Spinach Balls(Microwave)
Creamy spinach balls with cheesy flavor, perfect as an appetizer or snack, suitable for quick prep and freezing for convenient future servings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Microwave spinach in a covered casserole on High for 4 to 5 minutes, or until defrosted.
- Drain the spinach, pressing out excess liquid.
- Mix the drained spinach with shredded Swiss cheese, dry bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, grated onion, salt, and beaten egg.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, about 1 1/2 teaspoons each.
- Place the balls on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and freeze the balls overnight.
- Pack the frozen spinach balls in a freezer container.
- Label the container and store in the freezer for no longer than 2 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure to fully defrost the spinach and squeeze out all excess liquid to prevent sogginess. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can be great substitutes. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free varieties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spinach balls as a delightful appetizer or snack at parties. They pair beautifully with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or with dishes like Halibut Casserole for a balanced dinner. They also make a great addition to a vegetarian platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spinach balls in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be kept in the freezer for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Balls(Microwave) contains roughly 441 calories, with 16g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2199mg per serving (96% 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 about 10 ounces of fresh spinach, which should be cooked down to match the quantity of frozen spinach. Be sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I bake these instead of freezing?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake them right away, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the spinach balls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. This way, you can enjoy them fresh without freezing.
What can I serve with spinach balls?
Spinach balls are versatile and can be served with a variety of dips like tzatziki or hummus. They also complement a refreshing fruit salad or can be part of a vegetarian buffet alongside dishes like Easy Peach-Cheese Pie for a delightful meal.
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).