• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Email Series!

5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free Email Series!

    5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

    Free email series of my best tips!

  • Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes

Rachel Cooks®

Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Popular
    • Instant Pot Pinto Beans
    • Green Beans with Bacon
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
    • Beef Stew Seasoning
    • Chili Seasoning Recipe
    • Thousand Island Dressing
    • Poppy Seed Dressing
    • Copycat Panera Squash Soup
    • Chocolate Chip Blondies
    • Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
    • Frosé
    • Best Chocolate Cake
    • Dill Vegetable Dip
    • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Learn to Cook
    • All The Basics
    • Crostini
    • Delicata Squash
    • Butternut Squash
    • Kabocha Squash
    • Spaghetti Squash
    • Guacamole
    • Croutons
    • Snap Peas
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Baked Bacon
    • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
    • Simple Syrup
    • Pickled Red Onions Recipe
    • Toasted Pine Nuts
    • Roasted bone-in Chicken Breasts
    • Poached Chicken
    • Roasted Whole Chicken
    • Easy Cheese Sauce

Dinner Made Easy:

Slow Cooker

5 Ingredients

Grilling

Make Ahead

Sheet Pan

Tacos

Pizza

Home Recipes by Type Appetizers/Snacks
FF Freezer Friendly VG Vegetarian

Spinach Balls Appetizer Recipe – WHOLE WHEAT!

4.49
/5
50 mins
15 Comments
Jump to Recipe
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 06/26/2017Updated: 06/14/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Spinach Balls are great hot out of the oven but are also great as they cool to room temperature, making them a perfect appetizer! Always a huge hit! Get the healthier version of this appetizer recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Spinach Balls are great hot and fresh out of the oven but are also great as they cool to room temperature, making them a perfect appetizer! These are always a huge hit!

Spinach Balls are great hot out of the oven but are also great as they cool to room temperature, making them a perfect appetizer! Always a huge hit! Get the healthier version of this appetizer recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Holy cow, you guys. I don’t remember summer being SO HARD in the past years. I mean, it’s SO HARD to get any work done. I don’t know if it’s the kids or just a general lack of motivation, but I’m struggling.

BUT I’m going to make the most it and do a ton of fun things with my kids this summer. I might even try to sleep for more than 5 hours a night, too.

I think I can, I think I can.

Right now I have two or three hours of kid free time for the first time this summer. I have a list approximately 2389124891428912489 items long and 3 hours to accomplish everything. There are baby ducks and baby swans (SWANS!) swimming in the river outside the window of the library where I’m working. And darling little kids feeding the ducks and swans. It’s not helping my productivity.

Also, I realize at first glance, this recipe for spinach balls may appear more suited for Christmas parties or New Years Eve parties (they would be perfect for NYE), but let me assure you, they’re perfect for summer parties too.

Spinach Balls are great hot out of the oven but are also great as they cool to room temperature, making them a perfect appetizer! Always a huge hit! Get the healthier version of this appetizer recipe on RachelCooks.com!

About these spinach balls:

The first great thing about these spinach balls, especially in summer time, is that they are terrific fresh out of the oven, but also absolutely fantastic as they cool to room temperature. Meaning the last one is going to taste just as fabulous as the first one.

The next great thing about these spinach balls is that you can roll them a couple hours in advance and bake them right before your guests arrive.

Another absolutely fantastic thing is that these spinach balls have some nutritional benefits, unlike some appetizers you might find at parties. I would eat these with a salad for lunch. They’re packed with spinach, whole wheat bread crumbs, and eggs. I brought them to a Memorial Day BBQ with my whipped feta dip and they were both a huge hit. My mother-in-law just raved about these (and kept the leftovers!).

Spinach Balls are great hot out of the oven but are also great as they cool to room temperature, making them a perfect appetizer! Always a huge hit! Get the healthier version of this appetizer recipe on RachelCooks.com!

They’re really quite easy to make. I used fresh spinach but you could use thawed frozen spinach to take a step out of the equation. In order to perfectly portion them and speed up the ball rolling process, I used one of my favorite kitchen tools, a cookie scoop. It’s great for cookies, of course, but it’s also perfectly suited for meatballs, spinach balls, and energy bites. For these spinach balls, I use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, or a #40.

Also, do yourself a favor and bake these on parchment paper (this is the kind I currently buy). Quick and easy cleanup!

More Spinach Appetizer Ideas You’ll Love:

  • Spinach Pizza Bites: Great for a party, and kids like them too!
  • Easy Spinach Artichoke Phyllo Bites: Easy and elegant, and you can prep them a few days in advance. So pretty, too!
  • Kale and Spinach Dip Bites: If you love spinach dip, you’ll love these cute little bread bowls with spinach dip. Only 5 ingredients!
  • Aunt Bee’s Cheesy Spinach Squares: Definitely on my list to try, these “spinach brownies” sound so yummy; brought to you by The Seasoned Mom.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Spinach balls, one with a bite taken out of it.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Spinach Balls Recipe

4.49 from 37 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
16 servings
Print Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Spinach balls are great hot out of the oven or at room temperature, making them a perfect easy appetizer any time of the year! Also with air fryer instructions.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces fresh spinach (see note)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup finely minced onion
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large pan with cover, heat 1 tablespoon of water and spinach over medium heat, covered, until wilted. Stir occasionally as needed to wilt all the leaves. Put spinach in a fine mesh strainer and press out excess liquid using the back of a spoon. Place on a cutting board and chop finely. Cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add panko, Parmesan cheese, onion, butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in spinach until well combined.
  • Roll into 32 small, evenly sized balls (I use a 1 ½ tablespoon scoop) and place on prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown. If spinach balls are frozen, add 2 minutes to baking time.
  • Serve immediately or cool completely before storing in an airtight container in refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

  • You should have about 1 ½ cups of cooked spinach. One 10 oz. box of frozen spinach, thawed, can be substituted for the fresh spinach. Press out excess liquid as directed.
  • If you prefer, whole wheat panko can be substituted or you can make homemade bread crumbs.
  • Air Fryer Instructions: Arrange spinach balls on rack of air fryer, sides not touching. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Air fry an additional  2 minutes if spinach balls are frozen.
  • Freezing Instructions: Freeze in a single layer until firm, 1 to 2 hours. Transfer to freezer safe container or bag. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating Instructions: To reheat cooked spinach balls, air fry for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through. They can also be microwaved until heated

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2spinach balls, Calories: 106kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 203mg, Potassium: 212mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2862IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 108mg, Iron: 1mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It
Verdict: I love these — if you come to a party at my house, you might be seeing them! Or you might be seeing a store-bought veggie tray because it’s summer and I don’t have my you-know-what together.
Husband’s take: Ben loves these spinach balls!
Changes I would make: None are necessary, but you could try them with a mix of kale and spinach. You could also try them with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
Difficulty: Easy!
Holiday Quick-Start Guide

Get my Holiday

Quick-Start Guide!

Free email series of my best tips!

FREE BONUS!

You May Also Like...

  • Easy Spinach Artichoke Bites on RachelCooks.com
    Easy Spinach Artichoke Phyllo Bites - VIDEO
  • Kale and Spinach Dip Bites (5 ingredients)
  • This whole wheat banana bread uses very little oil and 100% whole wheat flour. The caramel bits add the perfect touch of sweetness. Get the easy quick bread recipe on RachelCooks.com!
    Whole Wheat Caramel Banana Bread
  • Overhead view of large skillet with pasta dish, small white plate containing Parmesan cheese and grater, on a red plaid tablecloth.
    Whole Wheat Pasta with Bacon, Mushrooms, Onion
Switch up your smoothie game with this chocolate cherry smoothie. You'll love the black forest flavors in this protein shake - it tastes as good as dessert!  Get the recipe on rachelcooks.com!
Previous Post
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie – Black Forest Protein Shake
Coming together in less than 10 minutes, this mushroom flatbread with bacon, ricotta, and shaved asparagus is the perfect quick and easy summer lunch or dinner. You'll love the contrast of fresh and rich flavors! Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!
Next Post
Bacon and Mushroom Flatbread with Shaved Asparagus and Ricotta

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 1 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here

  1. Debbie says

    May 30, 2022 at 11:47 am

    Can I substitute something for the butter? Oil?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      June 2, 2022 at 7:57 am

      I haven’t tested it that way, but I think oil or ghee would work. Let me know if you try it.

      Reply
  2. Montana says

    December 31, 2021 at 11:04 am

    5 stars
    I cut the recipe in half, it was a big hit. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      January 3, 2022 at 10:25 am

      So glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  3. Rachel says

    January 19, 2021 at 12:53 pm

    I just combined the ingredients together. Can they be left in the fridge until I’m ready to bake them?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      January 21, 2021 at 1:26 pm

      Yes that should work just fine!

      Reply
  4. Audrey Adjmi says

    May 7, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    Hi, this recipe looks great. Was wondering if the could be frozen either before or after cooking. To really make ahead of time. 
    Thanks
    AA

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      May 8, 2019 at 8:35 am

      I haven’t tried freezing these, but I think it would work. I’d probably freeze before cooking. I think it would probably work either way, though. They might have a slightly more dry texture after thawing.

      Reply
  5. Renee E says

    March 1, 2019 at 8:24 am

    These were so delicious!  I cut the recipe in half but they were quickly gone at the party I was at.  Will make the full recipe next time!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      March 1, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      So glad you liked them! They are great for parties!

      Reply
  6. Lisa Thorpe says

    December 20, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    If made the previous day and stored in the refrigerator, does one just let them cone to room temperature? 

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 21, 2018 at 11:42 am

      They’d probably be okay that way, or you could heat them in the oven just until warmed through.

      Reply
  7. denise says

    June 30, 2017 at 1:54 am

    dip them in red sauce like a meatball…eat them as vegetarian meatballs

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      June 30, 2017 at 9:32 am

      Yes! That would be so good!

      Reply
  8. 2pots2cook says

    June 27, 2017 at 11:42 am

    Perfect ! Pinned ! Will be back !

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Rachel! Life can be complicated, cooking shouldn't be! I believe that you can put a delicious meal on the table without stressing. It's possible, and I'm here to help. Have a seat at my table...let's chat, eat, and have fun! Read more...

Air Fryer Instant Pot 30 Minutes One Pan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Vegetarian 5 Ingredients

Trending

Cooked salmon fillet on a grey-toned plate with cooked asparagus spears. The salmon is being flaked with a fork.

Air Fryer Salmon – easy and delicious!

Pizza pasta being scooped from a pan with a wooden spoon.

Pizza Pasta – 1 pan, 20 minutes

Image of a giant bowl of spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Asparagus Panzanella Salad

Seasonal

Beef and vegetable stir fry in a black wok.

Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables

Hot honey chicken sheet pan dinner with honey being drizzled on.

Hot Honey Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Sweet and sour shrimp lettuce wrap garnished with green onion.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

BBQ Chicken burrito bowl with avocado and sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Bowl

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
Free Bonus!

5 Cooking Secrets to Save Time & Stress

Free email series of my best tips and recipes!

Featured On:

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 Rachel Cooks®
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled