Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Spinach and Ricotta Balls, perfect as a savory appetizer or snack. These golden-baked cheese balls combine creamy ricotta, nutritious spinach, and Parmesan for a flavorful Italian-inspired treat that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, well-drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Cooking
- Olive oil spray or drizzle (for baking or pan-frying)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, finely chopped cooked spinach, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until a sticky dough forms. If mixture feels too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs.
- Shape Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each into a ball. Then lightly coat each ball with additional breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy outer texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help with browning and crispness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each ball halfway through baking to ensure even golden color and cooking. The balls should be set and golden brown.
- Alternative Cooking Method: Alternatively, pan-fry the balls in a little olive oil over medium heat until browned on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or alongside marinara sauce over pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is fully drained to prevent soggy texture in the balls.
- These balls freeze well; to reheat, warm them in the oven for best texture.
- For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
