Description
Savory broccoli cheddar quinoa bites blend hearty ingredients into perfect finger-friendly snacks. Protein-packed quinoa, sharp cheddar, and crisp broccoli combine for an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (470 ml) broccoli florets, finely diced
- ¾ cup (180 ml) uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup (240 ml) yellow onion, finely diced
- 1½ cups (360 ml) vegetable broth or water
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Quinoa Preparation: Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine with vegetable broth in a medium saucepan, simmering gently over low heat until liquid absorbs and quinoa becomes fluffy, about 15-18 minutes.
- Preheating and Setup: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly spray mini-muffin tins with cooking spray. Let quinoa cool to room temperature.
- Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa with eggs, broccoli florets, yellow onion, garlic, and cheddar cheese. Enhance flavor with paprika and crushed red pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even ingredient distribution.
- Filling and Baking: Spoon the quinoa mixture into muffin cavities, compressing gently to maintain structural integrity. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden-brown and centers set firmly.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow bites to rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully remove using an offset spatula and transfer to a wire rack to stabilize texture before serving.
Notes
- Rinse Quinoa Carefully: Remove bitter coating by thoroughly washing under cold water before cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Balance Moisture Perfectly: Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer taste and ensure quinoa absorbs liquid completely without becoming soggy.
- Prep Ingredients Evenly: Finely chop vegetables and mix thoroughly to distribute flavors and create consistent texture throughout quinoa bites.
- Cool Before Baking: Allow quinoa to reach room temperature before mixing with other ingredients to prevent egg scrambling and maintain bite structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg