Spinach Balls

Spinach balls are an irresistible appetizer that stars spinach, herby stuffing mix and plenty of salty Parmesan cheese. These bite-sized balls make a delightful snack for festive gatherings and come together in about 20 minutes—perfect when you’re scrambling for a last-minute dish for guests.

But don’t relegate yourself to serving this snackable classic only at parties: Our spinach balls recipe makes a quick and easy side dish year-round. It’s perfect with roast chicken, grilled pork chops or even burgers. Whatever the occasion, double the batch because this recipe for spinach balls disappears fast, and what you don’t serve freezes well.

Ingredients for Spinach Balls

• Spinach: Chopped frozen spinach makes this recipe a cinch to prep and cook. You don’t need to thaw and drain the spinach first (you can do that after it cooks).
• Stuffing mix: There’s a wealth of delicious ways to use a box of stuffing mix, and our spinach balls appetizer ranks at the top. Pick up a box of herb-seasoned stuffing mix or throw together an easy homemade instant stuffing mix yourself.
• Onion: One vegetable equals loads of texture and flavor. Finely chop the onion so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Room-temperature eggs bind ingredients more easily than cold eggs. Let them come to room temperature before mixing the ingredients to keep the spinach balls from falling apart.
• Cheese: Parmesan’s bold umami flavor is an excellent pairing for spinach. This is the time to use the real stuff you grate by hand.
• Butter: Salted butter is the not-so-secret part of our arsenal that makes everything taste phenomenal. Unsalted is fine here too.
• Seasonings: Garlic salt works twice as hard as regular salt. A little black pepper brings a hint of warmth.

Directions

Step 1: Cook and drain the spinach

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the spinach according to the package directions. Drain well, squeezing out excess liquid. Place the spinach in a large bowl.

Editor’s Tip: To remove all the moisture from the spinach, place it in cheesecloth or a kitchen towel and squeeze gently.

Step 2: Make the mix

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Add the stuffing mix, onion, eggs, cheese, butter, garlic salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Shape the spinach balls

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until they’re very lightly browned.

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Spinach Balls Variations

• Make air-fryer spinach balls: This recipe for spinach balls also works in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer. Arrange the balls in a single layer, and cook them at 380° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remember not to overcrowd the basket. Work in batches as needed.
• Add more leafy greens: Switch up your spinach balls appetizer with a mixture of spinach, chard, collards, kale or mustard greens.

How to Store Spinach Balls

Let cooked spinach balls cool, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll last for four to five days. You can also prep, shape and refrigerate unbaked spinach balls a day ahead of time and then bake them the next day.

Can you freeze spinach balls?

Yes! Once the spinach balls have cooled, set them on a tray in a single layer. Stick the tray in the freezer for an hour or two until the balls have frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container so you can free up that valuable space. Spinach balls last up to six months in the freezer.

How do you reheat spinach balls?

Line the spinach balls on a tray and bake them at 350° for 10 to 15 minutes or until they’re piping hot. If reheating from frozen, bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Spinach Ball Tips

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you use fresh spinach for a spinach balls recipe?

Swapping in fresh spinach for the frozen in this recipe for spinach balls is a cinch, but it requires a wee bit more work. Wash, dry and saute the spinach in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil before combining it with the remaining ingredients.

How do you avoid watery spinach balls?

Draining the spinach after it is cooked and squeezing out excess liquid prevents watery spinach balls. After removing the water, set the spinach on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up that last bit of moisture.

What can you serve with spinach balls?

Dish out this healthy spinach balls appetizer as part of a spread featuring stuffed mushrooms, apple-gouda pigs in blankets and your favorite slider recipes. Try the spinach balls recipe as a side with an Italian pasta bake or a comforting bowl of hearty chicken noodle or French onion soup.

We highly recommend setting out a plate of spinach balls with a dip or two, like a piquant mustard dip or homemade hummus (heavy on the tahini, please). Spicy chili cheese dip, garlic dip or a simple ranch dip are other knockout pairings.