Spinach and Ricotta Balls Recipe

These Spinach and Ricotta Balls are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack that combines creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and tender, they’re perfect for parties, meal prep, or as a side dish. Serve them with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Makes: About 20 balls

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 3-4 minutes , stirring occasionally, until wilted and excess moisture has evaporated.
2. Remove from heat and let the spinach cool slightly. If needed, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Prepare the Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Add the cooled spinach to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Form the Balls

1. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter . Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Drizzle the balls lightly with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.

Step 5: Bake the Balls

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes , or until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
2. For extra crispiness, broil the balls for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the balls cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
3. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Add-ins: Stir in finely chopped herbs (like basil or parsley), red pepper flakes, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Freeze option: Freeze unbaked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Frying option: For a crispier texture, shallow-fry the balls in olive oil or vegetable oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information (per ball, makes 20):

• Calories: ~60
• Protein: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~4g
• Fat: ~4g

Enjoy these Spinach and Ricotta Balls as a light, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with goodness. Their creamy interior and crispy exterior make them a versatile treat for any occasion!