Name: Speedy Spinach & Ricotta Bites with Melted Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6 (approx. 18-20 bites)
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 15 ounces (about 1 ¾ cups) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained; 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well squeezed dry; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, well-squeezed spinach, ½ cup grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, flour, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3
Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Gently flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon to create uniform disks.
4
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the bites are set.
5
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each spinach ricotta bite. Return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6
Carefully transfer the hot bites to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

💡 Notes

For best results, ensure your spinach is squeezed as dry as possible to prevent a watery batter. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These bites can be made ahead and reheated, or frozen for longer storage.

Speedy Spinach & Ricotta Bites with Melted Cheese