Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for parties or a quick grab-and-go treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they combine the nuttiness of quinoa with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese for a flavorful bite.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1½ cups vegetable broth or water (for cooking quinoa)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely diced
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Crushed red pepper (optional) to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Cook according to package directions until quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with the beaten eggs, finely diced broccoli, onion, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and crushed red pepper if using. Stir until well combined.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray mini-muffin tins with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the quinoa mixture into each muffin cup, pressing lightly to fill.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bites are set. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Gently remove the bites from the muffin tin and transfer to a wire rack or plate to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding chopped cooked bacon or ham for a non-vegetarian option.
• Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Include finely chopped red bell pepper for added color and sweetness.
• Make these gluten-free by ensuring the vegetable broth contains no gluten ingredients.

Storage

Store cooled quinoa bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, water works fine for cooking the quinoa, though vegetable broth adds extra flavor.

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and bake them in advance, then store in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient snacking later.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer, combining protein-rich quinoa, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese baked into flavorful mini muffins. Perfectly seasoned with paprika and a hint of garlic, they make a nutritious and satisfying option for any time of day.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Quinoa Mixture

• ¾ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1½ cups vegetable broth or water (for cooking quinoa)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely diced
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Crushed red pepper (optional) to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth or water. Cook according to the package directions until the quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, lightly beaten eggs, finely diced broccoli florets, yellow onion, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and crushed red pepper if using. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray mini-muffin tins with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the quinoa mixture into each prepared mini-muffin cup, filling them evenly but not overflowing.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges of the bites turn golden brown and they are set.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the quinoa bites to cool for 5 minutes. Carefully remove each bite from the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Make sure the quinoa is completely cooled before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Finely dicing the broccoli and onion helps them blend well into the bites.
• You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
• These bites are great served warm or at room temperature and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Keywords: broccoli bites, cheddar quinoa bites, healthy snack, vegetarian appetizer, baked quinoa bites