Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites Recipe
These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are a flavorful and nutritious snack or appetizer made with cooked quinoa, fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and spices baked into convenient mini muffin cups. They are perfect for a healthy snack, party appetizer, or light lunch addition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Quinoa Mixture
- 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
Other Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely diced
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Crushed red pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Cook according to package directions until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, beaten eggs, finely diced broccoli, onion, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and crushed red pepper if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the quinoa mixture into each mini muffin cup, pressing lightly to pack.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the bites are set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bites to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then gently remove them and transfer to a wire rack or plate to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the quinoa before cooking helps remove its natural bitterness.
- Finely dicing the broccoli and onion ensures the bites hold together well.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with any sharp cheese of your choice.
- If you prefer a spicier bite, add more crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For gluten-free option, verify that the vegetable broth used is gluten-free.
