Savory Spinach Balls Recipe

Easy Savory Spinach Balls Recipe: A Tasty Party Favorite

Savory spinach balls refine ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary delights that spark conversation at every gathering.

These delectable morsels blend nutritious ingredients with irresistible textures and robust flavors.

Green, herbaceous, and packed with subtle complexity, they offer a sophisticated twist on traditional finger foods.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of earthy undertones and crisp edges that dance across your palate.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike marvel at the versatility of these compact, protein-rich nibbles.

Perfectly seasoned and surprisingly light, these spinach balls elevate simple ingredients into something genuinely memorable.

You’ll find yourself craving these delightful treats that seamlessly blend comfort and elegance.

Enjoy Savory Spinach Balls as a Healthy Snack

  • Savor Quick Flavor Bursts: These spinach balls deliver intense, rich taste in tiny bite-sized portions that explode with herbed and cheesy goodness.
  • Whip Up Effortless Appetizers: The recipe requires minimal preparation, using simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that even beginner cooks can master quickly.
  • Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for multiple occasions like game nights, cocktail parties, family gatherings, or as a nutritious snack that can be served hot or at room temperature with various dipping sauces.
  • Celebrate Nutrient-Packed Bites: Packed with spinach, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, these balls offer a delicious way to incorporate vegetables and protein into your diet while satisfying savory cravings.

Ingredients for Flavorful Savory Spinach Balls

Main Ingredients:

Vegetable Base:
  • Frozen Spinach: Provides the core green vegetable foundation with rich nutrients and vibrant color.
  • Onions: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the spinach balls.
Binding Components:
  • Eggs: Crucial for holding the ingredients together and creating a firm texture.
  • Stuffing Mix: Offers crispy texture and herb-infused flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Butter: Helps bind ingredients and adds rich, smooth moisture to the mixture.
Seasoning and Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty taste and contributes to the savory profile.
  • Garlic Salt: Provides concentrated seasoning with garlic's robust flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and subtle spiciness to complement other ingredients.

Rolling and Baking Savory Spinach Balls with Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Thoroughly drain the spinach using a colander or clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy spinach balls. This crucial step ensures a perfect texture for your appetizer.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients:
  • Drained spinach
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Herbed stuffing mix
  • Beaten eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Spinach Delights

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using your hands, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Pro tip: slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking while shaping.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the spinach balls with some space between them to ensure even cooking. Each ball should have room to crisp up nicely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, watching carefully during the last few minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and a firm texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the spinach balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. These versatile bites pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or enjoyed on their own.

Pro Tips for Crisp and Tender Spinach Balls

  • Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Squeeze out every drop of moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to prevent soggy balls that fall apart.
  • Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the prepared mixture for 15-20 minutes before rolling to help the balls hold their shape more effectively.
  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and recently grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and optimal texture.
  • Uniform Sizing Matters: Roll balls consistently to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation. Use a small cookie scoop for precision.
  • Customize with Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add extra depth and personalize the flavor profile of your spinach balls.

Keeping Savory Spinach Balls Fresh and Crispy

  • Refrigeration: Seal cooled spinach balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezing: Arrange uncooked or cooked spinach balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen spinach balls will keep well for 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated spinach balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. For frozen balls, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or bake directly from frozen for 12-15 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Dips and Sauces to Serve with Savory Spinach Balls

  • Create Zesty Wine Pairing: Complement the savory spinach balls with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the richness of Parmesan and butter while enhancing the herbal notes of the dish.
  • Whip Up Creamy Dipping Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt with fresh dill, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy, cool accompaniment that balances the warm, earthy spinach balls. The creamy texture and bright flavors elevate the appetizer.
  • Design Perfect Appetizer Platter: Arrange spinach balls alongside mild cheeses like mozzarella, fresh cucumber slices, and olives. This combination creates a Mediterranean-inspired spread that offers varied textures and complementary flavors.
  • Match with Sparkling Beverage: Serve alongside a light sparkling wine or prosecco to add effervescence and cut through the dense, buttery nature of the spinach balls. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites.

Twist on Savory Spinach Balls with Exciting Flavors

  • Mediterranean Medley: Replace herbed stuffing with breadcrumbs, add crumbled feta cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Sensation: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, and add ground cumin for a zesty Mexican-style spin on the classic recipe.
  • Protein Power Punch: Incorporate cooked quinoa instead of stuffing, mix in finely chopped grilled chicken, and sprinkle extra nutritional yeast for a protein-packed version that's perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Cheesy Herb Garden: Blend in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary, swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar, and top with extra herbs before baking for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
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Savory Spinach Balls Recipe

Savory Spinach Balls Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Savory spinach balls deliver a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer packed with herbal goodness and cheesy comfort. Crispy edges and herb-infused centers make these bite-sized morsels perfect for parties or quick snacking, ensuring guests will crave more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 (10 ounces/280 grams) packages frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • 2 ¼ cups (270 grams) stuffing with herbs (such as Pepperidge Farm)

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 small onions, very finely chopped
  • ½ cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment, ensuring your baking sheet is ready with a light non-stick spray coating.
  2. Thoroughly drain the spinach, squeezing out every bit of excess moisture to prevent soggy spinach balls that could compromise the texture.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach with finely minced onions, creating a vibrant green base for your appetizer.
  4. Incorporate the herbed stuffing mix, which will provide a delightful crunch and additional seasoning to the mixture.
  5. Crack and whisk the eggs, then fold them into the spinach blend, acting as a binding agent that helps hold the balls together during baking.
  6. Drizzle melted butter into the mixture, ensuring even distribution for a rich, smooth consistency.
  7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper, gently mixing to distribute the seasonings throughout the blend.
  8. Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into uniform one-inch spheres, rolling carefully to maintain a compact form.
  9. Arrange the spinach balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even heat circulation.
  10. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 350°F oven, monitoring the balls as they transform from soft mixture to crisp, golden appetizers.
  11. After approximately 20 minutes, remove the spinach balls when they’ve achieved a golden-brown exterior and feel firm to the touch.
  12. Let the spinach balls rest for a few minutes to cool slightly, which helps them maintain their shape and allows flavors to settle.
  13. Serve immediately while warm, or allow to cool to room temperature, pairing with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

  • Spinach balls are a versatile appetizer that can transform any gathering into a memorable culinary experience.
  • Packed with nutritious ingredients, these bite-sized delights offer a perfect balance of flavor and health in every morsel.
  • Prepare these crowd-pleasing morsels ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 95
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 270 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 48 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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