Ingredients
Scale
For the Spinach Balls:
- 2 packages (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 2 cups (6 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup finely minced onion (or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Squeeze Spinach Dry: This is the most important step! Place thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze as hard as you can to remove ALL excess moisture. You should extract about ½ cup of liquid. Dry spinach is crucial for proper texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed-dry spinach, stuffing mix, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, beaten eggs, minced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until everything is evenly combined and mixture holds together when squeezed.
- Form Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop mixture and roll between your palms into 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut). Place balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. You should get 40-45 balls.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. The balls should be firm to the touch and heated through.
- Cool Slightly: Let spinach balls cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This allows them to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- MUST squeeze spinach completely dry—this is crucial for proper texture.
- If mixture seems too dry to hold together, add 1-2 tablespoons melted butter or water.
- If mixture seems too wet, add more stuffing mix 2 tablespoons at a time.
- Can be frozen before or after baking—see Make-Ahead section for details.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 385mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg