Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Spinach and Ricotta Balls that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. These flavorful bites combine fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, perfect as an appetizer or snack served with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Spinach
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Cheese and Bindings
- 1 1/2 cups (375g) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
To Serve
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, sauté the spinach in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. For frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before finely chopping. Let the spinach cool.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, ground nutmeg if using, and salt and pepper. Add the cooled and chopped spinach and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too wet and difficult to shape, gradually add more breadcrumbs until you achieve a firm consistency suitable for rolling.
- Fry the Balls: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the spinach and ricotta balls in the hot oil in batches. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are evenly golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked balls from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the spinach and ricotta balls warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ground nutmeg is optional but adds a warm, subtle flavor that complements the cheese and spinach.
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to avoid watery mixture and difficulty in forming balls.
- You can bake the balls at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.
- These balls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
