Spinach Balls
Every time I make these spinach balls, they come out buttery, soft, and perfectly crisp on the edges. It’s the texture that keeps me coming back!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Some spinach ball recipes don’t hold together well, but this one nails it with the perfect mix of eggs and breadcrumbs for a soft, flavorful bite.
I found the original in a family recipe collection my extended family put together years ago—these were Aunt Judy’s specialty! I swapped the cheddar croutons for breadcrumbs (couldn’t find the croutons), and they turned out delicious.
- They’re buttery and soft. The inside stays tender with just the right melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them totally irresistible.
- The edges get perfectly crispy. As they bake, the butter pools around each one, giving you that golden, flavorful crust in every bite.
- The seasoning is spot on. A simple blend of garlic salt, onion flakes, and pepper gives them just enough flavor without overpowering the spinach. For more delicious spinach flavor, try my spinach dip recipe and spinach rice casserole!
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: This will be the star of our recipe, providing a deliciously earthy base and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Breadcrumbs: They will help to bind all the ingredients together, giving our spinach balls the perfect texture. You can use store-bought or my Italian breadcrumb recipe for the best flavor. Instead of using regular bread crumbs, try using 2 cups of cheddar cheese croutons. This will add a deliciously cheesy twist to your spinach balls.
- Onion Flakes: These will add a subtle, sweet flavor and a bit of texture to our spinach balls. If you’re a fan of fresh flavors, consider using chopped onion in place of the dried onion flakes. This will add a more pungently sweet flavor to your spinach balls.
- Eggs: They act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and giving the spinach balls a light, fluffy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: This will add a rich, savory flavor and a bit of saltiness to the recipe. It’s a key ingredient, so be sure not to skip it!
- Butter: It will add a rich, buttery flavor to our spinach balls and help them to brown nicely in the oven.
- Garlic Salt: This will add a bit of a savory, garlicky kick to the recipe.
- Ground Pepper: It will add a bit of heat and a pop of color to our spinach balls.
How to Make Spinach Balls
Preparation
Start by cooking the frozen spinach following the package instructions. Once it’s done, let it cool and then make sure to drain it well. This will help remove any excess moisture from the spinach, so your spinach balls aren’t soggy.
Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained spinach, stuffing mix, Parmesan cheese, butter, and eggs. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is the base of your spinach balls, and it’s where all the flavors come together.
Step 2 – Refrigerate the Mixture
Once the ingredients are combined, refrigerated. You’ll need to chill the mixture for at least 2 hours. This will help it firm up, making it easier to shape into balls later on.
Step 3 – Preheat the Oven
After the mixture has chilled, preheat your oven to 350˚F. This is the temperature at which you’ll bake your spinach balls.
Step 4 – Shape the Spinach Balls
Using a cookie scoop, shape the chilled mixture into balls. The mixture might be a bit sticky, but that’s okay. The balls don’t need to be perfect – they’ll take on a rustic shape as they bake.
Step 5 – Bake the Spinach Balls
Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. As they bake, the butter will melt and pool around the edges of the spinach balls, giving them deliciously crispy edges.
Step 6 – Serve the Spinach Balls
Once baked, you can serve the spinach balls warm. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can also chill them and then warm them up before serving.
Lynette’s Tip
If the spinach isn’t well-drained, the mixture can get too wet and fall apart. Be sure to press out as much moisture as possible before mixing.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After enjoying these delicious spinach balls, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze them before or after cooking for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer your frozen spinach balls from the freezer to the fridge. Let them thaw overnight.
- Reheating: You can reheat these spinach balls in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through, making sure you bring them up to 160˚F.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the dish as directed, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but make sure to cook it and drain it thoroughly before using it in the recipe. You may also need to chop the fresh spinach to a similar size as the frozen variety.
Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs both work well. For more flavor, go with Italian. You can also use panko for extra texture, though the balls may be a bit less dense.
More Appetizer Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Spinach Balls
Ingredients
- 18 oz frozen spinach cooked and drained well
- 2 Cups bread crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon onion flakes
- 4 large eggs beaten
- ½ Cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- ¾ Cup butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook the frozen spinach according to the package instructions. Cool and drain well.
- Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape into balls using a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop. Bake in preheated 350˚F oven for 20 minutes. The butter will pool around the edges of the spinach balls, giving them delicious, crispy edges.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
My Favorite Variations:
- Cheddar Version: Instead of using regular bread crumbs, try using 2 cups of cheddar cheese croutons. This will add a deliciously cheesy twist to your spinach balls.
- Fresh Onion: If you’re a fan of fresh flavors, consider using chopped onion in place of the dried onion flakes. This will add a more pungently sweet flavor to your spinach balls.
