Spinach and Ricotta Balls

These Spinach and Ricotta Balls are everything you need in a bite-sized appetizer or snack: light, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying. They’re golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or just something comforting to enjoy with a bowl of marinara sauce, these little bites will hit the spot. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love Spinach and Ricotta Balls

If you’ve ever tasted the magic that happens when spinach and ricotta meet, you know exactly why this dish is a winner. Here’s why you’re going to love these Spinach and Ricotta Balls:

Flavor-Packed and Savory

The combination of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and just the right amount of seasoning is nothing short of perfection. These little bites burst with flavor in every bite—comforting yet light, and packed with savory goodness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re planning a dinner party, prepping meal prep for the week, or just looking for something to snack on, these balls are ideal. You can serve them as an appetizer, alongside pasta, or even as a stand-alone light meal.

Healthier Than Most Snacks

These bites are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to many other deep-fried snacks. They’re full of spinach, which adds nutrients and flavor without the guilt.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these Spinach and Ricotta Balls come together in no time. You can have a delicious dish ready for the table in about 30 minutes!

Customizable

This recipe is easy to tweak based on your preferences. Add herbs like basil or oregano, switch out ricotta for feta, or throw in some grated Parmesan for extra flavor—it’s versatile!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these spinach and ricotta balls:

Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach is the base of these flavorful bites. It’s packed with nutrients and adds that earthy, leafy flavor everyone loves.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta adds that creamy richness, making these balls so tender and satisfying.

Bread Crumbs

The bread crumbs help bind everything together and give the balls their structure. You’ll want to use plain or seasoned crumbs depending on how much seasoning you want to add.

Egg

The egg helps to hold everything together, keeping your spinach and ricotta balls from falling apart while baking.

Garlic

Garlic gives these little bites a savory depth of flavor that balances out the richness of the ricotta and spinach.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the ricotta and helps bring everything together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making these Spinach and Ricotta Balls is a breeze—let’s get started!

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Spinach:

Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Then, heat a large pan over medium heat and sauté the spinach for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and let it cool. After cooling, squeeze out any excess moisture and roughly chop it.

3. Mix the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, chopped spinach, garlic, Parmesan, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Form the Balls:

Take a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

5. Bake:

Bake the balls in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

6. Serve:

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or a garlic aioli. Enjoy these little bites of heaven!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 95
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Balls

These Spinach and Ricotta Balls are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes and sides. Here are a few ways to serve them:

With Marinara Sauce:

Classic pairing! Dip these bites into a warm bowl of marinara sauce for that irresistible Italian vibe.

Over Pasta:

These make a great topping for pasta. Place the balls right on top of spaghetti, penne, or any of your favorite pasta shapes, and drizzle with a little extra marinara sauce.

With a Salad:

Serve these alongside a fresh, crisp salad for a light but satisfying meal. The freshness of the salad balances the rich, savory flavor of the ricotta balls perfectly.

As Appetizers:

Serve these bite-sized beauties as appetizers at your next party or gathering. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With Garlic Bread:

For the ultimate indulgence, serve them with a side of buttery garlic bread for dipping. It’s a match made in heaven!

Additional Tips

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Add-ins: You can get creative with these! Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. A little bit of nutmeg or lemon zest also adds a unique twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before using it in the recipe. This will help avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
A2: You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, feta, or even cream cheese, depending on your preference.

Q3: How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
A3: Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach and use enough breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. The egg also helps hold everything together.

Q4: Can I fry these instead of baking?
A4: Yes! You can shallow fry them in a bit of olive oil if you prefer a crispy outside. Just be sure to cook them until golden brown and crisp.

Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q6: Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
A6: Absolutely! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones, and the recipe will still work perfectly.

Q7: Can I freeze these spinach balls?
A7: Yes! Freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat.

Q8: What dipping sauces go well with these?
A8: Marinara sauce is a classic, but you could also serve them with a creamy garlic aioli, tzatziki, or even ranch dressing.

Q9: How can I make these vegan?
A9: Use a plant-based ricotta or tofu instead of the dairy ricotta, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). The recipe will still be delicious!

Q10: How long do these last in the fridge?
A10: They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Conclusion

These Spinach and Ricotta Balls are the perfect combination of healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a side dish, or just a savory snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Light yet satisfying, these little bites are packed with flavor, and with the added bonus of being baked rather than fried, you can enjoy them guilt-free. So go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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