Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites: A Nutritious and Delicious Snack

Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites are a delightful and healthy snack or appetizer that combines the goodness of quinoa with fresh vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese. These bites are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for kids and adults alike. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these tasty and nutritious quinoa bites.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 2 cups precooked quinoa
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Quinoa Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked quinoa, shredded carrot, thinly sliced scallions, minced garlic, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  2. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mix well.

Step 3: Add the Binding Ingredients

  1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs.
  2. Add the beaten eggs to the quinoa mixture along with the flour, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

  1. Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each cup of the mini muffin tin with the quinoa mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure they are compact.
  2. Fill each cup to the top, as the mixture will not expand much during baking.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa bites are golden brown and set.
  2. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool in the tin for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Carefully remove the quinoa bites from the muffin tin using a small knife or spatula.
  2. Serve the Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites warm or at room temperature.
  3. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites are a tasty and nutritious snack that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These bites are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for both kids and adults. Enjoy them as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a light meal, and savor the delicious combination of quinoa, vegetables, and sharp cheddar cheese. Add this simple and versatile recipe to your collection and enjoy these delightful bites anytime!