Are you tired of boring, bland appetizers that leave you craving more? Get ready to revolutionize your snack game with these irresistible Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites that are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a nutritional powerhouse disguised as the most addictive finger food you'll ever encounter! Packed with protein, vegetables, and ooey-gooey cheese, these bite-sized wonders are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated zucchini, and 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs. Add the beaten eggs to the quinoa mixture along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed bites onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart.
- Once all the bites are shaped and placed on the baking sheet, you can optionally sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for added flavor and a nice golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and firm to the touch. You can flip them halfway through baking for even cooking, if desired.
- After baking, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
- Serve the Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites warm as a delicious appetizer or snack. They pair well with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara or ranch dressing.
Tips
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent soggy bites. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove extra liquid.
- For extra crispy edges, use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, which helps achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend to customize the flavor profile.
- If the mixture seems too wet, add a few extra breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor, but they can also be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
