These Spinach Balls are the perfect appetizer! They are delicious, easy to make, and an appetizer recipe that everyone will want the recipe for.
So this Spinach Balls recipe has kind of a funny story behind it. This is a recipe that came from my good friend’s mom. Like a second mom to me growing up, living just a few houses down. Anyway, this was a recipe that I’ve had at baby showers, and bridal showers, one of those recipe that you are like, “Oh, I’ll try this,” and then 80 spinach balls later you decide you are in love.
The other day I was thinking about this recipe and asked my friend if her mom was okay with me posting it on my blog. She told me she would ask and then a few minutes later I got this message about how her mom originally struggled to get the recipe from a friend.
It was hard for her to get the recipe but she believes “recipes are for sharing!” so she’s happy to give it out. To anyone and everyone.
I kind of believe that recipes are for sharing too.
The Most Forgiving Spinach Balls Ever
Here’s the funny part.
The first time I made this recipe after getting it from her, I left out the butter! I took them out of the oven and they looked dry and that’s when it hit me – THE BUTTER! I sent my friend a text telling her what had happened and she responded,
That’s so funny! Mom just did the same thing on Thanksgiving!
She went on to say that one of the great things about this recipe is that you can totally forget ingredients and they still work – they’ve forgotten the cheese and the bread crumbs before ????
Sure, not quite as good, but still delicious.
Guys, I ate like five butter-free spinach balls.
How to Make Spinach Balls
- Preheat the oven. Recipes always work better when they go into a fully hot oven.
- Combine all of the ingredients. This recipe is so simple and easy to make. You really do just toss everything together.
- Roll into balls. I like using a cookie scoop to make this recipe. It makes all the balls the same size so they bake evenly.
- Bake and enjoy!
Tips to Make this Recipe Turn Out Perfect
There are a few tips that help make this recipe turn out perfect.
- Make sure that when you thaw your frozen spinach you squeeze out all of the water.
- Be sure to dice your onions very small. The first time I made this, I didn’t dice them small enough and it makes it difficult to roll them, plus, big chunks of onions.
- Using a cookie scoop helps make the balls more quickly and more uniform.
- The original recipe called for stuffing mix (not the cubed kind), but I found that hard to find, so I used bread crumbs instead. Feel free to sub the stuffing mix back in if you find it!
- This recipe makes 24 spinach balls. The original was double that. So definitely make double if you are only having one other appetizer. Your guests will be so happy you did.
If you make this these delicious Spinach Balls (or any of my other recipes), please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Spinach Balls
Ingredients
- 3 eggs beaten
- 10 ounces package frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained well
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs see note
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 yellow onion diced very small
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, make 1 inch balls. Place them on the baking sheet. And bake for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Notes
did you make this
Spinach Balls
El says
We made these as a Thanksgiving appetizer and they were SO GOOD! 5 adults devoured 2 dozen spinach balls in no time! We’ve already agreed to make them again at Christmas—but will be making at least a double batch! 😁
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad these were a hit!
Toni says
Can they be made ahead of time and frozen?
Lisa Longley says
Yes!
Cheryl says
I love these. I got a recipe from a book in the early 80s and we all loved them. Lost book with recipe so I am so glad you posted this!
Lisa Longley says
I hope you love them!
Charlie Stephenson says
My first batch was not great but I will tweak and try again. For me, I did not care for taste and texture when I used CORNBREAD stuffing that I had in the pantry. Will do bread crumbs next time, and my Publix brand “chopped” spinach could use a run through the processor! The bread crumbs should give me a more uniform texture. I will rate later when I try my second batch!
Suzy says
Hi! Excited to make these. Does fresh spinach work as well as frozen?
Lisa Longley says
I have never made these with fresh spinach, sorry!
Sue says
With regards to freezing them.. Freeze before baking?
Lisa Longley says
I would bake and then freeze.
Sandi Durham says
Could I use olive oil instead of butter in this recipe?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tested this recipe with olive oil.
Hikda Arnold says
Can these be made ahead and frozen?? If so do you need to warm them after thaw???
Lisa Longley says
Yes they can. They are delicious warm or cold.
Lin says
Can the onions be carmelized to add more flavor?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tested that, but I can’t think of a reason why you can’t.
Donna Smith says
Hi, can these be made without cheese? I cannot have dairy.
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tried making these without the cheese. I’m concerned that you would need to leave the butter out as well.