Author Notes
This ooey gooey spinach and artichoke mozzarella bites, served with marinara sauce, are a perfect way to welcome spring. Great as an appetizer to bring to a party or enjoy with a couple friends! Be warned...they're addictive ;) —Ali Conklin
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Ingredients
- For The Filling
-
1 cup
baby spinach
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6oz jar
marinated artichoke hearts, drained
-
1 1/2 cups
shredded mozzarella cheese
-
3 ounces
cream cheese, slightly softened
-
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon
salt
-
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
- For Breading/Frying
-
1 cup
plain breadcrumbs
-
1 tablespoon
dried oregano
-
3 tablespoons
all purpose flour
-
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon
salt, plus some for sprinkling
-
4
eggs
-
1 - 1 1/2 cups
canola oil, or other neutral frying oil
-
marinara sauce, to serve
Directions
-
In a food processor, combine all filling ingredients. Process on low until combined, about 30 seconds.
-
Line a 9x5 loaf pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Pour filling into pan and spread evenly. Freeze for 1 hour to stiffen the mixture but NOT freeze it through.
-
In the meantime, on a small plate mix breadcrumbs and oregano. On another small plate, mix flour, cayenne, and 1/4 tsp salt. In a small bowl, mix 4 eggs with a fork. Set all aside.
-
Remove cheese mixture from freezer and remove from loaf pan. Cut into 36 pieces (9 pieces by 3 pieces).
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With each piece, coat in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, then egg, then breadcrumbs. This gives a double layer of coating on the bites which prevents the cheese from leaking and gives them more structure as they fry.
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In a medium sized sauté pan, add canola oil. You will want enough to come halfway up each bite as they fry. Heat oil up to 350-360 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer, you can stick a wooden spoon inside the oil. If it starts to steadily bubble around the spoon then you are ready to go! If it bubbles vigorously then you should lower it.
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Place bites in pan evenly spaced and fry 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (4-6 minutes total). Remove and place on paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with just a little more salt.
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Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side. Enjoy!
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