Spinach Balls Recipe

This Spinach Balls Recipe is an irresistible party appetizer that’s sure to disappear fast. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, game day get-togethers, and more. Packed with savory flavor and served with a tangy-sweet mustard dipping sauce, these bite-sized spinach balls will have your guests begging you to make them year after year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: This recipe has been in my family for years, and making them is a holiday tradition. While I’ll admit I was skeptical of trying them at first, they’re now one of my most requested appetizers!
• Amazing Flavor: The combination of spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, eggs, and seasonings makes a savory and satisfying meatless “meatball’ that even the spinach haters will love.
• Easy to Make: These spinach cheese balls come together easily with simple ingredients and minimal prep. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, which is great for party planning.

For more spinach appetizers, check out this hot spinach artichoke dip and these spinach stuffed mushrooms next.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Variations
• How to Make This Spinach Balls Recipe
• Expert Tips
• Serving Suggestions 
• Recipe FAQs
• More Delicious Appetizers
• Don't Be Shy!
• Spinach Balls Recipe

Ingredients

For the Spinach Balls

• Spinach: I like using frozen spinach for convenience, but feel free to use fresh spinach if preferred. I’ve tried both, and they each work well. You can also use spinach to make this chicken Alfredo lasagna.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Adds flavor and helps bind the mixture, while soaking up some of the moisture from the spinach.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor to the spinach bites.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture. You can use salted or unsalted butter. 
• Eggs: Act as a binder so the balls hold their shape while baking.

For the Dipping Sauce

• Ground Mustard: Also known as mustard powder, this can be found in the spice aisle of the grocery store.
• White Vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten up the sauce.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the mustard and vinegar.
• Egg: Thickens the sauce as it cooks, creating a smooth texture.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Add Mozzarella: Swap some of the Parmesan for shredded mozzarella for a cheesier spinach ball with a melty center.
• More Seasonings: Add a little garlic powder, onion powder, and/or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Try a Different Dip: Skip the mustard dipping sauce and pair this appetizer with marinara, homemade ranch dip, or a simple garlic aioli instead.

How to Make This Spinach Balls Recipe

To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with non-stick cooking spray.

1. Step 1: Prepare the spinach.  If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out any excess water. If using fresh spinach, place it in a bowl, pour boiling water over the top to wilt it, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Then, squeeze out the liquid.
2. Step 2: Combine remaining ingredients. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, melted butter, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.

3. Step 3: Mix in the spinach. Add the spinach to the mixture and use your hands to mix until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Form the balls. Roll the mixture into 1” balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Step 5: Bake. Place the spinach balls in the oven and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Combine the sauce ingredients. Add the mustard powder, vinegar, sugar, and egg to a bowl and whisk together. Add the mustard mixture to a saucepan, and bring just to a boil, whisking constantly.

7. Step 7: Serve. Dip the baked spinach balls into the mustard sauce and enjoy! They're great with parties with crispy baked potato skins.

Expert Tips

• Let the butter cool slightly: Be sure to allow the butter to cool for a few minutes after melting. If it’s too hot when added to the mixture, it can start to cook the eggs.
• Use a cookie scoop: This makes forming the balls easy and ensures they’re uniform in size so they cook evenly. I recommend a 1.5-tablespoon (medium-size) cookie scoop.
• Don’t skip cooking the sauce: This allows the egg to safely cook and thickens the sauce. Whisking the entire time prevents the egg from scrambling and helps create a smooth, creamy texture
• Store leftovers in the fridge: Leftover spinach balls will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions 

• Serve this appetizer as a Christmas or New Year’s Eve appetizer with some mock champagne to celebrate.
• Make them as part of a meatball appetizer table along with these sweet and sour meatballs and Mongolian meatballs.
• Bake a batch (or two) for your next game day party in addition to these bacon water chestnuts.

Recipe FAQs

More Delicious Appetizers

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