Spinach Ricotta Bites: A Bite-Sized Crowd Pleaser Recipe

Introduction

Spinach Ricotta Bites are a delicious, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for parties or a quick appetizer. These crispy, cheesy morsels combine fresh spinach with creamy ricotta for a flavorful treat that everyone will love.

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 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 crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
• Try adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a twist.
• These bites can be made ahead and frozen before baking; just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage

Store leftover spinach ricotta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These bites can also be frozen before or after baking for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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 squeeze out as much moisture as possible before chopping and adding it to the mixture to avoid sogginess.

Are these bites suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these bites contain no meat and use vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making them a great option for vegetarians.

Spinach Ricotta Bites: A Bite-Sized Crowd Pleaser Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

These Spinach Ricotta Bites are bite-sized, golden, and crispy little snacks packed with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer or a savory snack, they bake to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a deliciously soft center.

• Author: Hannah
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Spinach Ricotta Mixture

• 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 ensure even baking.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the large egg. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Add Breadcrumbs: Stir in 1/2 cup breadcrumbs into the mixture until a sticky dough forms. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet to easily shape.
4. Form Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls roughly 1-2 inches in diameter. Then coat each ball evenly with additional breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust after baking.
5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the breadcrumb-coated bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for even heat circulation. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote browning.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning the bites halfway through baking to ensure golden brown and crispy all around.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These bites are delicious on their own or paired with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before chopping.
• These bites can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
• To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
• Marinara sauce or a garlic aioli make excellent dipping options.

Keywords: Spinach ricotta bites, savory snack, appetizer, party food, baked bites, vegetarian appetizer, easy snack