Easy Spinach Balls With Parmesan Cheese
These spinach balls are an excellent choice for a meatball replacement, or add the little bites to your appetizer menu.
These baked spinach balls are savory, bite-sized appetizers that are just as good served warm or at room temperature. They’re loaded with spinach, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and buttery stuffing mix — the perfect combination of flavor and texture.
They also make an excellent vegetarian alternative to meatballs. Serve them as party bites with a dipping sauce, or add them to pasta, grain bowls, or soups for a flavorful twist.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Simple ingredients. Uses everyday pantry staples like frozen spinach, stuffing mix, and Parmesan.
Versatile. Great as appetizers, vegetarian meatballs, or party snacks.
Easy to prepare. Just mix, shape, and bake — no frying or special equipment needed.
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture for best texture.
- Stuffing mix: Use herb-seasoned stuffing crumbs or cubes; check labels if serving vegetarians.
- Onion: Finely chopped for flavor and a bit of texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the mixture.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides saltiness and nutty flavor.
- Garlic powder: A simple way to add seasoning depth.
- Eggs: Bind everything together — don’t skip them.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste before adding the eggs.
Steps to Make Spinach Balls
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach.
- Combine spinach, stuffing mix, onion, melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Taste and season with salt before adding the eggs.
- Mix in the beaten eggs until the mixture holds together.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the spinach is well drained — extra moisture can make the mixture too soft.
- Taste and season before adding eggs to adjust salt properly.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized balls.
- Let them cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy version. Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar along with the Parmesan.
- Spicy twist. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Gluten-free. Use gluten-free stuffing or breadcrumbs instead.
- Herb lovers. Add extra parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning for more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with marinara, ranch, or creamy garlic dip.
- Add to spaghetti or baked pasta as a vegetarian “meatball.”
- Pair with soup or salad for a light lunch.
- Pack for picnics or lunchboxes — they’re great at room temperature.
How to Store Spinach Balls
Refrigerate: Store cooled spinach balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Arrange unbaked or baked balls on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake frozen or chilled balls at 325°F until heated through and crisp again.
Easy Spinach Balls With Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen spinach, chopped, thawed and well drained
- 1 1/2 cups stuffing mix , herb-seasoned*
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 3 large eggs, well beaten
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 325 F.
- Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Drain the spinach, squeezing it to remove as much moisture as possible.
- In a bowl, combine the spinach, stuffing mix, onion, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well and then taste the mixture and add salt, as needed (taste and season before you add the eggs).
- Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and blend well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the spinach balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- The recipe makes about 3 dozen spinach balls.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
