There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bite-sized snack that’s bursting with flavor. Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites deliver on every front, blending the hearty goodness of cornbread with the rich flavors of spinach and cheese. These cheesy, savory treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as a delicious snack to enjoy at home.
Imagine the warmth of golden cornbread, the creaminess of cheese, and the subtle earthiness of spinach all packed into one delightful bite. These bites are not only easy to make but also versatile, offering room for customization to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these irresistible treats.
Why You’ll Love Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time with minimal prep work.
- Perfectly Balanced: The cheesy, savory flavors pair perfectly with the subtle sweetness of cornbread.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal as an appetizer, party snack, or even a light lunchbox addition.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with different cheeses, seasonings, or add-ins.
Ingredients for Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1 box, thawed, drained, and water squeezed out |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Melted butter | 3 oz. |
| Blue cheese dressing | 1/2 cup |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Finely grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Corn muffin mix | 1 box |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and blue cheese dressing until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Seasonings and Cheese
- Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate Spinach and Cornbread Mix
- Fold in the drained and squeezed spinach, ensuring it’s evenly combined.
- Add the corn muffin mix and stir until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
- Using a spoon or small scoop, divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- The bites are done when the tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm for the best flavor. These bites are just as delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites
- Drain the Spinach Well: Removing as much water as possible from the spinach is crucial to prevent soggy bites.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter.
- Make Ahead: These bites can be baked ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Bite) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~100 |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~7g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~150mg |
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Serving Suggestions
- As an Appetizer: Serve these bites with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or marinara for added flavor.
- On a Snack Platter: Pair them with fresh veggies, crackers, and a cheese board for a complete snack spread.
- For Breakfast: These bites work well alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced morning meal.
- For Lunchboxes: Pack them as a fun, handheld snack for kids or adults alike.
FAQs About Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Simply blanch and chop fresh spinach, then squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the batter.
2. Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the corn muffin mix with a gluten-free cornbread mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze these bites?
Yes! Freeze the baked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
5. What can I substitute for blue cheese dressing?
Ranch dressing or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
6. Can I make these in a standard muffin tin?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time to about 25–30 minutes and fill each cup about 2/3 full.
Why You Should Make Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites Today
These Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites are a versatile, delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a cheesy, savory treat, this recipe is a winner. With its easy preparation and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to these irresistible bites of cheesy cornbread goodness!
Print
Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites: A Savory and Cheesy Snack
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
Description
Savory, cheesy, and perfectly bite-sized, these Cornbread Spinach Cheese Bites are a delightful snack for any occasion. Combining the rich flavors of spinach and cheese with the comforting sweetness of cornbread, these bites are easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 box frozen chopped spinach (thawed, drained, and water squeezed out)
- 2 eggs
- 3 oz. melted butter
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box corn muffin mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners for easy removal.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and blue cheese dressing until smooth and combined.
- Add Seasoning and Cheese: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Add Spinach and Cornbread Mix: Fold in the drained spinach, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Add the corn muffin mix and stir until the batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or small scoop, divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best flavor, or enjoy at room temperature for a quick snack.
Notes
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers or finely chopped mushrooms can be mixed into the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free corn muffin mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American