SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE BALLS

Appetizers|Ciao Bella|Vegetarian

Ingredients

1, 10 ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed mostly dry

2, 14 ounce cans artichoke hearts, drained, patted dry with paper towels, and finely chopped

5 eggs, beaten

1 stick butter, melted

4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (or softened in the microwave)

1 ½ teaspoons Dish off the Block Ciao Bella Italian Spice Blend

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients, except the olive oil and lemon in a large bowl and mix well. Refrigerate this mixture for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Form the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 3-4” apart. Drizzle liberally with the olive oil.

Bake for 12-14 minutes until they are golden brown and sizzling. Squeeze lemon juice all over the balls and remove to a serving platter with tongs. Optional – serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Note – You can fresh these balls before cooking on a baking sheet and then keep them in freezer bags for an easy appetizer any time. If you are baking them straight from the freezer, increase the cook time to 16-20 minutes.