The 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer is your go-to for a fast, crowd-pleasing snack that’s loaded with melty cheese and savory spinach. These bites have a crispy outside and creamy center, making them irresistibly tasty and simple to prepare with pantry staples. They come together in no time and are beginner-friendly, perfect for last-minute entertaining or weekday snack cravings. Pair it with my Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken & Green Beans Stir Fry for a well-rounded meal packed with flavor.
Why You'll Love 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Make this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for a quick, flavorful snack. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests!
- Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy schedules
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand
- Crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful inside – a texture delight
- Great for appetizers, snacks, or even a light lunch
Ingredients for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta offers creamier texture; part-skim ricotta works as a lighter substitution.Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for texture; frozen spinach can be used but must be well-drained to avoid soggy bites.
- Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta offers creamier texture; part-skim ricotta works as a lighter substitution.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for texture; frozen spinach can be used but must be well-drained to avoid soggy bites.
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
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Form the bites: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch). Place them on the baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
Expert Tips for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
- Drain spinach well to avoid soggy bites.
- Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or plain with added herbs.
- Serve with a marinara dip to elevate the appetizer experience.
20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Make this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for a quick, flavorful snack. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Grated extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well incorporated.
- Form the bites: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch). Place them on the baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are lightly golden and bites are set. Let cool slightly before serving.
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! You can mix and shape the bites, store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when ready.
You can substitute cottage cheese (blended smooth) or cream cheese in a pinch, though texture may be slightly different.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
Dry bites often happen if the egg is too small or mix lacks moisture. Soggy bites usually result from not draining spinach fully or overcrowding the baking sheet.
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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.