Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on the outside—these Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls are the ultimate party appetizer. Inspired by everyone’s favorite dip, these bite-sized snacks are filled with a savory mixture of spinach, artichokes, and melty cheese, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. Serve them with a cool dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing, addictive treat you’ll make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Cheesy – A golden crust with a creamy, gooey center.
Easy to Make – Prep ahead and fry when ready.
Great for Parties – The perfect handheld appetizer.
Freezer-Friendly – Make and freeze for a quick snack or entertaining.
Crowd Favorite – Everyone loves spinach artichoke dip—now in crispy form!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped (or thawed frozen spinach)
• 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, finely chopped
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Ranch dressing
• Garlic aioli
• Marinara sauce
• Spicy mayo

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Spoon or small scoop
Baking sheet
Deep skillet or fryer
Slotted spoon or tongs
Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Roll into Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the chilled mixture into 1–1½ inch balls.
Place on a lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to bread.

Step 3: Bread the Balls
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

1. Flour
2. Beaten eggs
3. Breadcrumbs
   Roll each ball in flour, dip into egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
   Return to baking sheet and freeze again for 15–20 minutes (this helps them hold their shape when frying).

Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry a few balls at a time, turning as needed, until golden brown—about 2–3 minutes per batch.
Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Fried Dip Balls
Chill Well – Cold filling and pre-frozen balls hold their shape better.
Use Panko – For extra crispy, golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd – Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
Add Extra Cheese – Stir in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack for flavor variety.
Bake or Air Fry – For a lighter option, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
As a Party Appetizer – Serve with a variety of dips and toothpicks.
With a Salad – Pair with a crisp green salad for a fun lunch.
Game Day Snack – Perfect for watching the big game.
Alongside Soup – Try them with tomato basil soup for a cheesy twist.
On a Platter – Combine with mozzarella sticks and fried pickles for the ultimate snack board.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze uncooked or cooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—will soften the crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes—cook it down first and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make and freeze them ahead; fry straight from frozen with just an extra minute of cooking time.

3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Spray lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway.

4. Are they spicy?
Only mildly—omit red pepper flakes for a kid-friendly version.

5. What cheese substitutes work?
Use shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina for different cheesy flavors.

Final Thoughts
Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls are everything you love about the classic dip—now in crispy, bite-sized form. With a gooey center and crunchy coating, they’re perfect for entertaining, snacking, or just treating yourself to something savory and satisfying.

Make a batch today and watch them disappear in minutes!

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American / Appetizer

Nutritional Information (Per Ball, approx. 20):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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