Spinach Balls Delight
Cheesy spinach balls with a savory stuffing, perfect as appetizers or party snacks, offering a delightful combination of greens, cheese, and herbs that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook, chop, and drain the spinach.
- Mix all ingredients well with hands.
- Chill the mixture for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Shape into walnut-sized balls.
- Bake at 350°F on a cookie sheet for about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To save time, you can use fresh spinach instead, just ensure it's thoroughly wilted and drained. Mixing the ingredients with your hands helps to combine them evenly, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach balls are delicious served as appetizers or snacks. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce or serve alongside a fresh salad, like Cindy'S Mock Caesar Salad, for a light meal. They also complement main dishes such as roasted chicken or fish. Consider serving them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach balls 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 heated through, maintaining their crispy texture. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Balls Delight contains roughly 207 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg 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, fresh spinach can be used! Just make sure to cook, chop, and thoroughly drain it before mixing with the other ingredients. You will need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to equal the amount of frozen spinach in the recipe.
Can I make these spinach balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make these spinach balls gluten-free, substitute the regular stuffing mix with a gluten-free version or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free.
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).