Description
Savory broccoli cheddar quinoa bites offer a delightful fusion of nutrition and flavor, packed with protein-rich ingredients. Crispy edges and cheesy centers make these mini-morsels an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 large eggs
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse quinoa under cold water to remove any bitter coating, then drain completely.
- Finely chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the mixture.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk eggs until smooth, then incorporate shredded cheddar, quinoa, broccoli, flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring until ingredients are evenly blended.
- Generously grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully spoon the quinoa mixture into each muffin cavity, filling them about 3/4 full for optimal texture and rise.
- Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and tops become slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and allow bites to rest for 5 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier.
- Gently loosen edges with a small knife, then carefully extract each bite from the tin.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents condensation and maintains crisp texture.
- For storage, place cooled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze in sealed bags for 3 months.
Notes
- Prep quinoa in advance by cooking and cooling it before mixing to prevent soggy texture and ensure better binding of ingredients.
- Swap cheese for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to make the recipe suitable for plant-based diets.
- Enhance flavor by adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives, which bring freshness and depth to the bites without overwhelming the main ingredients.
- Use silicone muffin trays for easier removal and minimal sticking, reducing the need for excess oil and making cleanup a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg