Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are a delightful snack or appetizer.
They’re perfect for sneaking in veggies without feeling like a chore, and they’re perfect for sharing at parties or packing for lunch!
Step by Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with cupcake or silicone liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Crack in the eggs and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, pressing down gently to pack them in.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the bites are golden and set. Let cool slightly before popping them out.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to switch things up with a meaty twist, try adding cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mix. These add a smoky, savory punch that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
For a bit of heat, finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up nicely. You can swap out the cheddar for a sharper cheese like aged gouda or a milder mozzarella.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
To get those bites to hold their shape well, make sure your quinoa is fully cooked and cooled — warm quinoa can make the mixture too loose.
Finely chopping the broccoli ensures it mixes evenly and doesn’t overpower the bites. Don’t skip the Parmesan; it adds a nice depth of flavor and helps with binding.
If you find the mixture too wet, breadcrumbs are your friend — add a tablespoon at a time. When baking, keep an eye on the edges; you want a golden crust without drying them out.
Storage & Reheating
These bites store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well — just pop them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp exterior intact, but it works in a pinch for a quick snack.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa cooled
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli steamed or blanched
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with cupcake or silicone liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Crack in the eggs and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, pressing down gently to pack them in.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the bites are golden and set. Let cool slightly before popping them out.
