1. Prepare the Spinach

Start by preparing the spinach. If you are using frozen spinach, place it in a fine-mesh strainer or colander and press out any excess water. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent the spinach balls from becoming soggy. If using fresh spinach, rinse the leaves thoroughly, then steam or sauté the spinach until wilted. After cooking, chop the spinach finely and press out any excess water.

Place the prepared spinach in a large mixing bowl. The spinach will be the base of your spinach balls, so ensure it is well-drained and chopped evenly.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In the same large bowl, add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil over the ingredients.

Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold together when pressed into a ball. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to firm it up. On the other hand, if the mixture feels too dry, add a small splash of water or extra melted butter.

3. Form the Spinach Balls

Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the spinach balls. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms, ensuring that each ball is compact but not too tightly packed. You should end up with about 24-30 spinach balls, depending on the size you make them.

If the mixture is too sticky to handle, you can lightly grease your hands with a bit of olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to make the rolling process easier.

4. Arrange the Balls on a Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the spinach balls from sticking. Arrange the spinach balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced about 1-2 inches apart. This spacing allows them to bake evenly and get crisp on all sides.

5. Bake the Spinach Balls

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the spinach balls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may want to flip the spinach balls halfway through baking to ensure they bake evenly on all sides. The spinach balls should be firm to the touch and slightly crisp on the edges.

Keep an eye on them toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overbaking. You want them to be golden brown but not too dry.

6. Serve the Spinach Balls

Once the spinach balls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Transfer the spinach balls to a serving platter and serve warm.

Spinach Balls are great on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip for added flavor.