Description
Bite-sized, baked cheesy veggie quinoa bites—portable, protein-packed, and kid-friendly. These gluten-free snacks combine cooked quinoa, colorful vegetables, eggs, and cheese for a nourishing, make-ahead option perfect for lunchboxes, meal prep, or anytime munching.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (about 1/2 cup dry)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- If not already done, cook quinoa per package directions; let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cheese, broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, eggs, onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Spoon mixture into mini muffin cups, filling to the top. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to compact.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden and bites hold together when touched.
- Let cool a few minutes in the pan, then release with a small knife or spoon. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Finely chop veggies for even mixing and faster baking.
- Squeeze moisture from high-water veggies like zucchini or spinach.
- Don’t skip eggs—they bind the ingredients.
- Firmly compact mixture in muffin cups for better binding.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze on a tray, then bag (up to 2 months).
- Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. They taste great cold too.
- Variations: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini; swap cheddar for feta or mozzarella; add cooked lentils or black beans; season with Italian seasoning, cumin, or smoked paprika; use sweet potato or butternut squash instead of carrot; add jalapeño for heat.
- Serve with yogurt ranch, hummus, tzatziki, marinara, or avocado cream.
- Pack in bento boxes with fruit, nuts, and a boiled egg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite