Spinach Ricotta Bites: A Bite-Sized Crowd Pleaser Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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 large egg. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning the bites halfway through baking to ensure golden brown and crispy all around.
- 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
