slightly. Arrange them on a beautiful platter, ready to be the star of your appetizer spread. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Ideas for Dipping and Seasoning Variations

  • Sneaky Veggie Boost: Swap some of the spinach with finely chopped kale or Swiss chard to add extra nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the spinach balls up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving to restore their crispy exterior.
  • Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different hard cheeses like aged cheddar, pecorino romano, or asiago to create unique taste variations that complement the spinach's earthiness.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to the mixture for a subtle kick that elevates the classic recipe and adds depth to the flavor.
  • Party-Perfect Dips: Serve these spinach balls with complementary dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or tzatziki to transform them into an irresistible appetizer that will disappear quickly at gatherings.

Serving Spinach Balls at Events

  • Party Platter Centerpiece: Arrange spinach balls beautifully on a decorative wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during cocktail parties or holiday gatherings.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve alongside cool ranch, marinara, or herbed yogurt sauce to enhance flavor and provide guests with delicious complementary tastes.
  • Appetizer Elegance: Present these savory bites as a sophisticated starter before main course meals, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings where everyone loves finger foods.
  • Salad Companion: Scatter warm spinach balls over fresh mixed green salads to add protein and create a delightful texture contrast with crisp vegetables.

How to Store Spinach Balls Properly

  • Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare spinach balls up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container, keeping them ready for quick heating when guests arrive.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Arrange uncooked spinach balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 3 months – perfect for unexpected entertaining.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed spinach balls in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and hot center without drying out the delicate texture.
  • Quick Serving Hack: Place cooled spinach balls in single layer on paper towel-lined container to absorb excess moisture, maintaining their delightful crunch for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
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Crispy Spinach Balls Recipe

Crispy Spinach Balls


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade spinach balls combine Italian herbs with fresh spinach, creating a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Crisp on the outside and savory within, these bite-sized treats will delight guests seeking a quick and flavorful snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (10 oz / 283 g) packages frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained
  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) stuffing with herbs
  • ½ cup (120 ml / ½ stick) butter, melted
  • ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
  • 2 small onions, very finely chopped
  • 2 tsps garlic salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Moisture Removal: Press spinach rigorously to extract excess liquid, creating a concentrated flavor foundation for the appetizer.
  2. Mixture Preparation: Pulverize stuffing mix into fine crumbs, then combine with eggs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced onions, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring methodically to ensure uniform distribution.
  3. Shaping Process: Craft uniform spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, maintaining consistent size for balanced cooking.
  4. Baking Preparation: Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick coating and strategically position spinach spheres with minimal spacing to encourage even browning.
  5. Culinary Transformation: Slide the tray into a preheated oven, allowing the appetizers to metamorphose into golden-edged delicacies with a crisp exterior and succulent interior.
  6. Serving Technique: After achieving a rich, appetizing golden-brown hue, extract from oven and permit brief resting before presenting warm or at room temperature as an elegant starter or complementary dish.

Notes

  • Press Spinach Thoroughly: Remove maximum moisture to prevent soggy texture and ensure compact, flavorful appetizer base.
  • Crumble Stuffing Carefully: Break mix into fine fragments for better ingredient binding and cohesive spinach ball structure.
  • Whisk Wet Ingredients Smoothly: Combine eggs and melted butter to create perfect liquid binder that holds spinach mixture together during baking.
  • Roll Consistent Shapes: Form uniform one-inch spheres to guarantee even cooking and professional-looking appetizer presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 132
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 396 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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