Go Back
- 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice) - Olive oil for greasing the baking sheet These ingredients come together to create a tasty snack. The cooked quinoa gives a nice base. Broccoli adds color and nutrients, while cheddar cheese brings great flavor. Eggs help bind everything. Breadcrumbs or almond flour give a perfect texture. Each serving has about 120 calories. You also get 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. This makes them a great snack for energy. The protein helps you feel full longer. The fiber is good for digestion. You can swap sharp cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. If you want a vegan option, use flax eggs and dairy-free cheese. Almond flour works well for gluten-free needs. These swaps keep the bites tasty and fun! 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking for your quinoa bites. 2. Prepare the baking sheet by greasing it lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps them crisp up nicely. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, and grated cheddar cheese. This forms the base of your delicious snack. - To shape the bites, use your hands. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and press it into a ball or patty. Make sure each bite is compact to hold together during baking. - For even sizing, try using a tablespoon measure. This helps keep all bites the same size, ensuring they cook evenly. - Bake the bites for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. This indicates they are crispy and ready to eat. - Check for doneness by gently pressing one. It should feel firm and not mushy. If they need more time, bake for an additional 5 minutes. Try these steps, and you will create perfect Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites every time. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Using cooked quinoa is key to this recipe. It keeps the bites soft and fluffy. If you use uncooked quinoa, the bites won’t hold together well. Cook your quinoa ahead of time. Let it cool before mixing it with other ingredients. Cheese is a big part of the flavor. To ensure proper cheese melting, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that stop it from melting smoothly. Mix the cheese well with the other ingredients to help it melt evenly. These bites taste great on their own, but you can enhance them with dipping sauces. Creamy ranch or tangy buffalo sauce pair well. You can also try a spicy aioli for a kick. For side dishes, a fresh salad or roasted veggies work nicely. The crunch of the salad adds a nice contrast to the bites. Serve them warm for the best taste. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the bites. They freeze well and can last for about a month. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy on the outside. You can also microwave them but expect a softer texture. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your broccoli cheddar quinoa bites. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme gives them a bright flavor. These herbs add color and nutrition. You can also try different spices for heat. A pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika can make these bites exciting. If you want a gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour. This keeps the bites crispy while being safe for those avoiding gluten. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the mix. This keeps the texture while making it plant-based. You can make these bites in an air fryer for a quicker option. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-15 minutes. This method gives them a nice crunch without using much oil. If you prefer stovetop cooking, you can pan-fry them in a little olive oil. Just cook them on medium heat, flipping until golden brown on both sides. Each method offers a unique taste and texture to enjoy. Let me break down the ingredients we need for these tasty bites. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice) - Olive oil for greasing the baking sheet To make these bites, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, and grated cheddar cheese. Next, add the eggs, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Combine everything until it forms a consistent mixture. Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on the greased baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil for a crispy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy outside. Let them cool a bit, then enjoy! This recipe makes about 15 bites, perfect for snacking or sharing. I suggest serving 3 bites per person for a light snack. If you want to make it a meal, serve 5-6 bites with a side salad or veggies. For a closer look at the process, check out this [link to images or videos demonstrating the process](#). Seeing the steps can really help you feel confident in making these bites. How can I make these bites healthier? You can swap out the cheddar cheese for low-fat cheese. Use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of white. Adding more veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, boosts nutrition. Try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for extra fiber. Can I freeze broccoli cheddar quinoa bites? Yes, you can freeze these bites. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. How do I make them spicier or milder? To add spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, skip the cayenne or reduce it. You can also add diced jalapeños if you like a kick. What else can I add to the mix? You can add cooked corn, diced bell peppers, or even chopped herbs like basil or cilantro. For a cheese twist, try mixing in feta or mozzarella. This keeps things fun and fresh! How long do broccoli cheddar quinoa bites last in the fridge? These bites can last about four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Can I freeze leftovers and for how long? Yes, you can freeze leftovers. They stay good for about three months. Just reheat them in the oven for the best texture. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! This blog post explained how to make delicious broccoli cheddar quinoa bites. We covered all the key ingredients, including alternatives for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make it your own. These bites are easy to prepare, healthy, and can fit any meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving options. With the right ingredients and prep, you will have a tasty treat everyone will love.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Looking for a tasty and healthy snack? Try these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites! Packed with protein and flavor, they're perfect for kids and adults alike. Made with quinoa, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, these bites are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delicious treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 large eggs

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Olive oil for greasing the baking sheet

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, and grated cheddar cheese.

      Add the eggs, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl.

        Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a consistent mixture.

          Using your hands, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small bite-sized balls or patties. Place them onto the greased baking sheet.

            Once all the mixture is shaped and on the baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with a bit of olive oil for added crispiness.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

                Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 15 bites

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bites on a platter with a side of creamy ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color!