Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed thoroughly: The star of the show, providing a nutty base and fantastic texture. Rinsing removes any bitter saponins.
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth: For cooking the quinoa, broth adds an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The primary “cheesy” element, providing a classic, tangy flavor and good melt.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Act as the binder, holding all the delicious ingredients together.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating, optional): Provide structure and contribute to a wonderfully crispy exterior. Panko is preferred for its light, airy crunch.
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives: Adds a touch of freshness, color, and mild herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic aromatic that boosts the savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder for a well-rounded savory base.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors. Adjust based on the saltiness of your cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Adds a gentle hint of spice.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: For greasing the baking sheet or air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. You’ll see little “tails” (the germ) spiraling out from the grains.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet or large plate to cool completely. This step is crucial; warm quinoa can make the mixture too sticky and prevent the bites from holding their shape. Aim for room temperature or even slightly chilled.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If using an air fryer, you can skip preheating the oven but prepare your air fryer basket by lightly spraying it.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked quinoa.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lightly beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley (or chives), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Using a sturdy spoon or your clean hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape but not overly wet. If it seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two more of panko breadcrumbs. If it seems too dry, a tiny splash of milk or an extra bit of beaten egg (just a teaspoon at a time) can help.
- Form the Bites:
- Take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the quinoa mixture (a small cookie scoop works wonderfully for uniform size).
- Roll the mixture between your palms to form a compact ball or a slightly flattened patty/disc shape. Aim for bites that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Optional for extra crispiness: If desired, you can lightly roll each formed bite in an additional bowl of panko breadcrumbs before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. This creates an even crispier crust.
- Place the formed bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Bake or Air Fry:
- Oven Method: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and heated through. You may want to flip them halfway through the baking time (around the 10-12 minute mark) for even browning on all sides.
- Air Fryer Method: Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Air fryer times can vary, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the Cheesy Quinoa Bites from the oven or air fryer.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will firm up a bit more as they cool. This also prevents you from burning your mouth on the molten cheese!
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g