Name: Cheese and spinach balls recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 30 g parmesan; 70 g mozzarella; 50 g bread crumbs; 1 egg; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp oregano; ¼ tsp salt; 2-3 cubes frozen spinach

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What are cheese and spinach balls?

If you want a tasty little party treat to impress your guests or even just your family then look no further, these low calorie cheese and spinach balls are to die for and they’re just as yummy cold as they are warm. My son loves this recipe and its a great way to sneak extra veggies into little mouths. They also keep well in the fridge for up to a week and will freeze well for months. I’d definitely recommend doubling up this recipe and making these in bulk because they are so tasty they wont hang around for long! This recipe creates 10 small balls. This cheese and spinach balls recipe was originally a baked recipe but I’ve also tried them out in the air fryer and that works really well too. If you do choose to use an air fryer remove the stirring paddle (if your air fryer has one) as this tends to knock off a lot of the panko bread crumbs.

Do you have a diet restriction?

This recipe is great for the following diet restrictions:

Vegetarian
Nut Free
Ultra Processed Food Free

Ultra processed food free recipes are recipes that use ingredients where no additives have been used. This will include ingredients that can be made at home to be UPF free such as stock cubes, sauces and seasonings.

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Firstly we need to defrost our spinach cubes in the microwave, once defrosted, cut up with a pair of scissors so that all the spinach is in smaller bits. Leave to one side to cool.

Step 2: Mix together the ingredients

In a bowl, mix 15g of the parmesan, all of the mozzarella, 30g of the breadcrumbs and the spinach into a bowl along with the seasonings. Mix well. Pat off any excess moisture out of the spinach and add that to you cheese and spinach ball mixture. If you leave in all that water the cheese and spinach balls will be too soggy to form properly. Beat the egg and mix in a bit at a time, we only need enough to bind the ingredients so that they can form balls, again, we don’t want too much moisture here.

Step 3: form and coat the cheese and spinachballs

In a shallow dish or a plate, mix together the rest of the breadcrumbs and parmesan. This is what we will roll our balls in. Move back over to your cheese and spinach mixture and divide it into 10 even sized balls. Roll each ball into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture until they have a nice even coating all the way around. Transfer to a lined baking tray and bake for 20 minutes turning halfway through the time or until the breadcrumbs have turned golden brown. If you would prefer to cook your cheese and spinach balls in the air fryer, remove any built in stirring devices if that applies and place your balls in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes rotating regularly for an even finish.

Variations

1. Mediterranean Twist

Infuse a Mediterranean flair into your spinach and cheese balls by adding sun-dried tomatoes and chopped Kalamata olives to the mixture. The sun-dried tomatoes bring sweetness, while the olives add a savory kick.

2. Pesto Paradise

Elevate the flavor profile with a spoonful of basil pesto. Mix it into the spinach and cheese ball mixture for a burst of fresh herbaceousness and a touch of garlic.

3. Smoky Chipotle

Add a smoky and spicy kick by incorporating chipotle powder or chopped chipotle peppers into the mixture. This variation gives your cheesy spinach balls a bold and flavorful twist.

4. Cheesy Jalapeño Delight

Transform your cheesy spinach balls into a spicy treat by mixing in finely chopped jalapeños. The combination of creamy cheese, spinach, and a hint of heat creates a deliciously bold appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Certainly! If using fresh spinach, ensure it’s finely chopped and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture. Adjust the quantity as fresh spinach tends to have a different volume than frozen.

What dipping sauce pairs well with these balls?

Serve these cheesy spinach balls with a marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a simple garlic aioli for a delightful dipping experience.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows for convenient party prep or quick appetizers when needed.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free if necessary.

Can I freeze these spinach balls?

Certainly! Freeze the unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed container. When ready to bake, place them on a lined tray and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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