Get ready to transform your appetizer game with these irresistible Spinach Rice Balls that are about to become the star of every gathering! Imagine crispy, golden-brown bites packed with vibrant spinach, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly seasoned rice - a mouthwatering treat that's not just delicious, but surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking for a kid-friendly snack, or wanting to impress your guests with a gourmet-style finger food, these appetizer balls are your secret weapon to culinary success.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 15 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of fresh chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot and ready for the appetizer balls once they are assembled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and chopped spinach. Make sure the spinach is well distributed throughout the rice.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. This will add a rich flavor and help bind the ingredients together.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then, add the beaten egg to the rice and spinach mixture. This will act as a binding agent for the balls.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make about 15 balls from this mixture.
- Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This will create a nice crispy exterior when baked.
- Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the balls are on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- After baking, remove the spinach rice appetizer balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the appetizer balls warm, optionally with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara or a garlic aioli.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for better texture and binding - slightly dried rice helps the balls hold their shape more effectively.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the chopped spinach to prevent soggy balls.
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped herbs like basil or parsley to the mixture.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help it bind.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform-sized balls for consistent cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These appetizer balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or mozzarella for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 41kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
