Introduction

These Spinach and Ricotta Balls are irresistibly cheesy, packed with flavor, and baked to golden perfection. Made with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and savory Parmesan, they’re the perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack. Enjoy them on their own, dipped in marinara sauce, or added to pasta for an extra burst of cheesy goodness!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped spinach over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add the cooled spinach to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the balls lightly with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a delicious side dish!

Variations

Gluten-Free Option – Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain texture while keeping it completely gluten-free. You can also try crushed gluten-free crackers for added crunch.
Air Fryer Method – Instead of baking, place the spinach and ricotta balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This results in an extra crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy center.
Add a Protein Boost – Mix in finely chopped cooked chicken or crumbled tofu to the ricotta mixture for extra protein. This variation makes the dish more filling while keeping it balanced.

Cooking Notes

For a crispier texture, lightly broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Swap out regular breadcrumbs for panko for a crunchier bite.
These taste amazing with a drizzle of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later!

Serving Suggestions

With Marinara Sauce – Serve these cheesy bites with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato sauce perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and spinach filling.
As a Pasta Topper – Toss these spinach and ricotta balls into a bowl of spaghetti or fettuccine with a light garlic butter sauce or a creamy Alfredo for a satisfying meal.
In a Sandwich or Wrap – Use these as a vegetarian filling for a sub sandwich or wrap them in a warm pita with hummus, lettuce, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tips

Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach – If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. Fresh spinach gives a brighter flavor, while frozen spinach is convenient and works just as well.
Make Ahead and Freeze – You can prepare the spinach and ricotta balls ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just arrange them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Experiment with Different Cheeses – Try adding shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta to the mixture for a different depth of flavor. Mozzarella makes them extra gooey, while feta adds a tangy kick.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 320mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Alternatively, shape the balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese (blended for a smoother texture) or mascarpone can be used as substitutes. Greek yogurt can also work for a lighter, tangier alternative.
How do I keep the balls from falling apart?
The key is ensuring the mixture isn’t too wet. Drain the spinach well after cooking, and if the mixture is too soft, add more breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping also helps.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the balls for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This gives them a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy center.

Conclusion

Spinach and Ricotta Balls are the perfect savory bite-sized treat, whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a delicious snack. With their creamy interior, cheesy flavor, and golden-baked crust, they are both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Try them with marinara sauce or add them to your favorite pasta dish for an extra flavorful twist! 🍽️✨

Spinach and Ricotta Balls

Author: Avery
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped spinach over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add the cooled spinach to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the balls lightly with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a delicious side dish!

Notes

For a crispier texture, lightly broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Swap out regular breadcrumbs for panko for a crunchier bite.
These taste amazing with a drizzle of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Spinach Ricotta Balls, Cheesy Spinach Bites, Baked Ricotta Balls, Spinach and Cheese Snacks