Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach Ricotta Bites are a delicious, bite-sized snack packed with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a perfect appetizer or party 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to the mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. If needed, add more breadcrumbs for better consistency.
4. Step 4: Roll the mixture into small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Coat each ball in additional breadcrumbs for an even crust.
5. Step 5: Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart, and lightly spray with olive oil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Try baking the bites on a wire rack over the baking sheet to help them crisp evenly.

Storage

Store leftover spinach ricotta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before chopping and adding it to the mixture. This prevents sogginess in the bites.

Can these bites be made dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for flavor.

Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 148 reviews

Delightfully crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Spinach Ricotta Bites combine fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and savory Parmesan into bite-sized snacks baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack, they’re easy to make and sure to impress.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 20 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 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)

For Baking

• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Add Breadcrumbs: Stir in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to the mixture. The mixture should form a sticky dough; if it feels too wet, gradually add extra breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Form Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Coat each ball evenly in additional breadcrumbs to create a crisp exterior when baked.
5. Arrange and Spray: Place the breadcrumb-coated bites onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave slight space between each. Lightly spray the bites with olive oil to promote browning and crispness.
6. Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through baking, turn each bite to ensure even golden browning on all sides.
7. Serve: Once golden brown and crispy, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Make sure to finely chop the spinach and drain any excess moisture to prevent soggy bites.
• If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs gradually until you achieve a firm but sticky dough.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
• These bites freeze well; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Keywords: Spinach ricotta bites, baked appetizers, vegetarian snacks, Italian appetizers, ricotta cheese recipes