Looking for a tasty and healthy appetizer that fits your low-carb lifestyle? These keto spinach balls are the perfect choice! They are flavorful, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. Whether you're hosting a party, need a quick snack, or want to add some greens to your lunchbox, this recipe is a winner.
Why You'll Love These Keto Spinach Balls
- Low Carb: With only a few net carbs per serving, these spinach balls are perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Nutritious: Spinach is a superfood, rich in iron and B vitamins, providing an energy boost.
- Flavorful: The combination of cheeses, herbs, and spices creates a savory and satisfying taste.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it ideal for busy individuals.
- Versatile: Enjoy them hot or cold, as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred for its better texture and higher nutrient content, but frozen spinach can also be used. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, preventing the balls from crumbling.
- Parmesan/Mozzarella Blend: This cheese combination adds a salty and cheesy flavor. You can use a pre-shredded mix or combine them yourself. Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese can also be substituted to spice things up. Fontina cheese adds amazing flavor and texture.
- Basil: Fresh basil elevates the taste and aroma. Other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be used as alternatives.
- Garlic Salt: Provides an extra punch of flavor compared to regular salt.
- Almond Flour: A great low-carb flour option. Coconut flour (1/3 cup) can be used as a nut-free alternative, but not as a direct substitute.
- Pork Rind Crumbs: Keeps the recipe keto-friendly and adds a nice crunch. Simply process pork rinds in a food processor until they resemble breadcrumbs.
- Butter: Adds richness to the recipe.
- Red Onion and Garlic: These aromatics enhance the savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness.
- Psyllium Husk: Adds fiber and helps bind the ingredients.
- Spices: Black pepper, poultry seasoning, and kosher salt enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Fresh Spinach: Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Add the spinach leaves, cover, and cook for 2 minutes. Rinse the spinach in cold water and squeeze out the excess water using your hands or a cheesecloth. Chop the spinach into small pieces.
- Frozen Spinach: Thaw the spinach completely. Wrap it in several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add finely diced red onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add finely minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cheese, basil, garlic salt, almond flour, psyllium husk, and egg. Stir to combine. Add the spinach and cooled onion and garlic to the bowl and mix until well combined to form a dough. If the dough is too wet, add a little more almond flour.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls, making approximately 16-20 balls. To ensure consistent portions, use an ice cream scoop.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the balls, spaced out, on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the spinach balls from the sheet pan and place them on paper towels to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor. Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or a vegan cheese alternative like Violife can be used. Add a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you don't have basil, use other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Air Fryer Option: For extra crispy spinach balls, cook them in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 17-20 minutes, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other.
- Make Ahead: Roll the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Store them in the fridge on parchment paper or in a covered container separated by parchment paper.
- Freezing: Freeze the spinach balls before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked balls, place them on a plate lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Once firm, transfer them to a plastic container. There's no need to thaw before baking; just place them on a baking sheet and cook as usual.
- Add-ins: Mix in steamed arugula, red pepper flakes, or flavored pork rinds to change the flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Option: Use ⅓ cup coconut flour in place of the almond flour.
- Olive Oil Roasted Garlic: Add a wow factor by including olive oil roasted garlic.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with keto-friendly dipping sauces like keto pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.
- Enjoy them on their own as a quick and easy snack.
- Add them to your lunchbox for a savory and nutritious treat.
- Serve them as part of a spread of appetizers at parties and gatherings.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 96 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 283mg
- Potassium: 82mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: 78mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Reheat for 30 seconds.
- Non-Stick Pan: Gently warm in a non-stick pan.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer.
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto