Hey y'all! If you're searching for a finger food that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients, these Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites are about to become your go-to recipe. Perfect for snack attacks, lunchboxes, or party appetizers, they’re an irresistible combo of sharp cheddar, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant broccoli—baked to golden perfection! Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—a true lifesaver for busy days.
- Loaded with protein, veggies, and ooey-gooey cheese in every bite.
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters or the whole family.
- Perfect for meal prep—just reheat for an instant snack or lunch.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main, side, or party finger food.
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (about ⅓ cup dry)
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep and Cook Quinoa
Begin by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. For 1 cup cooked, cook about ⅓ cup dry quinoa with ⅔ cup water. Fluff and let cool (Get quinoa cooking tips here).
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, broccoli, cheddar, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until a cohesive mixture forms.
Step 3: Shape the Bites
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with parchment. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture into each cavity, pressing down gently.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
Bake in the center of the oven for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and set. Let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes for Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- Finely chop broccoli for even bites and best texture.
- To make gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs for your favorite GF alternative (learn more here).
- Best results come from squeezing out excess moisture from thawed frozen broccoli.
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites Variations
- Southwest: Add ¼ cup corn and 1 teaspoon taco seasoning.
- Italian: Mix in 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of Italian herbs.
- Dairy-Free: Swap cheese for plant-based shreds and use a flax egg.
Required Equipment for Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- Mini muffin tin (24-cup capacity)
- Medium saucepan (for quinoa)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Storing Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
Store cooled Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for crispy edges. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat before serving for best taste.
Serving & Pairings for Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce: ranch, marinara, or sriracha mayo.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a light lunch.
- Try alongside soup for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites
- Cool quinoa BEFORE mixing for easy shaping and less stickiness.
- Use finely shredded cheese for even melting and binding.
- Spray muffin tin well to prevent sticking—try these non-stick tips here.
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bites FAQ
- Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
- Yes! Substitute cooked brown rice in a 1:1 ratio for a similar texture.
- Are these freezer-friendly?
- Absolutely. Freeze in layers with parchment; reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Can I make them egg-free?
- Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water per egg) for a plant-based option.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup finely chopped steamed broccoli
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
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2In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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3In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, then add them to the quinoa mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
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4Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, pressing the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon.
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5Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden and set. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
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6Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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