Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the quinoa bites evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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