Description
Spinach ricotta bites bring Mediterranean charm to appetizer spreads with elegant simplicity. Crisp pastry shells cradle creamy filling, promising delightful flavor combinations you’ll savor at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Coating:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix ricotta, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually incorporate breadcrumbs into the mixture, stirring consistently to create a cohesive, slightly sticky dough that holds its shape.
- Gently form compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Roll each spherical bite through an additional layer of breadcrumbs, creating a crisp exterior coating that will transform golden and crunchy during baking.
- Arrange the prepared bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote even heat circulation.
- Delicately mist the surface of each bite with olive oil to enhance browning and contribute to a delectable crispness.
- Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), allowing the bites to transform into golden, crispy morsels over 15-20 minutes.
- Midway through cooking, carefully rotate the baking sheet to ensure uniform coloration and texture.
- Remove from oven when bites display a rich, golden-brown exterior and feel firm to the touch.
- Allow a brief cooling period before serving, accompanied by optional marinara sauce for an additional flavor dimension.
Notes
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce salt content by using low-sodium Parmesan and carefully measuring added salt for heart-healthy diets.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and add complexity to the bite-sized treats.
- Prepare mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper taste characteristics.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg