This 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer is a game-changer for quick homemade snacks. These bites feature creamy ricotta and tender spinach wrapped in a crispy golden crust for perfect texture. They’re beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and come together fast—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Pair it with my Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken & Green Beans Stir Fry for a balanced meal your family will adore.
Why You'll Love 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Try this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer. Perfect for quick, homemade, family-friendly snacks that everyone loves!
- Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy schedules
- Creamy ricotta and spinach packed with fresh flavor
- Simple ingredients using pantry staples
- Great for meal prep, parties, or comforting snacks
Ingredients for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Ricotta cheese: Use whole-milk ricotta for best creaminess. Low-fat ricotta works as a lighter option.Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred; however, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach works well too.
- Ricotta cheese: Use whole-milk ricotta for best creaminess. Low-fat ricotta works as a lighter option.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred; however, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach works well too.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the spinach mixture: If using fresh spinach, finely chop it. Sauté in a small pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, cooled spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until fully blended.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add breadcrumbs: Fold in panko breadcrumbs to bind the mixture but keep it moist enough to shape.
Expert Tips for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
- Use fresh spinach whenever possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overbake; look for golden edges and set centers.
- For easier shaping, dampen your hands slightly.
20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Try this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer. Perfect for quick, homemade, family-friendly snacks that everyone loves!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer
- Prepare the spinach mixture: If using fresh spinach, finely chop it. Sauté in a small pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, cooled spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until fully blended.
- Add breadcrumbs: Fold in panko breadcrumbs to bind the mixture but keep it moist enough to shape.
- Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Form mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 15–18 minutes or until golden and set.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining FAQs
Yes! Prepare them up to a day in advance and store in the fridge before baking. You can also freeze the shaped bites before baking and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Cottage cheese works but blend it smooth for a creamier texture. Cream cheese can be mixed with a little milk as a replacement too.
Store cooled leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Dry bites often mean too many breadcrumbs or overbaking; soggy bites may be caused by excess moisture from spinach—make sure to squeeze out frozen spinach well before using.
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Before You Go
If you try this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.