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Spinach Ricotta Bites 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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