Crispy Cheesy Spinach Balls with Easy Homemade Garlic Dipping Sauce
These crispy cheesy spinach balls feature a gooey, cheesy center and a crunchy exterior, paired perfectly with a creamy garlic dipping sauce. A quick and easy snack or appetizer that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian seasoned, preferably Panko)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Sauté the fresh spinach in a dry pan over medium heat until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Let cool, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, and minced garlic. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then pour into the spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined but not mushy.
- Use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a firm ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the tops of the balls lightly with olive oil spray to encourage crispiness.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside, turning the balls gently halfway through baking for even browning.
- While baking, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the garlic dipping sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the spinach balls warm with the garlic dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy balls. Use two cheeses for flavor depth. Don’t overmix to keep balls tender. Turn balls halfway through baking for even crispiness. Make dipping sauce fresh before serving. If mixture is too wet, add more bread crumbs; if too dry, add milk or an extra egg yolk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spinach ball with
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: spinach balls, cheesy spinach balls, garlic dipping sauce, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, baked spinach balls, party food