Spinach Balls Recipe

The Best Spinach Balls Recipe for Your Next Party Treat

Spinach balls emerge as a delightful culinary surprise that redefines ordinary appetizers into extraordinary bites of flavor.

Green, nutritious, and packed with robust ingredients, these savory morsels capture the essence of comfort food with a healthy twist.

Crispy exteriors give way to tender, herb-infused centers that dance across your palate with unexpected complexity.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these delectable spheres come together, blending simple pantry staples into something truly remarkable.

Families and party hosts gravitate toward this crowd-pleasing recipe that seamlessly combines nutrition and irresistible taste.

Rich with cheese, herbs, and that vibrant emerald vegetable, these balls offer a playful alternative to traditional snacks.

Perfect for gatherings or quick nibbles, they strike a harmonious balance between wholesome and indulgent.

What Makes Spinach Balls So Snackable

  • Whip Up Speedy Appetizers: These spinach balls come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests.
  • Enjoy Nutritious Finger Food: Packed with spinach and protein from eggs and cheese, these bite-sized treats offer a healthy alternative to traditional heavy appetizers.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Party Snacks: The combination of savory Parmesan, garlic salt, and stuffing mix creates an irresistible flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for potlucks, game nights, or holiday parties.
  • Master Simple Cooking Technique: With just a few basic steps and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can confidently prepare these delicious spinach balls, turning a simple recipe into an impressive crowd-pleaser.

What You’ll Need to Make Spinach Balls

Main Components:
  • Frozen Spinach: Hearty green vegetable that forms the base of the dish, choose packages with no added seasoning for best control of flavor.
  • Stuffing with Herbs: Provides texture and herbal undertones, pre-seasoned mix that adds depth to the spinach balls.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that holds the mixture together, fresh large eggs work best for optimal consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions: Adds sharp and sweet flavor, select fresh firm onions for best taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides rich, salty complexity, authentic aged cheese recommended for deeper taste.
  • Garlic Salt: Delivers concentrated savory seasoning, allows easy flavor boosting.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic spiciness, freshly ground offers more robust flavor.
Fat and Moisture Components:
  • Butter: Creates richness and helps with golden browning, unsalted butter preferred for precise seasoning control.

How to Roll and Bake Perfect Spinach Balls

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools. Preheat oven to toasty 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Squeeze Out Spinach Moisture

Drain frozen spinach completely. Use clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press and remove every drop of liquid. Super important for crispy texture!

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic Mixture

In large mixing bowl, combine ingredients:
  • Fresh spinach (drained and squeezed)
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Herb-seasoned stuffing mix
  • Beaten eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Cracked black pepper

Stir everything until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Bite-Sized Treats

Roll mixture into adorable one-inch balls. Place each ball gently on prepared baking sheet, leaving small space between them.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until edges turn gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer spinach balls to serving platter. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as fantastic appetizer or snack.

Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Spinach Balls

  • Squeeze Spinach Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent soggy balls and ensure a crispy, firm texture.
  • Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the spinach mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming balls to help them hold their shape better during baking.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh spinach and recently grated Parmesan cheese for the most vibrant and robust flavor profile.
  • Consistent Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform-sized balls for even cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the spinach balls in advance and freeze uncooked, then bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time for a convenient appetizer option.

How to Store and Reheat Spinach Balls Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover spinach balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual spinach balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen spinach balls can last up to 2 months for future enjoyment.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed spinach balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Microwave works for a quick fix, but may soften the exterior texture.

What to Serve with Spinach Balls

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, savory spinach balls with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the buttery texture and enhancing the herbal spinach notes.
  • Match with Zesty Dipping Sauce: Create a tangy tzatziki or herb-infused aioli that brightens the earthy spinach flavor and adds a creamy contrast to the crispy exterior.
  • Serve as Appetizer with Charcuterie: Arrange these spinach balls alongside cured meats, sharp cheeses, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired starter that balances flavors and textures.
  • Combine with Light Salad: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the dense, cheesy spinach balls.

Spinach Ball Variations You’ll Want to Try

  • Mediterranean Spinach Spheres: Replace stuffing mix with breadcrumbs, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Spinach Bites: Incorporate ground turkey or chicken, reduce butter quantity, and mix in quinoa instead of stuffing mix for a lean protein boost.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Spinach Poppers: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of cayenne pepper to create a zesty, heat-packed version of the original recipe.
  • Vegan Spinach Balls: Substitute eggs with ground flaxseed, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, replace butter with olive oil, and incorporate almond flour for binding to create a plant-based alternative.
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Spinach Balls Recipe

Spinach Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory spinach balls deliver a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer packed with herbal complexity and cheesy goodness. Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs combine into bite-sized delights you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 (10 ounces / 283 grams) packages frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained
  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • 2 ¼ cups (540 milliliters) stuffing with herbs

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) butter, melted
  • ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

  • 2 small onions, very finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly press spinach to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a compact and flavorful base for the appetizer.
  2. Crumble stuffing mix into fine fragments to help bind the ingredients and create a cohesive texture.
  3. Whisk eggs and melted butter together, creating a smooth liquid that will help hold the spinach balls together during baking.
  4. Integrate all ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, stirring methodically to distribute Parmesan cheese, minced onions, and seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Gently roll the combined mixture into uniform spherical shapes, approximately one inch in diameter, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
  6. Prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of non-stick spray to prevent potential sticking and facilitate easy removal.
  7. Arrange the spinach spheres on the prepared sheet, leaving slight spacing between each ball to promote uniform browning.
  8. Position the tray in a preheated oven, allowing the balls to transform into golden-edged delicacies with a crisp exterior and tender interior.
  9. Monitor the appetizers during baking, removing when they achieve a rich, appetizing golden-brown coloration.
  10. Allow the spinach balls to rest momentarily after baking, then serve warm or at ambient temperature as a delectable starter or side dish.

Notes

  • Squeeze spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy texture and ensure crispy, delightful appetizer.
  • Mixing ingredients with hands creates better binding and allows feeling the perfect consistency for forming uniform balls.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme for unexpected flavor variations that’ll surprise dinner guests.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 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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