Best Ever Spinach Balls are a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized appetizer that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Made with a savory mix of spinach, cheese, breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings, these golden bites are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you need a make-ahead, freezer-friendly snack. Naturally gluten-free and packed with greens, they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and wholesome indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These spinach balls are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness. They’re easy to make in large batches, customizable, and freezer-friendly. Whether served warm as a party appetizer or chilled for lunchbox snacks, their flavorful simplicity makes them a reliable favorite for all occasions. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak some greens into your diet without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
20 oz frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and thoroughly drained
2 cups gluten-free breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 large eggs
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, green onions, eggs, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix thoroughly with a spoon or clean hands until the mixture is well combined and holds together easily.
Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the spinach balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 30 spinach balls
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Herb Blend: Mix in dried Italian herbs, dill, or thyme for additional flavor.
Mini Muffin Version: Press the mixture into mini muffin tins for an even, uniform shape.
Nut-Free Substitute: Use oat or rice crumbs instead of breadcrumbs if nut-based alternatives are used.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheeses with dairy-free versions and use olive oil instead of butter.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Spinach balls freeze well, both baked and unbaked. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier texture, avoid microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, cook and finely chop fresh spinach, then measure out 20 oz. Be sure to remove all excess moisture before mixing.
Are these spinach balls keto-friendly?
Not as written, but you can replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to lower the carb count.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the uncooked mixture for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
They pair nicely with ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or a creamy mustard sauce.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of gluten-free?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs work well if gluten isn’t a concern.
Can I air-fry spinach balls?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Why are my spinach balls falling apart?
Make sure your spinach is fully drained and your mixture is well combined. Chilling the formed balls for 10 minutes before baking can also help.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can be added, but be sure to reduce their moisture first.
Can I use a food processor to mix?
Yes, pulse the ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Do I need to flip the balls during baking?
No, flipping is not necessary as they brown nicely on their own.
Conclusion
Best Ever Spinach Balls are a savory, bite-sized snack that’s easy to make, versatile, and full of flavor. With their cheesy, herby filling and crispy edges, they’re a go-to appetizer for gatherings, potlucks, or even meal prep. Whether served warm with dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own, these spinach balls are guaranteed to be a hit every time.
Best Ever Spinach Balls Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: ~30 spinach balls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Best Ever Spinach Balls are a cheesy, savory, and crowd-pleasing appetizer made with spinach, gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and white cheddar. Easy to prep and bake, they’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, and snacking. Keywords: spinach balls appetizer, gluten-free spinach balls, baked spinach cheese balls, party finger foods
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. -
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, green onions, eggs, white cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. -
Shape and Bake:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. -
Serve:
Serve warm as is, or with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.
Notes
-
Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to help the balls hold their shape.
-
These freeze well—form and freeze raw, then bake from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the bake time).
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