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
Kathy says
Do you use the breadcrumbs out of te stuffing box not made into stuffing
Or do you make te stuffing and add the spinach etc to it?
This is referring to the spinach balls recipe.
Lisa Longley says
I used breadcrumbs (like you would put in meatloaf), but the original recipe used stuffing mix not yet made into stuffing.
JDB says
Can you make the spinach balls a day or two ahead of time? If so, do you heat them up again before serving?
Lisa Longley says
I would only make them 24 hours in advance and then heat them before serving.
bev says
Hi. These sound yummy and I will make them over the weekend. I will use the cubed stuffing mix but I will make crumbs from them. Wish you were here to share them with me! LOL
Theresa says
What can I use instead of the butter to cut down the calories and fat?
Lisa Longley says
I’m sorry, Theresa, I’ve only ever made this with butter.
Eleanor says
I never use frozen spinach. Should I lightly steam fresh spinach? ( then squeeze it out)
Lisa Longley says
I probably would sauté it. There are lots of great tutorials out there to do that :)
Rose says
Hello- these look delicious.
Another person asked about making them in advanced and you advised only one day ahead. When reheating what temperature do you suggest and for how long?
Thanks! Cant wait to try them.
Lisa Longley says
Reheat at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes in a covered casserole dish. Check on them at about 15 minutes. Having an instant read thermometer is so helpful for something like this because you just want the center to be about 130.
Cici says
Hello, Could I possibly use almond flour in place of the regular breadcrumbs?
Lisa Longley says
No, you won’t get the same results, unfortunately. I would suggest instead, using ground pork rinds.
Sharon says
Hi Lisa!
I got this recipe from a friend ages ago, and it’s always my go to recipe for an appetizer! I do use the Pepperidge Farm seasoned stuffing mix and it’s always a hit. Never tried it with breadcrumbs. Regardless, it’s absolutely delicious! I also make a honey mustard dip to go with it. Yum!
Regards,
Sharon
Janice says
Are these vegan?
Lisa Longley says
They are not. They would be a little tricky to make vegan since you would need a substitute for the eggs, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Pam Scott says
I took a box of stuffing and smashed it in the food processor!