Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are a flavorful and nutritious snack or appetizer perfect for any time of day. Packed with protein and veggies, they offer a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in bite-sized form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 eggs (or 1 for softer bites)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated carrot
• 1½ cups finely chopped broccoli
• ½ tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Using a food processor, blend the broccoli and grated carrot until finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and salt if using. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray. Divide the mixture evenly into the tins, pressing down gently to compact the bites.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bites are lightly browned and set.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, or transfer to a storage container if not serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer texture, use only one egg instead of two.
• Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
• These bites freeze well; separate with parchment paper for easy portioning.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the bites for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works well. Just steam it slightly or ensure it’s finely processed so it blends well with the other ingredients.

Are these bites suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They can be made ahead, stored in the fridge or freezer, and reheated easily, making them a convenient option for quick snacks or lunches.

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

These Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack or appetizer, combining protein-packed quinoa with fresh vegetables and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked into bite-sized morsels, they make a great healthy option for kids and adults alike, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 eggs (or 1 egg for softer bites)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated carrot
• 1½ cups finely chopped broccoli
• ½ tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the quinoa bites evenly.
2. Chop Vegetables: Using a food processor, blend the broccoli and grated carrot until finely chopped, creating a uniform texture that will mix well with the quinoa.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, finely chopped broccoli and carrot, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and salt, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute all components.
4. Prepare Muffin Tins: Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the tins, pressing down gently to form compact bites.
5. Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bites are lightly browned on top and set.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving to help them firm up. They can also be stored for later enjoyment.

Notes

• For softer bites, reduce the number of eggs to 1 instead of 2.
• These bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Feel free to substitute cheddar with another cheese like mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
• Adding herbs like parsley or garlic powder can enhance the taste.
• Using cooked quinoa that’s cooled works best to avoid soggy bites.

Keywords: quinoa bites, cheesy broccoli bites, healthy snack, baked quinoa bites, vegetarian appetizer, gluten free snack