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Crispy Spinach Balls Recipe – Easy Cheesy Garlic Snack

crispy spinach balls - featured image

These crispy spinach balls are savory, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick appetizer, party-friendly finger food, or a fun way to sneak greens into your kids’ diet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped finely (or frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Olive oil for brushing or spraying before baking (or for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prep the spinach: If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and pat it dry. Chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
  4. Shape into balls: Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should get about 20-25 balls, depending on size.
  5. Bake or fry: For baking, place the spinach balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray them with olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For frying, heat 1-2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the spinach balls in the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve: Let the spinach balls cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.

Notes

[‘If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together.’, ‘If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk or water.’, ‘Don’t overwork the mixture—lightly mix until just combined for the best texture.’, ‘Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and quicker shaping.’, ‘Keep an eye on the oven and start checking the spinach balls around the 15-minute mark to avoid over-browning.’, ‘Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a flavor twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach balls, cheesy snack, garlic appetizer, party food, finger food, healthy snack, easy recipe