Spinach Balls

4.53 from 55 votes

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.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Appetizers/Snacks

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Rachel Gurk

Ingredients

16 ounces fresh spinach (or frozen, see note)
4 large eggs
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup finely minced onion
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or 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. You should have about 1 ½ cups of cooked spinach.
16 ounces fresh spinach
In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add panko, Parmesan cheese, onion, melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in spinach until well combined.
4 large eggs, 2 cups panko bread crumbs, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup finely minced onion, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
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.

Video

Notes

Using frozen spinach: One 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, can be substituted for the fresh spinach. Press out excess liquid as directed.
Panko: Panko is a coarse, airy bread crumb. If you prefer, whole wheat panko can be substituted or you can make homemade bread crumbs. Finely ground bread crumbs tend to make the spinach balls too dense.
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 uncooked spinach balls in a single layer until firm, 1 to 2 hours. Transfer to freezer safe container or bag. They'll keep for at least 2 months. It's not necessary to thaw them before baking or air frying, but add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
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

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