Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack or appetizer, perfect for a healthy boost any time of day. Packed with vibrant vegetables and melted cheddar, they’re easy to make and delightful to eat.

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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking of the quinoa bites.
2. Step 2: Using a food processor, blend the broccoli and grated carrot until finely chopped, creating a uniform texture.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, finely chopped broccoli and carrot, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
4. Step 4: 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. Step 5: 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. Step 6: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving to help them firm up.

Tips & Variations

• For softer bites, reduce the number of eggs to 1 instead of 2.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
• Add herbs like parsley or a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the taste.
• Using cooked quinoa that’s cooled helps avoid soggy bites.

Storage

Store the quinoa bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw before reheating. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to retain their crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely. Adding a bit of nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

Absolutely, you can mix all ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before baking.

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

These Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are a delicious and healthy snack made with cooked quinoa, fresh broccoli, carrots, and shredded cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, these bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal vegetarian appetizer or nutritious snack for any time of day. Easy to prepare and customizable with different cheeses or herbs, they offer a tasty way to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based protein into your diet.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 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