Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

If you’re looking for a bite-sized, flavor-packed snack or a nutritious side dish, look no further than these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites! Imagine crispy golden bites with a cheesy, savory filling that’s packed with the goodness of broccoli and quinoa. They’re like little pockets of flavor that are crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for snacking, meal prep, or as an appetizer. Whether you’re munching on them at home or bringing them to a party, trust me, these will be the first thing to disappear!

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Packed with Nutrients

These bites aren’t just delicious—they’re also nutritious! Packed with broccoli, quinoa, and cheese, they bring a good dose of fiber, protein, and calcium. It’s the kind of snack that makes you feel good while tasting amazing.

Perfect for Meal Prep

These bites are incredibly versatile and perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and heat them up whenever you need a quick snack or side dish. They hold up wonderfully, so they’re ideal for busy days!

Cheesy Goodness

Let’s be real: everything is better with cheese! These bites are loaded with cheddar, giving them that melty, gooey texture that everyone loves. Plus, the combination of cheddar with quinoa and broccoli is a flavor explosion you won’t be able to stop eating.

Kid-Friendly

If getting your little ones to eat veggies feels like a challenge, these bites are a game-changer. They’re a fun way to sneak in some healthy broccoli while keeping it cheesy and tasty enough to keep them coming back for more.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients, these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites come together in no time. A little mixing, a quick bake, and you’re good to go. It’s a super easy recipe, even for beginners, so you can enjoy homemade snacks without the hassle.

Ingredients

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked Quinoa: Quinoa provides a nutty flavor and is a great source of plant-based protein. Plus, it holds everything together beautifully.
• Broccoli: Fresh, chopped broccoli gives these bites a burst of color and nutrition. You can also use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar adds that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together and creates that perfect texture.
• Garlic: Adds a little extra flavor to these bites.
• Breadcrumbs: They help keep the bites crispy on the outside while adding texture to the inside.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, making sure the flavors shine through.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the quinoa bites from sticking.

2. Cook the Quinoa and Broccoli

If you haven’t already, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and steam or cook the broccoli until tender. Once cooked, finely chop the broccoli and set it aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed together; if it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

4. Form the Bites

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls or patties. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, depending on your preference.

5. Bake the Quinoa Bites

Place the formed quinoa bites onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the quinoa bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a dipping sauce (like ranch or marinara), or enjoy them as is. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 quinoa bite (approximately)
Calories per serving: 60
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 7g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

As a Snack

These quinoa bites are perfect for a quick, healthy snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

As a Side Dish

Pair these quinoa bites with any main dish. They go wonderfully with roasted chicken, a fresh salad, or even a bowl of soup.

As an Appetizer

Serve these bite-sized delights at your next party or gathering. They’re a great alternative to fried appetizers and will be a hit with guests of all ages.

In a Lunchbox

These quinoa bites are great for meal prep or for packing in a lunchbox. They’re easy to make in advance and perfect for a quick, healthy bite on the go.

Additional Tips

• Make them Ahead: You can easily make these quinoa bites ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back that crispy texture.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan will give a different, but equally delicious, flavor.
• Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix for a spicy kick.
• Make Them Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free cheese.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I freeze these quinoa bites?
A1: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked quinoa bites. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the cook time.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A2: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the quinoa mixture.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Yes, you can swap the cheddar for any cheese you prefer! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even feta would all work well.

Q4: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A4: If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed rice crackers, or even ground almonds.

Q5: How do I know when the quinoa bites are done?
A5: They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and they should hold their shape when you pick them up.

Q6: Can I make these quinoa bites in advance?
A6: Yes, you can prepare the quinoa bites a day ahead, refrigerate them, and then bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: What can I serve with these quinoa bites?
A7: Serve them with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad.

Q8: Can I make these bites smaller?
A8: Yes, feel free to make them smaller for a fun, bite-sized snack. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftover quinoa bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q10: Can I make these quinoa bites without quinoa?
A10: If you don’t have quinoa, you can substitute it with cooked rice or couscous, though quinoa gives a unique texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are the perfect combination of cheesy, crunchy, and nutritious! Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing, veggie-packed treat ready to go. Enjoy!

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