Spinach Nuggets
Crispy, cheesy spinach nuggets with savory Parmesan and herbs, perfect as appetizers or snacks for parties, gatherings, or family meals, offering a flavorful vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place frozen spinach and dried onion in a 1 1/2-quart casserole with water.
- Cook, covered, in a microwave on High for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring once.
- Let stand for 3 minutes.
- Drain well. In the same casserole, stir together hot spinach mixture and butter or margarine until butter melts.
- Add stuffing mix and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir in eggs.
- Drop small mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- Freeze about 10 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Shape the frozen mounds into 1-inch balls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese or margarine. If you don't have herb-seasoned stuffing mix, you can substitute with plain bread crumbs mixed with your favorite dried herbs. Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid a soggy mixture. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spinach nuggets as a tasty appetizer or snack at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with a tzatziki or marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or pairing with a side of Maple-Potato-Apple Casserole for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spinach nuggets 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 10-15 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze uncooked nuggets and bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Nuggets contains roughly 641 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 3g 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
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down in a pot until wilted, then drain and chop before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will add a fresher taste to your nuggets.
How do I make these nuggets gluten-free?
To make gluten-free spinach nuggets, substitute the herb-seasoned stuffing mix with a gluten-free bread crumb or a gluten-free stuffing mix. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, particularly the Parmesan cheese.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the shaped spinach balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
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).