Spinach and artichoke feta balls are a delicious appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of spinach, artichokes, and feta cheese into a delightful bite-sized treat. These feta balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them perfect for parties or as a tasty snack. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these spinach and artichoke feta balls from scratch, using simple ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Spinach and Artichoke Feta Balls
For the feta balls:
- 8 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Feta Balls
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Coat the Balls: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the bread crumbs. Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet.
- Fry the Balls: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the spinach and artichoke feta balls warm, with the dipping sauce on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
Spinach: Spinach adds a vibrant green color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the feta balls. Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Artichoke Hearts: Artichoke hearts provide a unique texture and a slightly tangy flavor to the feta balls. Use canned artichoke hearts that are drained and chopped for convenience.
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the feta balls. Crumble the feta cheese finely for even distribution throughout the mixture.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the feta balls, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Bread Crumbs: Bread crumbs help bind the mixture together and add a crispy texture to the feta balls when fried.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the feta balls, complementing the other ingredients.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the feta balls, enhancing their freshness.
Lemon Zest: Lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the feta balls, brightening up the dish.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the feta balls together. Be sure to beat the eggs well before using them in the recipe.
Flour: Flour is used to coat the feta balls before dipping them in the beaten eggs and bread crumbs. It helps the coating adhere to the balls during frying.
Oil: Oil is used for frying the feta balls. Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for best results.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is used to make the dipping sauce, adding a creamy and tangy element to complement the savory feta balls.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dipping sauce, enhancing its freshness.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill adds a subtle, herbaceous flavor to the dipping sauce, complementing the other ingredients.
These spinach and artichoke feta balls are a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy them warm with the creamy yogurt dipping sauce for a tasty and flavorful treat.
