The 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer is a quick and delicious way to impress your guests or treat your family after a busy day. These bites come out perfectly golden with a melty, creamy ricotta center accented by fresh spinach and herbs. The recipe is beginner-friendly and uses simple pantry staples, making it ideal for weeknight snacks or last-minute entertaining. Serve these with a refreshing salad or pair it with my Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken & Green Beans Stir Fry for a full meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You'll Love 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Whip up this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for a quick, cheesy, and family-friendly starter everyone will love.
- Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for quick snacks or last-minute parties.
- Loaded with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, offering comfort food vibes with a healthy twist.
- Simple ingredients you likely have on hand, so no stressful grocery trips.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, cheese, or add-ins.
Ingredients for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Ricotta cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture; part-skim works to lower fat.Fresh spinach: Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed and well-drained) can be substituted.
- Ricotta cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture; part-skim works to lower fat.
- Fresh spinach: Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed and well-drained) can be substituted.
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 prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick silicone mat.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, finely chopped spinach, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Form the bites: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1-inch diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Expert Tips for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
- To prevent sogginess, squeeze excess moisture from spinach before mixing.
- For a gluten-free version, swap panko for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Use a cookie scoop for consistent bite sizes to ensure even baking.
20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for Quick Entertaining
Whip up this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer for a quick, cheesy, and family-friendly starter everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or fresh basil, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer
- Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick silicone mat.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, finely chopped spinach, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Form the bites: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1-inch diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the bites are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
- Serve warm: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara.
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 prepare the mixture and form the bites in advance. Store them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze before baking for longer storage.
Cream cheese or cottage cheese blended until smooth can be used, though the texture and flavor will change slightly.
Keep leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Too much moisture in the spinach or overbaking can cause dryness or sogginess. Make sure to drain spinach well and watch baking time closely.
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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.