Description
Delicious and savory Spinach and Ricotta Balls make a perfect Italian-inspired appetizer or snack. These baked balls combine creamy ricotta cheese, finely chopped cooked spinach, Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings, creating a flavorful and satisfying bite-sized treat that’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve with marinara sauce or enjoy on their own.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for baking or frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked and finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Form balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch diameter balls and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply olive oil spray: Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil to promote browning and a crisp texture during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, turn the balls carefully to ensure even browning on all sides. The balls should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, either on their own or accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cooked spinach to prevent soggy ricotta balls.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, these balls can be pan-fried in olive oil instead of baking.
- Leftover balls can be frozen and reheated in an oven or air fryer for convenience.
