Spinach Balls(Hors D'Oeuvres)
Delicious spinach balls are savory hors d'oeuvres featuring tender spinach, Parmesan, garlic, and crispy croutons, perfect for parties or casual gatherings with a cheesy, garlicky flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter or margarine.
- Sauté the chopped onion in the melted butter until translucent.
- Add the drained spinach, Parmesan cheese, whipped eggs, crushed Caesar salad croutons, pepper, and garlic salt to the sautéed onion mixture.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Place the spinach balls on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using olive oil instead of butter and whole wheat croutons for added fiber. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option. If you find the mixture too wet, add a bit of breadcrumbs to help with binding. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid a soggy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spinach balls as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering, pairing them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a yogurt-based dip. They also make a fantastic side dish alongside a fresh salad or can complement a main course like grilled chicken. For more ideas, browse more American recipes to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spinach balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Balls(Hors D'Oeuvres) contains roughly 228 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down until wilted, then drain and chop it finely before adding to the mixture. This will give your spinach balls a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
What can I use instead of Caesar salad croutons?
If you don't have Caesar salad croutons, any type of seasoned croutons will work well. Alternatively, you can use crushed crackers or even homemade croutons made from stale bread tossed with olive oil and your favorite seasonings.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach ball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Form the balls and bake them just before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the uncooked balls for up to a month; bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).