Cheesy Spinach Delight Bites
Indulge in these delightful Cheesy Spinach Delight Bites, an ideal addition to your lunch or snack repertoire. Bursting with flavor and richness, these bite-sized treats are made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and nutrient-packed spinach, all encased in crispy, toasted English muffins. They're perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying with family during a casual lunch. Prepare to impress your guests with this easy-to-make recipe that is sure to become a favorite!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
300 g (Cook according to package directions, then drain and squeeze out excess liquid.)
Sharp cheddar cheese
250 g (Grated.)
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (None.)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced.)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed.)
English muffins
6 (Halved.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the spinach by cooking it according to the package directions, then thoroughly drain the spinach and use a clean cloth or paper towels to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, grated sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4
While the spinach mixture is resting, toast or broil the halved English muffins until they are lightly golden and crisp.
5
Evenly spread a generous amount of the spinach mixture onto each toasted muffin half.
6
Arrange the topped muffins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut each muffin half into quarters or sixths for easy serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Spinach Delight Bites?
They are savory, bite-sized appetizers made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and spinach served on toasted English muffins.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include frozen chopped spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and English muffins.
How much spinach do I need?
You will need 300 grams of frozen chopped spinach.
How should I prepare the frozen spinach?
Cook it according to the package directions, then thoroughly drain it and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a cloth or paper towels.
Why is it important to squeeze the spinach dry?
Squeezing out the liquid prevents the English muffins from becoming soggy when the mixture is baked.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 250 grams of grated sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and bold flavor.
How many English muffins are required?
You will need 6 English muffins, which are halved to create 12 bases.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Should I toast the English muffins before adding the topping?
Yes, toast or broil the halved muffins until they are lightly golden and crisp before spreading the spinach mixture.
What ingredients go into the spinach mixture?
Combine the drained spinach, grated cheddar, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How long do the bites need to bake?
Bake them for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How do I serve the bites?
Once baked and slightly cooled, cut each muffin half into quarters or sixths for easy serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I make this as a party snack?
Absolutely, these are excellent finger foods for entertaining and parties.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you must sauté and thoroughly drain it to achieve the same consistency.
What can I use if I don't have English muffins?
You can substitute with small baguette slices or sourdough bread, though the texture will differ.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the spinach, cheese, and seasonings a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge.
Is this recipe healthy?
While it contains cheese and mayonnaise, it also provides a significant amount of nutrient-packed spinach.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a different flavor profile, though the texture may change.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in a 350°F oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes until the bread is crisp again.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, cooked bacon bits or chopped ham can be added to the spinach mixture for extra protein.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
It is not strictly necessary as the muffins are toasted, but using parchment paper makes cleanup easier.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy flavor makes it a popular way to encourage children to eat spinach.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can try mozzarella for more stretch or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
How do I get the cheese extra bubbly?
You can broil the bites for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but watch them closely to avoid burning.