Spinach Balls (Fried or Baked Recipe)

gailanng's Note:

Freezable before baking; no need to defrost.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 32.0 balls

• 1 small onion , minced
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach , thawed but not drained
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded romano cheese (or more)
• 1 dash nutmeg
• salt
• black pepper
• 1 dash cayenne
• cooking spray (for baking) or olive oil (for frying)
• additional romano cheese (to garnish)
• marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions:

1. Saute onions and minced garlic in butter; place in large mixing bowl with undrained spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, 1 cup Romano, salt, nutmeg, black and cayenne pepper; mix thoroughly. Let mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb moisture. Form into 1" balls.
2. To fry:.
3. Heat 1 inch of olive oil in large skillet. Fry in small batches until golden, 3 to 6 minutes, turning once; do not overcook or they will be dry. Drain on toweling. Skim drippings between batches.
4. To bake:.
5. Preheat oven 350 degrees. Spray baking sheet arranging spinach balls and spraying balls lightly. Bake uncovered until golden for about 25 minutes; do not overcook.
6. Garnish with additional Romano. Serve warm or room temperature with marinara to dip.

Reviews

[katew]

Due to lack of time I made this as a baked slice in a rectangular casserole dish and cut it into squares and served it with sweet chilli sauce and it was marvellous. I followed the recipe exactly using frozen home grown spinach. Made for Everyday is a Holiday.

[Chef #848498]

Just made them! They are DELICIOUS! I didn't drain both bags- just one and that kept them nice and moist! :)