Description
These Quinoa Vegetable and Cheesy Baby Bites are a wholesome, flavorful snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. Combining fluffy quinoa, nutrient-packed vegetables, fresh herbs, and melty mozzarella cheese, these bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection. They’re easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and make a great option for a nutritious, kid-friendly finger food or party platter addition.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Base
- 130 g quinoa (3/4 cup)
- 400 ml water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 large handful frozen peas
- 1 large handful fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
- 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
Binders & Cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) to prepare for baking the baby bites.
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running water using a sieve. Bring 400 ml of water to a boil in a pot, then add the quinoa. Once the water boils again, cover with a lid and let it simmer for 10 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is light and fluffy. Drain any excess liquid if present.
- Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion and crushed garlic, frying until fragrant and softened. Stir in the frozen peas and cook until they start to soften, then mash them gently with a masher to break them up. Add the chopped spinach and fresh thyme leaves, stir together briefly, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the egg thoroughly. Add the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and grated mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Stir everything well until fully combined.
- Form the baby bites: Using a tablespoon or roughly the size of one, scoop and shape the mixture into small balls. Arrange them evenly spaced on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the bites for 20 minutes or until they turn golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bites to cool completely before serving. These can be served warm or at room temperature as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse quinoa well to remove its natural bitterness.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture.
- These baby bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- They can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme for the best aroma, but dried can be used if fresh is unavailable, using about a teaspoon.
