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Spinach Cheese Balls

These Spinach Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy, and nutrient-packed snack perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy, Quick, Snack, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 9 ounce frozen chopped spinach thawed
  • 1 large egg
  • 15 ounce ricotta cheese container
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounce shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup
  • 4 ounce shredded Parmesan cheese 1 cup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning bread crumbs
  • pizza sauce for serving

Instructions

  • Ensure that your frozen chopped spinach is fully thawed. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy cheese balls.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and shredded Parmesan. Add the large egg, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
  • Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with the additional salt. In another shallow bowl, combine the dry bread crumbs with a sprinkle of salt.
  • Roll each cheese ball first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the bread crumbs to coat evenly, creating a crispy exterior when fried.
  • In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully fry the cheese balls in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Serve hot with pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful bites!

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon or Spatula
  • Cookie Sheet
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Paper Towels
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Notes

  • Thoroughly squeezing moisture from spinach is essential to avoid soggy cheese balls.
  • Cheese balls can be frozen after shaping; fry directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
  • Baking is a great alternative to frying; bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.