These Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls are a crispy, golden bite of heaven! Imagine your favorite creamy spinach and artichoke dip rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a fun party snack, they’ll be the star of any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside: The perfect texture contrast!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for game days, holidays, or potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep and freeze them for frying later.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of cheese, spinach, and artichokes ensures every bite is bursting with goodness.
Ingredients for Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels for draining
How to Make Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the Balls:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue until all the filling is used. Place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 30-45 minutes to firm up.
- Coat the Balls:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each ball in flour, dip it in the eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Balls:
- Fry a few balls at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect as an appetizer with a side of marinara or a spicy sriracha mayo dip.
- Pair with a crisp side salad to balance the richness.
- Serve alongside other party favorites like mozzarella sticks or chicken wings.
Tips for the Best Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls
- Don’t Skip the Freezing Step: It helps the balls hold their shape while frying.
- Double Bread for Extra Crunch: For even crispier balls, dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time.
- Bake for a Healthier Option: Place on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen or bake until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and drain it well before mixing.
Q2: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion: Crispy, Cheesy, and Oh-So-Delicious!
These Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls are everything you love about the classic dip in bite-sized form. Perfectly crispy, melty, and packed with flavor, they’ll have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time: 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy these crispy bites of comfort, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media!
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Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
These Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls are a crispy, golden bite of heaven! Imagine your favorite creamy spinach and artichoke dip rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a fun party snack, they’ll be the star of any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the Balls:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue until all the filling is used. Place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 30-45 minutes to firm up.
- Coat the Balls:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each ball in flour, dip it in the eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Balls:
- Fry a few balls at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Freezing Step: It helps the balls hold their shape while frying.
- Double Bread for Extra Crunch: For even crispier balls, dip them in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time.
- Bake for a Healthier Option: Place on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 30-45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
