Go Back
+ servings

Cheesy Quinoa Bites

Print Recipe
Fun and healthy finger food filled with quinoa, jalapeños and cheddar cheese!
Course Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar cheese, jalapeño, quinoa
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 24 bites
Calories 46
Author Laurie McNamara

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cups red quinoa uncooked
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper seeded and diced small
  • 1/2 large jalapeño seeded and minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 green onions minced (light green and dark green parts)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar divided
  • 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear, drain and transfer to a small pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside off the heat for 5 minutes; uncover and fluff with a fork. Place into a bowl to cool.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a small sauté pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of extra light olive oil. Once hot add in the diced red bell pepper and mince jalapeno. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add in the minced fresh garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Remove from the heat and transfer sautéed peppers/garlic to a plate to cool down.
  • In a large bowl combined the cooled quinoa, green onions, cilantro, {cooled} peppers and garlic, two eggs and 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
  • Next add in the 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, pepper and cumin. Stir until combined.
  • Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with baking spray. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the quinoa mixture into each muffin spot. Top with remaining cheddar and pop into a preheated 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove and let cool before removing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg