Spinach Cheese Bites
Cheesy spinach and pepperoni bites with crispy edges, perfect as appetizers or party snacks, combining savory flavors and a satisfying texture for all cheese and meat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place one pepperoni slice in the bottom of each lightly greased miniature muffin cup.
- Cut remaining pepperoni slices into 48 wedges.
- Combine thawed and drained spinach, Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped mushrooms, chopped onions, dried oregano, salt, and lightly beaten eggs in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups over the pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
- Gently remove the bites from the muffin pan and place on a serving plate.
- Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a pepperoni wedge.
- Serve warm or store in freezer for up to 3 months before reheating.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using turkey pepperoni instead of traditional for a lighter option. If fresh spinach is available, you can substitute 10 oz. of fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped, for the frozen variety. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give these bites a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions
These Spinach Cheese Bites are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of pepperoni on top. They pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or can be enjoyed as a unique addition to a brunch spread. For a delightful dessert, follow with Aunt Joan's Cheese Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, place the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Cheese Bites contains roughly 125 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
How do I know when the bites are done?
The Spinach Cheese Bites are done when they are lightly browned on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overcook.
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).