Baked Cheddar Quinoa Bites (Printable Version)

Golden baked bites blending quinoa, sharp cheddar, and tender vegetables for a flavorful, protein-rich snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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

# Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They hold together beautifully in lunchboxes and never get soggy, even after a few hours.
  • You can swap the veggies and cheese based on whatever's lurking in your fridge.
  • They taste just as good cold as they do warm, which makes them dangerously convenient.
  • Kids actually eat them without complaints, which feels like a small miracle.
02 -
  • Always cool your quinoa completely before mixing or the eggs will cook prematurely and you'll end up with scrambled bits in your batter.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the muffin cups or they'll crumble when you bite into them.
  • Don't skip the resting time after baking because that's when they firm up and become easy to handle.
03 -
  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly so all the bites bake at the same rate.
  • If you want extra crispy edges, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.
  • Don't overfill the muffin cups or they'll overflow and stick to the pan.
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