If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s not only healthy but also delicious and easy to make, look no further than these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites! These little golden nuggets are packed with protein, fiber, and a ton of cheesy goodness. Imagine the perfect balance of tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and wholesome quinoa, all baked to crispy perfection. They’re like a healthier, bite-sized version of comfort food—and trust me, once you pop one in your mouth, you’ll be hooked!

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Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

These bites are a total game-changer. Here’s why they’re perfect for any occasion:

Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and have a healthy snack or side dish ready to go for the week. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick snack when you’re craving something tasty.
Super Nutritious: Full of protein and fiber from quinoa and broccoli, these bites are the perfect way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your cheesy cravings.
Crispy and Cheesy: The quinoa gives them a lovely texture, and the melted cheddar makes every bite irresistibly delicious. Plus, they get nice and crispy when baked—what’s not to love?
Customizable: Want to add a little spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick. Prefer a different cheese? Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda. The possibilities are endless!
Kid-Friendly: If you’ve got picky eaters, these bites are a great way to introduce broccoli in a fun, bite-sized form. They’ll never know they’re eating veggies!

Ingredients

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites come together with simple ingredients, and the best part is that you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give these bites a veggie-packed boost. You can steam or roast it to soften it up before mixing.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the flavor show. Sharp cheddar adds a rich, melty texture that takes these bites to the next level.
Quinoa: This ancient grain is packed with protein and fiber. It helps bind the ingredients together while adding a nice texture.
Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together. Plus, they give the bites a lovely structure.
Breadcrumbs: Helps with binding and gives a crispy outer texture once baked.
Garlic Powder: Adds a touch of savory goodness to complement the cheese and broccoli.
Onion Powder: For a little extra flavor depth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle for cooking and adding that golden crispiness when baking.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these delicious bites? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of crispy, cheesy quinoa bites in no time!

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
Cook the Quinoa: If you haven’t already cooked the quinoa, do so according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or lightly roast the broccoli until it’s tender but still vibrant. Chop it up finely so it’ll mix easily into the quinoa.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Shape the Bites: Use your hands to form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls or patties. You should be able to make about 12-15 bites, depending on the size you prefer.
Bake to Perfection: Place the bites on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, and drizzle a little olive oil over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re baked to perfection, let the bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even as part of a light meal!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

These little bites are super versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of ranch, marinara, or a spicy mayo for dipping. They’re perfect for dunking!
On a Salad: Add these quinoa bites to a fresh green salad for some extra texture and protein.
As a Side Dish: Pair them with your favorite main course, like grilled chicken or roasted salmon, for a balanced meal.
In a Wrap: Toss a few bites into a whole-wheat wrap with some fresh veggies and your favorite dressing for a quick and healthy lunch.

Additional Tips

Make Them Ahead: You can prep the quinoa bites ahead of time. Just shape them, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these bites gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed rice crackers.
Baking vs. Frying: For a healthier option, bake the bites. If you’re craving extra crispiness, try pan-frying them in a little olive oil instead of baking.
Freezing: These quinoa bites freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
- A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping and using in the recipe.
Q2: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
- A2: Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with oat flour, ground almonds, or even more quinoa for a different texture.
Q3: Can I freeze these quinoa bites?
- A3: Absolutely! After baking, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. You can bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q4: Can I use a different cheese?
- A4: Of course! You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even Parmesan for a different flavor.
Q5: Can I make these dairy-free?
- A5: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg to keep them dairy-free.
Q6: Can I use pre-cooked quinoa?
- A6: Yes! Pre-cooked quinoa is a great shortcut. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing it into the ingredients.
Q7: How long do these quinoa bites last?
- A7: They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back.
Q8: Can I make these quinoa bites spicier?
- A8: Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
Q9: Can I make these vegan?
- A9: Yes! Use a plant-based egg replacer and vegan cheese to make these bites fully vegan.
Q10: Can I bake these without oil?
- A10: You can, but the olive oil helps them crisp up and adds flavor. If you want to skip it, you can use a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper.

Conclusion

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are the perfect snack or side dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Packed with flavor, they’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table—whether they’re veggie lovers or not! So go ahead, try these out for your next meal prep, snack time, or family dinner. You’ll be so glad you did! Enjoy!

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for meal prep, they’re crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
2 large eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa, broccoli, eggs, cheese, flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
Scoop the mixture into prepared greased muffin tins, using 2 tablespoon portions for each bite.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Let cool slightly, then run a knife around the edges of each bite to loosen them from the muffin tin.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze in resealable plastic bags for up to 3 months.

Notes

These quinoa bites make a great snack, appetizer, or even a healthy side dish.

Feel free to swap the cheddar for a different cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 50
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg