Looking for a delightful and nutritious snack or appetizer option? These Quinoa Broccoli Cheese Bites are here to tantalize your taste buds with their irresistible blend of flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant chopped broccoli, and creamy mozzarella cheese, these bites are not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
Quinoa and broccoli
Originally I whipped this dish for Shavuot. Usually on Shavuot we prepare and eat all the delicious quiches, salads, and cheesecake. If you’re still looking, I have another delicious savory muffin recipe you can include in this festive meal. Somehow every year I share muffin recipe just before Shavuot, last time it was corn muffins, and this year its quinoa broccoli and cheese muffin bites - YUM!
These quinoa broccoli cheese bites are gluten-free and in fact, are a great recipe for Passover as well (if you eat quinoa over Passover that is).
With only 6 ingredients and short baking time, you can munch on these muffins that are full of flavor and very satisfying!
Ingredients
The ingredients for these bites include cooked quinoa, cooked and chopped broccoli, mozzarella cheese, eggs, and salt and pepper for flavor.
I like to cook quinoa like pasta - in a pot with boiling water. For the broccoli, I do the same and cook it in a pot with boiling water but for shorter time. I chose to use mozzarella in my muffins, however, you can switch it to cheddar or any other hard cheese that you prefer.
If you have any extra cooked quinoa then you can also make quinoa salad for the holiday as well.
These muffins can be considered healthy since they are gluten-free and also have quinoa and broccoli in them.
To "glue" all the healthy ingredients in these muffin bites, I used eggs so you can call these muffins, egg muffin cups as well.
Tips for Perfect Quinoa Broccoli Cheese Bites:
Cook Quinoa and Broccoli Just Right
Ensure the quinoa and broccoli are cooked to perfection. For the quinoa, cook it until tender, similar to pasta, in boiling water. Likewise, cook the broccoli until it's tender but still retains a slight crunch.
Proper Mixing
When combining the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, eggs, and cheese, make sure to mix them thoroughly. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and ingredients in each bite.
Season to Taste
Don't forget to season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your preference. This step adds depth of flavor to the bites.
Grease Muffin Tin or Use Muffin Cases
To prevent the bites from sticking, either grease the muffin tin well or use muffin cases before pouring the batter.
Sprinkle Extra Cheese
Adding a sprinkle of extra mozzarella cheese on top of each bite before baking enhances the cheesy goodness and creates a delicious golden crust.
Monitor Baking Time
Keep an eye on the oven as the bites bake. They should be golden brown and set after around 20 minutes at 180°C / 350°F with the fan. Adjust the baking time if needed to avoid overcooking.
Enjoy Fresh or Reheat
These bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they're warm and gooey. However, you can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick snack later on.
Customize to Your Liking
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to the mixture. Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavor profiles.
FAQS
Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping and incorporating it into the mixture.
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the bites in advance and reheat them when needed.
Yes, these bites freeze well. Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.
While this particular recipe includes eggs and cheese, you can certainly experiment with vegan substitutes. Try using flax or chia eggs as binders and vegan cheese alternatives to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
Quinoa Broccoli Cheese Bites are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them as a standalone snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. They complement salads, soups, or roasted vegetables nicely. They're also great for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a quick grab-and-go snack.
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or any other veggies you enjoy. You can also incorporate herbs or spices for added flavor.
The bites should be golden brown on top and set in the center. You can insert a toothpick into the center of a bite, and if it comes out clean, they're ready. Be careful not to overbake, as they may become dry.
This recipe doesn't inherently contain gluten, but cross-contamination could occur depending on your ingredient choices. Ensure that your quinoa is certified gluten-free, and double-check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Other recipes to try:
Make these quinoa broccoli cheese bites today!
Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a satisfying bite, these savory treats are sure to become a favorite. Follow along as I guide you through the simple steps to create these delightful bites that are perfect for any occasion.
Quinoa Broccoli Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups cooked and chopped broccoli
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup grated mozzarella (+ 2-3 tablespoons more for sprinkling on top)
- Salt and pepper by your taste
Instructions
- Set the oven to 180°C / 350°F with the fan.
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients well.
- Grease a muffin tin or set muffin cases to be filled.
- Pour the batter to the tins/cases.
- Sprinkle the extra cheese on each muffin
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Have a muffin, or two, and enjoy!
Notes
- For the cooked quinoa, I like to cook it like pasta - in a pot with boiling water.
- For the cooked broccoli, I do the same and cook it in a pot with boiling water but for shorter time.
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