If you’re on the hunt for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings, look no further than these Spinach Cheese Balls! They are not only easy to make, but they also pack a flavorful punch that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped around nutrient-rich spinach, makes for a scrumptious bite-sized treat. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main dish, these Spinach Cheese Balls are a versatile addition to any meal.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Spinach Cheese Balls are the epitome of crowd-pleasing cuisine. They boast a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, combining the crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior. Plus, who can resist the charm of a warm, cheesy snack? The spices and seasonings elevate the taste, making each bite a burst of flavor. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, these bites also provide a sneaky way to get some greens into your diet. Serve them with a side of pizza sauce for dipping, and you’ll have a hit on your hands!

Ingredients at a Glance

1 (9-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (4 ounces)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pizza sauce, for serving

Gear Checklist

Large mixing bowl – for combining ingredients.
Baking sheet – to set the Spinach Cheese Balls before frying.
Large skillet or deep fryer – for frying the balls to golden perfection.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
Spoon or cookie scoop – for portioning the mixture evenly.
Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying.

Step-by-Step: Spinach Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by draining the thawed spinach thoroughly. It’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible so that your Spinach Cheese Balls hold together during frying. You can use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out the excess water.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, egg, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be creamy and slightly thick.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps keep them from sticking.

Step 4: Dredge in Flour and Breadcrumbs

Prepare two shallow dishes: one with flour and another with dry bread crumbs mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Roll each ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your Spinach Cheese Balls a delightful crunch when fried.

Step 5: Fry the Balls

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated Spinach Cheese

Spinach Cheese Balls

These Spinach Cheese Balls are a cheesy, flavorful appetizer that everyone will love! Perfect for parties or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Spinach Cheese Balls:

1 box frozen chopped spinach thawed
1 large egg
1 container ricotta cheese 15-ounce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (4 ounces)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pizza sauce for serving

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking Sheet
Large skillet or deep fryer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or Cookie Scoop
Paper towels

Method

Instructions:

Start by draining the thawed spinach thoroughly. It’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible so that your Spinach Cheese Balls hold together during frying.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, egg, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well combined.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Prepare two shallow dishes: one with flour and another with dry bread crumbs mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Roll each ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated Spinach Cheese Balls and fry until golden brown.