These Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, broccoli, and a “cheesy” flavor from nutritional yeast, these bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with a spicy Sriracha aioli, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for meal prep or a party, these bites are vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly tasty!
Ingredients:
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups filtered water, divided
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup almond meal or almond flour
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1¼ to 1½ teaspoons sea salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sriracha Aioli
- ⅓ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha or chile garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Rinse and Cook: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, then place it in a medium saucepan with 1½ cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, use a fork to fluff the contents, and allow it to cool.
- Steam the Broccoli: In a small pot, bring ½ cup water to a simmer. Add the frozen broccoli and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, flax egg, olive oil, almond meal, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Bites: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small patties or balls.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the vegan mayonnaise with Sriracha or chile garlic sauce.
- Serve with Aioli: Serve the warm quinoa bites with a side of Sriracha aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion:
These Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are a fantastic plant-based snack that’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. The “cheesy” taste from the nutritional yeast, combined with the crispy quinoa and broccoli, creates a tasty bite-sized treat. Paired with a spicy Sriracha aioli, they’re sure to impress at any gathering or family meal.
Savory Broccoli Quinoa Fritters with Spicy Sriracha Aioli
Ingredients
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups filtered water divided
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup almond meal or almond flour
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1¼ to 1½ teaspoons sea salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha or chile garlic sauce adjust to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, then place it in a medium saucepan with 1½ cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, use a fork to fluff the contents, and allow it to cool.
- Steam the Broccoli: In a small pot, bring ½ cup water to a simmer. Add the frozen broccoli and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, flax egg, olive oil, almond meal, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Bites: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small patties or balls.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the vegan mayonnaise with Sriracha or chile garlic sauce.
- Serve with Aioli: Serve the warm quinoa bites with a side of Sriracha aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.