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
Lynn says
Hello, can you use fresh Spinach for this recipe?
Lisa Longley says
Yes, but you will want to cook it down first. I recommend using this tutorial: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/how-to-substitute-fresh-spinach-for-frozen/
Rita says
Can you freeze them the spinach balls??
Lisa Longley says
Yup!
Amy F. says
I’m thinking the stuffing mix is from the Stovetop box mix? Would maybe need a few boxes.
Lisa Longley says
Correct.
Barb H says
These were pretty tasty. I think I will add some chopped up water chestnuts for a little more texture.
Missy says
I made these for my vegetarian friend coming to dinner we both loved them . Great flavor and I made them the nite b4 then next evening scooped to bake. Soo good and easy.
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Coco says
Hi! Made these spinach balls wth fresh spinach. Cooked it down and added to other ingredients. The mixture smells amazing!!! Can’t wait to taste the final product! 👏
Lisa Longley says
I hope you love them!
Coco says
Taste amazing! Would suggest some dipping sauce, perhaps? Tzatziki sauce?
Lisa Longley says
I never have them with dipping sauce, but I’ve had readers tell me that they love these with Cocktail Sauce or Ranch Dressing.
Marci Boland says
I have made a very similar recipe for years but my recipe calls for some cayenne pepper! It gives them a wonderful kick!
Peggy Duvall says
I can’t put my finger on it but I’m not a fan. Maybe the stuffing would taste better, I used Italian Bread crumbs. AlsoI might try adding rosemary and sausage. My husband loves them.
Carol says
Love the recipe! Thankyou for all your work!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy to hear that! You are very welcome!