Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
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I enjoy cooking, I do it for a living and half the time I still don’t know what to feed my kid. I’ve passed these recipes around to plenty of friends so I figured I’d share them with you too! For the most part, my 1-year-old son eats portions of what we have, but I like to have ready-made and easy lunches or meals for our babysitter to feed him. These broccoli Cheddar quinoa bites are great because they can be made in a large batch, then I typically refrigerate half, and then freeze the other half for easy reheating.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Table of contents
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Quinoa – Quinoa is a whole grain which is cooked in a similar way to rice. There are a few different types, but white quinoa is the most common.
- Broccoli – Finely chopped broccoli is the base of these vegetable-packed bites. While I just chop the broccoli, if you are worried about ensuring the vegetables are soft, you can steam the broccoli before chopping it. This is great for babies starting BLW (baby led weaning).
- Eggs – Eggs act as a binder to hold these bites together.
- Cheddar cheese – I recommend using sharp Cheddar in this recipe. If you use mild Cheddar the flavor will cook out. Either yellow or white Cheddar can be used.
- Flour – Adding a bit of flour helps to absorb any excess liquid and hold the bites together. I use unbleached all-purpose flour, but whole wheat flour also works well.
- Spices – I season the mixture with a combination of onion powder and garlic powder. It’s not recommended that babies under 1 have much added sodium, so I omit salt in this recipe. It can be added to season the mixture for older kids.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Step 1: Mix ingredients in bowl.
Heat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Add the quinoa, broccoli, eggs, cheese, flour, garlic powder and onion powder to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add to muffin tin.
Scoop into prepared greased muffin tins in 2 tablespoon portions.
Step 3: Bake the broccoli cheddar quinoa bites.
Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Serve or store.
Let cool slightly then run a knife around the edges to loosen the bites from the muffin tin. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen in resealable plastic bags for up to 3 months.
Tips and Tricks for This Recipe
Swaps and Substitutions
- The broccoli can be swapped for chopped cauliflower or cauliflower rice.
- For babies just starting BLW (baby led weaning) I recommend steaming the broccoli until soft, about 8 minutes, before finely chopping or blending it and adding it to the mixture as directed below.
- Try adding ½ cup (84g) of shredded carrots for some added vegetables.
How to Cook Quinoa
To cook quinoa follow these simple steps using a 2:1 ratio of quinoa to water or stock. In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring 1 cup (260g) water or chicken broth to a boil. Add ½ cup (90g) of quinoa, and cook covered on medium-low heat until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork.
How to Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
These can easily be reheated from frozen either in the microwave or air fryer. Add the bites to the basket of the air fryer then heat air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC) and cook until heated through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy these broccoli cheddar quinoa bites, give these a try:
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1½ cup finely chopped broccoli
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Add the quinoa, broccoli, eggs, cheese, flour, garlic powder and onion powder to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop into prepared greased muffin tins in 2 tablespoon portions.
- Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly then run a knife around the edges to loosen the bites from the muffin tin. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen in resealable plastic bags for up to 3 months.
DID YOU MAKE THIS?
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My 9 month old absolutely loved and devoured these broccoli cheddar quinoa bites. They were quick and easy to make with all healthy ingredients! Great texture and flavor for anyone looking to introduce new foods to their little ones. Love this recipe!!
So happy to hear it! Thank you for sharing Caitlin!
I have tried many of your recipes but was looking for something easy and where I could use up my broccoli that needed to be used ASAP. I realized this recipe was meant for toddlers but it’s great for adults also. A little salt and gochugang make it a party!
I have tried many of your recipes but was looking for something easy and where I could use up my broccoli that needed to be used ASAP. I realized this recipe was meant for toddlers but it’s great for adults also. A little salt and gochugang make it a party!