Michael'S Favorite Spinach Cheese Balls
Creamy spinach and cheese balls with a crispy exterior, perfect as appetizers or party snacks for cheese lovers and spinach enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain spinach well.
- Mix in melted butter, crushed seasoned croutons, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg.
- Roll into 1 to 2-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Bake frozen on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 10 to 15 minutes, until firm, at 350°F.
- Watch carefully so bottoms don't brown too much.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the mixture. If you don’t have seasoned croutons, use plain ones and add your own herbs. Also, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to prevent sogginess. These spinach cheese balls can be made ahead and frozen, making them a great option for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach cheese balls make a fantastic appetizer or party snack. Serve them with a marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. Pair with a light salad or enjoy alongside a hearty main dish, such as grilled chicken or fish. They also complement well with other vegetarian recipes, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Michael'S Favorite Spinach Cheese Balls contains roughly 698 calories, with 17g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 765mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You'll need to cook and drain it well to remove excess moisture, similar to the frozen variety. About 1 pound of fresh spinach should yield the equivalent of the two 10 oz. packages of frozen spinach once cooked and drained.
How can I make these spinach cheese balls gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the seasoned croutons with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, including the Parmesan cheese.
Can I bake these without freezing them first?
Yes, you can bake them without freezing, but the texture may differ slightly. They might be softer and less firm. If you choose to bake them fresh, reduce the baking time to about 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).