Baked Cheddar Quinoa Bites (Print view)

Golden bites with quinoa, cheddar, and veggies, baked to a savory finish. Perfect for healthy snacking.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 large eggs

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 - 1/2 cup finely chopped baby spinach
05 - 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
06 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Pantry & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons gluten-free breadcrumbs
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with mini paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, shredded cheddar, eggs, spinach, red bell pepper, green onions, and garlic until evenly combined.
03 - Add gluten-free breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
04 - Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin cups, pressing gently to compact the filling.
05 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and set.
06 - Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're protein-packed enough to actually satisfy as a snack, not just a tiny bite that leaves you hungry ten minutes later.
  • Once you nail the ratio, you can swap vegetables and cheeses based on what's in your fridge, making them endlessly adaptable.
  • Golden, crispy edges with a tender fluffy center is a textural combination that somehow works every single time.
02 -
  • If your mixture feels too wet or loose, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs and wait a minute for it to absorb before filling the tin.
  • Overbaking by just a few minutes turns them dry, so set a timer and check at 20 minutes. The residual heat continues cooking them slightly after they come out.
03 -
  • Use a mini ice cream scoop or spoon to fill each cup consistently, which ensures even baking and a more professional looking finish.
  • If you stir in a couple tablespoons of grated Parmesan along with the cheddar, you unlock a savory depth that feels unexpectedly sophisticated.
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