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4-Step Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
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These broccoli Cheddar quinoa bites are an easy, wholesome recipe perfect for babies, toddlers, and kids. Made with cooked quinoa, finely chopped broccoli, eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese, they bake up tender inside with lightly golden edges. They’re ideal for baby-led weaning, make-ahead lunches, and freezer-friendly snacks the whole family can enjoy. If you love easy kid-friendly meals, check out this list of 20+ of the best recipes for kids! I recommend trying my stove top broccoli cheddar mac and cheese or carrot shrimp patties next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly and Nutritious – Packed with vegetables, protein, and whole grains in an easy-to-hold bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep with fridge- and freezer-friendly storage.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and minimal prep.
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.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
For babies just starting baby-led weaning, steam the broccoli until very soft before chopping or blending to ensure the bites are easy to chew.
How to Cook Quinoa if Needed
Its a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio! In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring 2 cups of chicken broth or water to a boil. Add 1 cup of quinoa, and cook covered on medium-low heat until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Broccoli: Can be swapped for finely chopped cauliflower or cauliflower rice. For babies just starting BLW, steam the broccoli until soft before chopping or blending.
- Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
- Cheddar cheese: Swap with another mild, well-melting cheese if desired.
- Vegetables: Add ½ cup shredded carrots for extra vegetables and color.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites (Step-by-Step)
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.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
- Serve warm or at room temperature for babies and toddlers.
- Pair with fruit or yogurt for an easy kid-friendly lunch.
- Add a simple salad or soup for a light adult meal.
How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze in resealable bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these bites are great for babies and toddlers, especially for baby-led weaning when the broccoli is steamed and chopped finely.
Absolutely. These bites freeze very well and can be reheated directly from frozen.
It’s optional. Raw finely chopped broccoli works well, but steaming it first is recommended for younger babies.
White quinoa is the most common and works best, but red or tri-color quinoa can also be used.
Its a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio! In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring 2 cups of chicken broth or water to a boil. Add 1 cup of quinoa, and cook covered on medium-low heat until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Other Recipes to Try
If your kiddos loved these broccoli cheddar quinoa bites, give the following recipes a try next:
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
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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.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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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!
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!