Introduction 📜
These Baked Spinach Cheese Bites are a delicious and easy alternative to traditional sausage balls. Packed with spinach, melty cheese, and savory stuffing mix, they’re the perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, or make-ahead snacks. Best of all, you can freeze them in advance and bake just what you need—convenient, flavorful, and always a crowd favorite.
Nutrition Information 🧬
Calories: 143
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 4g
Sodium: 260mg
Fiber: 2g
Quick Facts 📊
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Chill Time: 2 hrs
Servings: 16
Difficulty: ⭐
Storage and Reheating Tips ♻️
Refrigeration: Store baked spinach bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked spinach bites on a tray, then transfer to containers. Keeps up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve these spinach bites with honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a creamy yogurt dip. They pair well with vegetable platters, antipasto boards, or light soups for a satisfying starter.
Recipe Origins 📜
This crowd-pleasing appetizer originated as a quick recipe shared between home cooks—originally a no-meat variation of the popular sausage ball. It’s become a potluck favorite thanks to its cheesy flavor, tender texture, and ease of preparation. Great for vegetarians and those looking to skip processed meats.
Common Mistakes ❌
Not draining spinach thoroughly: Excess moisture can prevent the bites from holding their shape.
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the mixture helps firm it up and improves shaping.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on them—remove once lightly browned for the best texture.
Recipe Variations 🔄
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free seasoned stuffing mix.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives and olive oil for the butter.
Low-Carb Option: Replace stuffing with almond flour and add extra egg for binding.
Frequently Asked Questions 🔍
Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes. Use 10 ounces of cooked, well-drained fresh spinach (about 1 pound raw).
Can I skip the freezing step?
Yes. You can chill the mixture for 30 minutes, form balls, and bake immediately.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Freeze them uncooked and bake as needed, or bake ahead and reheat.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try ranch, honey mustard, Greek yogurt dip, or a spicy ketchup blend.
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 2 cups seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1 In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, stuffing mix, eggs, Parmesan, Cheddar, onion, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2 Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small balls and place them on the sheet.
Step 3 Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for about 1 hour until the spinach balls are firm. Once frozen, they can be stored in airtight containers or bags for later use.
Step 4 When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow the frozen balls to thaw slightly at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 5 Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bites are golden and slightly crisp on the outside. Serve warm or at room temperature.
