Baked Kale Spinach balls

Inspiration for my recipes comes in very different ways. The other week I was buying my grocery at Trader Joe’s and I stopped in front of the frozen area and I saw the frozen “kale and spinach bites”. As I always do when a new food appeals to me at the grocery store, I read the ingredients list and the nutritional value chart 🙂 I have to admit that the ingredients used were all good and on the healthy side and the amount of sodium was not crazy high. Still, I like to prepare everything from scratch for my family so that I can control 100% the ingredients and the level of salt/sugar used.

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That’s how I ended up recreating a homemade version of their “kale and spinach bites”. The result was impressive. The kids loved them, and that’s why I decided to share with you the recipe 🙂

I love them because they’re baked not fried, loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K, plus I’m giving my family a healthy appetizer.

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This is a perfect recipe to freeze. Simply prepare the balls and freeze them before baking. When needed, just place them on a baking sheet, drizzle some Extra Virgin Oil of Olive on top and bake. Ready in 15 minutes!!!

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5 from 1 vote
Baked Kale Spinach balls
Ingredients
  • 10 oz. kale 300gr.
  • 10 oz. spinach 300gr.
  • 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Oil of Olive
  • 2 small shallots
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3/4 Cup breadcrumbs 100gr
  • 1 Cup breadcrumbs for coating
  • 3/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese 100gr
  • 1 egg
Instructions
  1. In a medium size pan add the Olive Oil and turn the heat on at medium.
  2. Let the oil warm up for 1 minute and add the minced shallots and the minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2/3 minutes up until they will reach a nice golden color.
  3. Add the spinach and the kale. Stir and let it sauté for 4 minutes.
  4. In a food processor add the spinach and kale mix altogether with one egg, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs and the grated parmesan cheese. Mix for 2 minutes to obtain a smooth consistency.
  5. With the help of two spoons (I used plastic ones, the mix sticks less) create small round balls.
  6. Coat them in the breadcrumbs and place them one next to the other on a parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  7. Drizzle some Extra Virgin Oil of Olive on top and bake in the preheated oven at 400F/200C for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

10 Comments

Did you make this recipe? Share the love, tag @buonapappa on Instagram and hashtag it #buonapappa I would love to see your creations!

  • Reply
    Archie Tamayo
    October 16, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    I did the same thing!! I saw this at the store, I’m so excited to try it 😀
    Thank you so much, the video is so helpful!!

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      Barbara Lamperti
      October 17, 2016 at 9:35 pm

      Hi Archie! let me know if you like them!!! ciao, b

  • Reply
    Jessica
    February 2, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Loooved these. My 1 and 2 year old boys ate them so a success in my book. Thanks for the recipe.

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      Reply
      Barbara Lamperti
      February 2, 2017 at 11:13 pm

      Hi Jessica! The KaleSpinach balls are a hit in our house too!! I’m so glad your little ones liked them!!! Thank you so much for following BuonaPappa!! ciao, b

  • Reply
    Carly Sears
    March 12, 2018 at 3:09 am

    Can I use something in plae of the egg? Would a flax egg work?

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      Barbara Lamperti
      March 22, 2018 at 10:36 pm

      Hi! I’m allergic to eggs too, so when I prepare this recipe for the whole family I substitute 1 egg with 1 Tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 Tablespoons water. It thickens in less than 1 minute. I also use chia seeds. 1 egg = 1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed in 1/3 cup water for 20 min or so, up until it thickens. Ciao!! b

  • Reply
    Komal
    February 21, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Can I bake it completely and freeze ?? How long does this stay good in freezer ?

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      Reply
      Barbara Lamperti
      April 9, 2020 at 1:16 am

      Yes you can! I prefer to freeze before baking but if you have leftovers after cooking, it’s fine too. I would suggest to freeze them up to 3 months. Thank you!! Ciao, b

  • Reply
    Ines
    October 5, 2023 at 5:46 pm

    These are fab! My toddler loves them (as do my husband and I) and are a repeat hit in our house. Thank you for sharing your great recipes

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      Reply
      Barbara Lamperti
      October 17, 2023 at 11:37 pm

      Yess, I’m so glad to hear that! Did you try the new chicken spinach croquettes recipe I just posted? It’s the new hit in my family 🙂

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