Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Spinach Ricotta Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer, perfect for parties or a simple snack. They combine creamy ricotta with fresh spinach and Parmesan for a flavorful, crispy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to the mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. If needed, add more breadcrumbs for consistency.
- Step 4: Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter). Coat each ball in additional breadcrumbs for an even crust.
- Step 5: Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart, and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the mixture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- If you prefer a richer taste, substitute half the ricotta with cream cheese.
- To make these bites smaller for party appetizers, reduce the size to about 1 inch in diameter.
Storage
Store leftover spinach ricotta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These bites can also be frozen after baking; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out excess water before chopping and mixing to avoid a watery dough.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and roll the bites in advance, then refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes for easy entertaining.
PrintSpinach Ricotta Bites Recipe
These Spinach Ricotta Bites are delightful, bite-sized appetizers featuring a creamy ricotta and fresh spinach filling, enhanced with Parmesan and garlic. Crispy on the outside and tender within, they are baked to perfection and make an excellent snack or party treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to the ricotta mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms. If the mixture is too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Shape Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Then, coat each ball evenly in additional breadcrumbs to form a crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the coated balls on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Lightly spray each bite with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning the bites halfway through baking to ensure a golden brown and crispy exterior on all sides.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. These bites are delicious on their own or paired with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, well-drained spinach if fresh is not available.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the mixture.
- If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: Spinach Ricotta Bites, Ricotta Snacks, Baked Appetizers, Vegetarian Bites, Italian Appetizers
