The 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer is your new go-to for a quick, cheesy, and delicious starter. These bites are packed with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, baked to golden perfection with a crispy edge and melty center. Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time, this recipe is easy to prepare with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes. Pair it with my Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken & Green Beans Stir Fry for a complete meal.
Why You'll Love 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love
Discover this quick 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer perfect for any occasion. Simple, cheesy, and utterly delicious!
- Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests.
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh spinach for a fresh taste.
- Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside—irresistible texture.
- Great for meal prep, snacks, or party appetizers.
Ingredients for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love
Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh whole milk ricotta for creaminess. Cottage cheese can be a substitute but will alter texture.Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best; alternatively, use frozen spinach, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh whole milk ricotta for creaminess. Cottage cheese can be a substitute but will alter texture.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best; alternatively, use frozen spinach, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, egg, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well blended.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add dry ingredients: Add panko breadcrumbs and flour into the bowl; mix until the mixture binds enough to shape into bites.
Expert Tips for 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love
- Drain excess moisture from spinach to avoid soggy bites.
- For extra crispiness, broil the bites for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Use whole milk ricotta for smoother, creamier texture.
20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love
Discover this quick 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer perfect for any occasion. Simple, cheesy, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
How to Make 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, egg, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well blended.
- Add dry ingredients: Add panko breadcrumbs and flour into the bowl; mix until the mixture binds enough to shape into bites.
- Form and bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form bite-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet. Brush each with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
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 You’ll Love FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the bites in advance and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just bake fresh before serving.
Cottage cheese works as a substitute but will give a different texture. Blending cottage cheese smooth helps.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Dry bites usually mean too much flour or overbaking. Soggy bites often come from excess moisture in spinach—drain it well before mixing.
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Before You Go
If you try this 20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Bites Recipe – Irresistibly Easy Appetizer You’ll Love, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.