If you’re looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that everyone will love, look no further than these Spinach Cheese Balls! They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them the perfect finger food for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy movie night at home. With the delightful combination of spinach, ricotta, and a medley of cheeses, these bites are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore these Spinach Cheese Balls because they are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They can be baked for a lighter option or fried for that extra crunch. These bites can also be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Plus, they are a great way to sneak in some greens, especially for picky eaters. The blend of cheeses adds richness, while the spices create a flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more!

What You’ll Gather

1 (9-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4-ounces)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (4-ounces)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pizza sauce for serving

Toolbox for This Recipe

Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
Baking Tray: If you choose to bake the Spinach Cheese Balls.
Frying Pan: For frying the balls to golden perfection.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out the mixture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your ingredients.

Make Spinach Cheese Balls: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by thawing the frozen spinach. Once thawed, squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is crucial as it prevents the mixture from becoming too watery.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, egg, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy transfer.

Step 4: Prepare for Frying or Baking

If you’re frying, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. In a separate shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roll each spinach cheese ball in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking tray.

Step 5: Cook the Spinach Cheese Balls

For frying, carefully place the coated balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. For baking, arrange the balls on the prepared tray and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve with Sauce

Once cooked, let the Spinach Cheese Balls cool slightly before serving. Pair them with pizza sauce for dipping, and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Fresh Seasonal Changes

Spring: Add fresh herbs like basil or dill for a burst of flavor.
Summer: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
Fall: Mix in some pumpkin puree for a seasonal variation.
Winter: Try adding cooked and crumbled sausage for a hearty option.

Don’t Do This

A few tips to avoid mishaps while making Spinach Cheese Balls:

Don’t skip draining the spinach well; excess moisture can lead to soggy balls.
Avoid overcrowding the frying pan; fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
Don’t overmix the ingredients; just combine until incorporated to maintain a light texture.
Don’t forget to preheat the oven or oil before frying; this helps achieve the perfect crispiness.

How to Store & Reheat

To store leftover Spinach Cheese Balls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or air fry for a few minutes for that crispy texture. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1 pound. Sauté it until wilted, then cool and drain thoroughly before adding to the mixture.

Can I make these Spinach Cheese Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them before cooking.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives, although the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Are these Spinach Cheese Balls gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Serve with These

Save & Share

If you love these Spinach Cheese Balls, don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family! They’ll thank you for introducing them to this delightful dish. Snap a picture of your creation and tag me on social media; I’d love to see your version of this recipe!

Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in these delicious Spinach Cheese Balls. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!