Spinach Balls
A family favorite appetizer for every holiday and party, these Spinach Balls are the perfect finger food app – with a hint of veggies! Try this lightened up version of my mom’s original recipe – I can’t wait to hear how much you love them too!
Gluten Free option, Nut Free, Soy Free
The greatest snacking occasion of all time is almost here – the SUPER BOWL!
As much as I love watching Michigan football (go blue!), I’m not the biggest sports fan otherwise… BUT, when it’s a sports game PLUS alllll the snacks, I’m in!
Big snack parties, like the Super Bowl, can be overwhelming if you’re trying to create and sustain healthy habits. But that’s why being a FLEXIBLE EATER is so important. You CAN enjoy your favorite finger foods and feel great too! It’s all about finding a balance that works for your body.
You can provide or contribute to a perfectly balanced spread, with healthier options, that tastes absolutely delicious…
If you’re throwing a party…
- Provide a variety of typical football finger food AND healthier options. Want best of both worlds?Healthify some of your go-to recipes, like chicken fingers, fries, even your chips and dip
- Always add some veggies! People usually think that veggies will be the last thing added to a snack plate when – you may be surprised that by offering veggies, they go! And remember, it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing type of situation – offer chips AND veggies. That’s my kinda BALANCE!
- Make sure there’s some protein. Chips and dip are great, but also offer some more sustenance, in the form of protein. Finger food proteins, like healthier chicken fingers and shrimp cocktail are both great ideas.
Heading to a party?
- Bring a healthier dish. Whether it’s an appetizer or dessert, there’s always a way to make healthier options taste great. Play around and do your research. Here are some tips to modify any recipe to fit your needs. Personally, I love this loaded guacamole, and for a sweeter option, these brownies are always a hit.
- Don’t arrive starving. You’ve heard this tip before, but it’s a good reminder to have a snack before you head out! Remember, when you’re over-hungry, you’re more likely to over-eat… and not a good balance of food either!
- Survey your options… then make a decision about what you want to eat.
Some general game day tips…
- Watch the game STANDING. There’s never enough sitting room for everyone, so volunteer to be a standing spectator. An average 130 pound woman can burn over 200 calories by standing for a three hour game (and the Super Bowl is always longer, right?).
- Exercise earlier in the day. Breaking a sweat on days you may eat or drink more than usual will help prevent that bloated feeling the next day.
- Alternate alcoholic beverages & water to ward off dehydration and fill up.
Now that you’re armed & ready to survive ANY Super Bowl party, ready for these Spinach Balls?
They may have veggies in the name, but these are absolutely DELICIOUS!
This recipe is a family favorite appetizer for ALL parties, and the Super Bowl is NO exception! Simple tweaks made this recipe healthier.
These Spinach Balls are…
- Full of vitamins and minerals (helloooo spinach!)
- Made with whole grains (breadcrumbs)
- Full of flavor
- Vegetarian
- Delicious
- Easy to assemble
- And more!
Spinach Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 10oz package chopped frozen spinach, thawed, with excess water thoroughly squeezed out
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg white
- 1 cup whole wheat or gluten free breadcrumbs*
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Optional: Spicy honeycup or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except mustard) and mix thoroughly.
- Roll your spinach balls “dough” into 1 inch balls. Place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat until all dough is used. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with spicy honeycup or honey mustard.
Notes
*May use stuffing and omit spices as well.
Don’t Forget to PIN these Spinach Balls for later…
If you make this recipe, or any other Chelsey Amer Nutrition recipe, I’d love to see your results! Tag me – @chelseyamernutrition – on Instagram!
XO