Savory Spinach Bites
- By Valerie Denton
- Updated January 29, 2025
Welcome to a new favorite in your culinary collection: Savory Spinach Bites! Perfect for any gathering or a simple family snack, these bites blend the nutritional powerhouse of spinach with a tender crisp, cheesy exterior that’s impossible to resist.
In this recipe, we take fresh spinach and elevate it with a mix of aromatic spices and cheese, creating bites that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Whether you call them spinach bites, spinach balls, or spinach nuggets, these little delights are easy to make and even easier to love. This will soon become your favorite spinach ball recipe.

Savory Spinach Bites
Ingredients
- 20 oz spinach (steamed, drained and dried)
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup white sweet onion, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups bread crumbs
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Instructions
- Prepare the Flavor Base. In a small skillet, melt 3/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add the minced 3/4 cup white sweet onion, minced and 3 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and tender, about 7 minutes ⏱️ . Remove from heat and let the onion-garlic mixture cool.
- Mix the Ingredients. In a small bowl, beat 4 eggs. Add the cooled onion-garlic mixture, 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese to the eggs. Stir to combine thoroughly. Add 20 oz spinach to the bowl and stir until well blended and the spinach is fully incorporated.
- Bind the Mixture. Sprinkle 2 cups bread crumbs over the spinach mixture and mix well, ensuring even distribution.
- Chill the Mixture. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes ⏱️ to allow the ingredients to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Form the Bites. After chilling, preheat your oven to 350 °F. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. At this point you may cover with plastic wrap, please in the
- Freeze.At this point, you may cover the tray of uncooked spinach bites with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Freeze the bites for at least 3-4 hours until they are firm. Once firm, remove the bites from the freezer. Transfer the frozen bites into an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Place them back in the freezer for future use.
- When you're ready to enjoy your Savory Spinach Bites, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and crispy. This makes for a quick and convenient snack or appetizer anytime!
- Bake.Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Arrange the bites 1.5 inches apart on a baking sheet pan or in an air fryer.
- Baking Times – If baking from frozen, do NOT thaw before placing in the oven.Doneness: Cooking times are approximate. Doneness is achieved when the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. Standard oven.Fresh: Bake approximately 20 minutes ⏱️.Frozen: Bake approximately 25 minutes ⏱️ . Convection oven.Fresh: Bake approximately 15 minutes ⏱️.Frozen: Bake approximately 20 minutes ⏱️.Air fryer oven:Fresh: Bake approximately 8 minutes ⏱️.Frozen: Bake approximately 10 minutes ⏱️.
Notes
- Be sure to check out our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) section, where we answer all your burning questions to help you navigate the recipe with ease and confidence!
- Don’t miss our HOW MUCH TO MAKE section, where we help you perfectly portion your recipes for any gathering, big or small—ensuring everyone leaves your table satisfied and happy!
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Nutrition
Table of Contents (select below to jump to a section)
ENRICH THE RECIPE
To elevate the flavor and texture of your Savory Spinach Bites, consider these delightful variations and additions that can enhance the overall experience of this already delicious recipe:
Incorporate Different Cheeses
Swap out or add to the Parmesan cheese with other types such as feta for a tangy taste, or mozzarella for a gooey texture. A mix of cheeses can add depth and richness to the bites.
Add Some Crunch
Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for an added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.
Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a bit of finely chopped jalapeño can give the bites a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a substitute like crushed gluten-free crackers or rolled oats to cater to gluten-free dietary needs without compromising on texture.
A GUIDED JOURNEY OF HOW TO MAKE
If you’re in need of some guidance on creating this delightful recipe, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find comprehensive instructions. We’ve enriched these sections with visuals like photos and videos to aid your cooking experience and ensure a successful culinary adventure. By following these steps, you’re not just making a meal; you’re crafting an experience. A dish that warms the soul and brings a smile to faces. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
STEP 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
Begin by melting a few tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes translucent and tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and allow the onion-garlic mixture to cool.

STEP 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, start by beating the eggs. To these, add the cooled onion-garlic mixture along with thyme, salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. Next, fold in the chopped spinach, ensuring it is well blended and fully incorporated into the mixture.
If you need a little extra guidance, don’t hesitate to check out our ‘Ultimate Guide to Cooking Vegetables.’ This comprehensive resource is packed with tips and tricks to help you master the art of vegetable cooking, ensuring your dish turns out beautifully every time.

STEP 3: Bind the Mixture
Evenly sprinkle bread crumbs over the spinach mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the bread crumbs are well distributed throughout the mixture.

STEP 4: Chill the Mixture
Transfer the mixture into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling process helps the ingredients to meld together and firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle in the next step.

STEP 5: Form and Cook the Bites
Once the mixture has chilled, begin preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. If you wish to freeze the bites for later use, cover the tray with plastic wrap at this point and place it in the freezer. Freeze the bites for 3-4 hours until they are firm. Once firm, transfer the bites into an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag and keep them in the freezer.

FREEZING THE BITES
If using the bites from frozen, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply remove the Savory Spinach Bites from the freezer when you’re ready to cook.
BAKING
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the spinach bites 1.5 inches apart on a baking sheet or in an air fryer basket.
BAKING TIMES
For a standard oven, bake the bites for approximately 15-20 minutes, or 20-25 minutes if they’re taken directly from the freezer. For a convection oven, bake for 15 minutes, or 20 minutes from the freezer. In an air fryer oven, bake for about 8 minutes, or 10 minutes if baking directly from the freezer.
NOTE: Do NOT thaw the bites before baking if they are frozen. This ensures they remain crisp and hold their shape well.
By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy Savory Spinach Bites, perfect for a quick snack or an appetizer at any gathering. Enjoy them freshly baked or stored in the freezer for a convenient treat anytime!



DETERMINING THE RIGHT QUANTITY: HOW MUCH TO MAKE
When it comes to party appetizers, it’s all about ensuring there’s enough to go around while minimizing waste. As a general rule of thumb, I usually plan for 3-4 bites per person when there are various other appetizers on the menu. However, if you have someone personally passing the bites on a tray, a slightly more conservative estimate of 2-3 tarts per person typically suffices. This approach ensures your guests can savor these delightful treats without overindulging, creating the perfect balance for your gathering.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water to avoid making the mixture too soggy.
What are the best cheeses to use in this recipe?
Parmesan is recommended for its nutty and salty flavor, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture, or feta for a tangy kick.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
How long can I store these bites in the freezer?
The Savory Spinach Bites can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. This might even help the flavors to meld together better.
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