Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

$- 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray for baking Gathering fresh ingredients is the first step to great flavor. I love using cooked quinoa because it's a super grain. It packs a punch of protein and fiber. Fresh broccoli is key here. It adds crunch and color to our bites. I prefer sharp cheddar cheese for its bold taste. It really shines through in every bite. Eggs help bind everything together. Whole wheat breadcrumbs give a nice texture. Green onions add a fresh pop of flavor. Garlic and onion powders give warmth without overpowering the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors. Lastly, a light spray of olive oil helps the bites crisp up nicely in the oven. Each serving has about 80 calories. You get a good mix of protein and fiber. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins. It helps boost your immune system. Quinoa is gluten-free and full of amino acids. Together, these ingredients make a healthy snack you can enjoy anytime. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all these ingredients until they are well combined. - Use your hands to form the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1.5 inches wide. - Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. - Lightly spray the tops of the quinoa bites with olive oil spray. This helps them get crispy. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a firm touch. - Let the quinoa bites cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to eat. - For a fun twist, serve them on a platter with a side of tangy dipping sauce. A yogurt-based ranch or a zesty avocado dip works well. Enjoy your tasty snack! To avoid mushy bites, make sure your quinoa is fully cooked and cooled. If it is hot, it can make the mixture too wet. Use fresh broccoli florets and chop them finely. This ensures they cook evenly. Mix your ingredients gently, but well. Over-mixing can make the bites tough. For even cooking, shape the bites into uniform sizes. About 1.5 inches works best. Space them out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around each bite. Lightly spraying olive oil helps create a nice, crispy texture. To elevate the taste, consider adding spices like paprika or cumin. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work well too. These add freshness and depth to each bite. If you want a different flavor, try using mozzarella or gouda cheese instead of cheddar. You can also use feta for a tangy twist. When reheating, use an oven to keep them crispy. Heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. For freezing, place cooled bites in an airtight container. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer. This keeps their texture and flavor intact. {{image_2}} You can swap grains in this recipe. Try brown rice or millet instead of quinoa. These grains work well and add different flavors. For the cheese, use dairy-free options like almond or cashew cheese. This keeps the bites creamy while catering to dairy-free diets. Get creative with veggies! Spinach and bell peppers make great additions. They give extra color and nutrients. You can also add protein. Cooked chicken or turkey blends in nicely. This turns your snack into a more filling meal. You can transform these bites into a full meal. Serve them with a salad or roasted veggies. They also pair well with dips. Try a yogurt-based ranch or a zesty avocado dip. These dips add flavor and make the dish more fun! How to make broccoli cheddar quinoa bites gluten-free? To make these bites gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find them at most grocery stores. If you can't find them, you can make your own using ground oats. Just blend oats into a fine powder, and you have your gluten-free binder! Can these bites be made ahead of time and frozen? Yes, you can make these bites ahead of time. Just prepare them, bake, and let them cool. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just reheat in the oven until warm. How do I know when the bites are fully cooked? The bites are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready to eat! Can I use fresh instead of frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great. Just chop it finely, as you want it to mix well. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and bright flavor to the bites. How can I make these bites spicier? To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicier cheese like pepper jack. This will give the bites a zesty kick. What do I do if my batter is too dry or wet? If the batter is too dry, add a bit more beaten egg or a splash of water. If it's too wet, add more breadcrumbs until you reach the right consistency. The mixture should hold together but not be sticky. These broccoli cheddar quinoa bites combine tasty ingredients and are easy to make. We covered the recipe, nutritional benefits, and tips for the best results. You can customize them to fit your taste and dietary needs. Whether for a snack or a meal, these bites are a healthy choice. Keep experimenting and have fun with different flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites! Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, these bites are perfect for snacks or appetizers. Easy to make in just 40 minutes, they are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.

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Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray for baking

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Using your hands, form the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Lightly spray the tops of the quinoa bites with olive oil spray to help them crisp up while baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, to allow them to set.

Prep Time 15 minutes | Total Time 40 minutes | Servings 24 bites

- Presentation Tips: Serve the quinoa bites on a platter with a side of tangy dipping sauce, like a yogurt-based ranch or a zesty avocado dip, for added flavor and sophistication. Enjoy!