Spinach Bites (8g Protein, No Eggs, No Dairy) Recipe
These Spinach Bites are delicious, savory snacks that are dairy-free and egg-free, packed with fresh spinach, herbs, and optional dairy-free cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these bites are perfect served warm or cold and make a healthy, protein-rich appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 30 spinach bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Spinach (8 oz / 225g uncooked, approx. 5.3 oz / 150g cooked, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 ½ cups Self-Rising Flour
- ⅔ cup Dairy-Free Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Dried Dill
- ¼ cup Chopped Parsley
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup Dairy-Free Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Set aside to prepare for baking.
- Wilt Spinach: Place baby spinach in a large glass bowl, cover with boiled water, and place a plate on top to keep spinach submerged. Let it wilt for 5 minutes.
- Drain and Chop Spinach: Use tongs to remove wilted spinach, cool it to room temperature, then squeeze tightly with hands to remove excess moisture. You should have about 5.3 oz (150g) of spinach. Finely chop the squeezed spinach with a sharp knife and set aside.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour, salt, dairy-free yogurt, dried dill, chopped parsley, olive oil, chopped spinach, and optional dairy-free cheese. Stir with a rubber spatula initially, then knead by hand until a sticky dough ball forms. Add a little extra flour if necessary but keep the dough moist and sticky.
- Shape Spinach Bites: Generously oil your hands to prevent sticking. Grab about 1½ tablespoons (25g) of dough and roll it into a small ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each ball. Repeat, washing and re-oiling hands after every 5-6 balls as needed. You should make roughly 30 balls.
- Bake: Bake the spinach bites in the preheated oven for 16-19 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and transfer bites to a cooling rack. Serve lukewarm or cold. They pair wonderfully with dairy-free tzatziki, mashed avocado, or hummus for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor and texture.
- Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt; do not add extra leavening agents.
- Dairy-free yogurt can be coconut-based, almond-based, or soy-based depending on preference.
- Olive oil should be extra virgin for a richer taste.
- Feel free to omit the dairy-free cheese for a fully dairy-free option.
- To make Gluten Free, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains leavening.
