Introduction
These Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Delights are golden-baked bites of creamy ricotta, savory Parmesan, and tender spinach, lightly seasoned and perfect for snacking, entertaining, or serving as a light vegetarian main. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside once you try one, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped spinach for 3–4 minutes until wilted. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the cooled spinach and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Variation
- Add a cheesy twist – Mix in small cubes of mozzarella to the center of each ball before baking for a gooey, melty surprise when you bite in. It turns these bites into mini molten cheese bombs.
- Make it gluten-free – Swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. It keeps the texture similar while making the dish accessible to those avoiding gluten.
- Try it pan-fried – Instead of baking, lightly pan-fry the balls in olive oil until golden on all sides. This method gives them a crispier crust, perfect for those who love a bit more crunch.
Cooking Notes
- Drain ricotta well – If your ricotta is too wet, the mixture can become too loose. Let it drain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to keep the texture firm enough to shape.
- Chop spinach finely – The finer the spinach, the better it mixes evenly throughout the batter and prevents big leafy clumps in the final bite.
- Watch the oven – Depending on your oven, baking time can vary slightly. Keep an eye during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara – Pair the spinach and ricotta balls with a warm marinara or arrabbiata sauce for dipping. It adds a delicious tangy contrast to the creamy interior.
- Add to pasta – Toss a few of these with spaghetti and your favorite tomato sauce for a meat-free twist on spaghetti and meatballs.
- Great as party bites – Skewer them with toothpicks and serve with a selection of dips perfect for holiday spreads or casual get-togethers.
Tips
- Chill before baking – Let the rolled balls chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before baking. It helps them hold their shape better in the oven.
- Use fresh nutmeg – A small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds depth and enhances the richness of the ricotta and spinach combo.
- Double the batch – These freeze beautifully. Bake a double batch, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven for a quick and satisfying snack or side.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture before mixing it in this keeps the mixture from becoming too wet and difficult to shape. -
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can roll the mixture into balls, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them uncooked and bake straight from frozen (add a few minutes to the bake time). -
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through. They’ll turn out perfectly golden and crisp with less oil. -
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or even cream cheese can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.
Conclusion
These Spinach and Ricotta Balls are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory all baked into bite-sized, golden goodness. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or a main with a side salad, they’re a guaranteed hit. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor what’s not to love? 💚
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Spinach and Ricotta Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Delights are golden-baked bites of creamy ricotta, savory Parmesan, and tender spinach, lightly seasoned and perfect for snacking, entertaining, or serving as a light vegetarian main. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside once you try one, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped spinach for 3–4 minutes until wilted. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the cooled spinach and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze any excess moisture out of the spinach before adding it to the mix this helps the balls stay firm while baking.
- These can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking perfect for easy prep.
- Want a crunchier exterior? Try rolling them in a bit of extra breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Vegetarian
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 3–4 balls
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: spinach ricotta balls, baked ricotta bites, vegetarian appetizer, cheesy spinach bites