Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls
These Fried Spinach & Artichoke Dip Balls are a crispy, golden-brown twist on the classic creamy dip. They feature a rich filling of spinach, artichokes, and cheese, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game nights, or as an indulgent appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Spinach & Artichoke Filling:
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Breading:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For Serving:
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping
Instructions
1. Make the Spinach & Artichoke Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, artichokes, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up the mixture (this makes rolling easier).
3. Form the Balls:
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture and roll it into a ball.
Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4. Bread the Balls:
Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
1. Flour in the first bowl.
2. Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
3. Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third Bowl
Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Place on a tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help the coating set.
5. Fry the Balls:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry a few balls at a time, turning occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve hot with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: ~5g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~400mg
Notes & Tips:
Make Ahead: Prepare and bread the balls ahead of time, then freeze. Fry straight from frozen (add 1-2 extra minutes to frying time).
Baking Option: Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Extra Crispy: Double-coat in the egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.