The 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer is the perfect blend of cheesy, savory, and fresh flavors all baked to crispy, golden perfection. These bites boast a creamy ricotta center paired with tender spinach, encased in a quick and easy dough that’s beginner-friendly and budget-conscious. Whether for weeknight snacking or impromptu guests, they come together fast with simple pantry staples. Pair it with my Roasted Strawberry Whipped Ricotta Toast for a sweet and savory combo that your whole family will love.
Why You'll Love 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking
Whip up this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly snack anytime you crave comfort food.
- Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings or easy entertaining.
- Simple ingredients available in most kitchens, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
- Deliciously creamy inside with a crisp golden crust for irresistible texture contrast.
- Perfectly portioned for snacks, appetizers, or light meals, great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking
Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture; part-skim works well too. Avoid watery ricotta by draining excess moisture.Spinach: Fresh spinach finely chopped is best; frozen spinach must be well-thawed and squeezed dry.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture; part-skim works well too. Avoid watery ricotta by draining excess moisture.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach finely chopped is best; frozen spinach must be well-thawed and squeezed dry.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prep the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add binding agents: Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and flour to help the mixture hold its shape. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to form balls.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands or a small scoop, form 1-inch bites and place them evenly spaced on the sheet.
Expert Tips for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking
- Use fresh spinach finely chopped to avoid excess moisture which can make bites soggy.
- If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine but may be less crispy.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture.
20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking
Whip up this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly snack anytime you crave comfort food.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer
- Prep the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add binding agents: Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and flour to help the mixture hold its shape. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to form balls.
- Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands or a small scoop, form 1-inch bites and place them evenly spaced on the sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
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 Snacking FAQs
Yes! Prepare the bites, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese mixed with a little milk as a ricotta substitute.
Place cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Dry bites often mean too much flour or overbaking; soggy bites usually come from excess moisture in spinach or ricotta—make sure to drain and squeeze out as much water as possible.
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- Roasted Strawberry Whipped Ricotta Toast
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Before You Go
If you try this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Snacking, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.