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- 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for added heat For these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites, you'll need a solid base of cooked quinoa. This helps keep the bites together and adds protein. Next, finely chopped broccoli florets bring a nice crunch and flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese gives these bites their rich, cheesy goodness. To bind everything, you use two large eggs. They help hold the mixture together. Breadcrumbs or almond flour act as a great binder too. I often choose almond flour for a gluten-free option. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. You can also customize your bites with optional ingredients. Garlic powder and onion powder deepen the flavor. If you like some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper. This gives a little spice that balances well with the cheese. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease the muffin tin with olive oil. Start by getting your oven ready. Preheating it helps cook the bites evenly. While the oven warms up, take a muffin tin and lightly coat each cup with olive oil. This step keeps the bites from sticking. - Combine quinoa, broccoli, cheddar, and Parmesan. - Incorporate eggs into the mixture. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa, finely chopped broccoli, and both the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Mix these well until they are evenly combined. Crack the large eggs into this mixture and stir until they blend in nicely. The eggs act as a binder, helping hold everything together. - Add breadcrumbs and seasonings. - Shape the bites and place them in the muffin tin. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Now it’s time to add the breadcrumbs and seasonings. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs (or almond flour), garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper too. Stir until the mixture is thick and well combined. Scoop out small portions of the mix and shape them into bite-sized balls or patties. Place each one into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden brown. Enjoy the smell as they bake! - Make sure your quinoa is fully cooked before mixing it. Rinse it well and let it cool. This step helps keep the bites from becoming too mushy. - Taste your mixture before baking. Feel free to adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or even some cayenne for heat. This makes a big difference in flavor. - For a nice look, arrange the quinoa bites on a colorful platter. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. - Serve with a small bowl of marinara sauce or yogurt dip. These dips enhance the bites and add fun flavors. - To avoid soggy bites, ensure you do not add too much liquid. Keep the moisture in check. - For crispy bites, bake them until golden brown. Check them around the 20-minute mark. Avoid overbaking, or they may become dry. Adjust the baking time based on your oven. {{image_4}} You can easily modify this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the bites tasty and light. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor that works well with the dish. If you want to make these bites vegan, swap out the eggs and cheese. You can use flax eggs in place of eggs. For cheese, try using nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Don't be afraid to get creative with flavors! You can add different cheeses to the mix. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat. Mixing in other vegetables can also change things up. Spinach and bell peppers are great choices. They add color and nutrients. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. These quinoa bites are fun and versatile. Pair them with sides like a fresh salad or steamed veggies. They also taste great with dips. Try serving them with marinara sauce or a yogurt dip. You can even use them in other meals. Add them to a wrap or serve them on a platter for a party. The options are endless! To keep your Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites fresh, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. This way, they stay tasty for a few days. Make sure to cool the bites completely before placing them in the fridge. This step helps keep them firm and prevents sogginess. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Place the quinoa bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave. For best results, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they regain their crispy texture. In the fridge, your quinoa bites will last about 3-4 days. When frozen, they can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This tip helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Enjoy your delicious bites anytime! To make these tasty bites, follow these basic steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with olive oil. 2. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese together. 3. Crack two eggs into the bowl and stir until well combined. 4. Add breadcrumbs or almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until thick. 5. Scoop the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm. 7. Cool for a few minutes before removing the bites from the tin. Yes, you can freeze these bites! Here’s how: - Cool the bites completely after baking. - Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. - Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. - To reheat, bake the frozen bites at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You have several options for breadcrumbs: - Almond flour is a great gluten-free choice. - Crushed cornflakes can add a nice crunch. - Oats can also work well if you blend them into a finer texture. - For a low-carb option, try ground flaxseed or chia seeds. Yes, these bites are quite healthy. Here’s a quick overview: - Quinoa is a complete protein, high in fiber and nutrients. - Broccoli adds vitamins C, K, and A, plus fiber. - Cheddar and Parmesan provide calcium, but can add fat and calories. - You can adjust the recipe to lower fat by using less cheese or opting for low-fat versions. - Overall, they make a great snack or meal addition packed with nutrients! Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites are simple, healthy, and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, from quinoa to cheese. You learned how to mix, shape, and bake them to perfection. I shared tips on storage and ways to customize your bites. Remember, you can switch up flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Whether you want a crunchy bite or a soft one, these tips help. Enjoy your cooking and offer these tasty bites at your next meal!

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Indulge in these delicious Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites that make for the perfect snack or appetizer! Packed with nutritious broccoli and melty cheddar, these bites are simple to prepare and bake to golden perfection. With gluten-free options available, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 large eggs

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free option)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a touch of heat

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lightly greasing each cavity with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, finely chopped broccoli, and both the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

      Incorporate Eggs: Crack the two large eggs into the quinoa mixture. Stir well until the eggs are fully incorporated into the mix.

        Add Seasoning and Binder: Now, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs (or almond flour), garlic powder, onion powder, and optionally, cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes thick and well-combined.

          Shape the Bites: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out the mixture and form it into small bite-sized balls or patties. Place each formed bite into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity comfortably to about 3/4 full.

            Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The bites are ready when their tops are a lovely golden brown and they appear firm and cooked through.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before carefully popping them out.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 bites

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the quinoa bites on a decorative platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and place a small bowl of marinara sauce or yogurt dip at the center for delightful dipping!