Spinach Bites And Lemon Mayonnaise
Spinach Bites And Lemon Mayonnaise are flavorful, savory appetizers featuring tender spinach mixed with stuffing, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, shaped into bites and served with a zesty lemon mayonnaise. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings, they offer a delightful blend of cheesy and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup herb seasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- dash of ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- dash of hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly grease baking sheets.
- In a small bowl, mix spinach, stuffing mix, Parmesan cheese, eggs, butter or margarine, minced onion, and ground nutmeg.
- Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until ready to bake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with feta cheese for a tangy twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce. When mixing the ingredients, ensure the spinach is fully drained to avoid excess moisture that can alter the texture of the bites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach bites warm, paired with the lemon mayonnaise for dipping. They make a great appetizer for gatherings or a delicious snack. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Smashed Potatoes for a well-rounded meal. They also complement a variety of dips and sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach bites 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 for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Bites And Lemon Mayonnaise contains roughly 408 calories, with 7g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (13% 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! Simply cook and chop about 10 oz of fresh spinach, then squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will provide a fresher taste and vibrant color to your spinach bites.
How can I make these bites vegan?
To make the spinach bites vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). Use a plant-based butter alternative and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute for a similar flavor.
Can I freeze the spinach bites before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the formed spinach balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking 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).