Description
These Broccoli Cheese Bites are a savory and nutritious snack made with quinoa, chickpeas, and cheddar cheese, blended with herbs and spices then baked to golden perfection. They offer a delicious way to enjoy vegetables and protein in a fun, handheld form perfect for parties or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 15 oz can chickpeas, 1 ½ cups drained
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- 1 ½ cups chopped broccoli, boiled
- 1 cup mature cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Additional
- ½ – 1 cup water (to aid blending)
- Olive oil spray (for baking sheet and topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa and Broccoli: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy. Simultaneously, boil the chopped broccoli until tender. Set both aside to cool slightly.
- Blend Ingredients: Add chickpeas, cooked quinoa, boiled broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, thyme, basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Do this in batches if needed. Add water gradually, between ½ to 1 cup, to help the processor pulse the ingredients into a consistent texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Form the Bites: Using your hands, scoop small amounts of the mixture and shape them into balls. Place each ball on the baking sheet and gently flatten into circular shapes to form the bites.
- Apply Olive Oil and Bake: Spray the tops of the formed bites with olive oil to enhance browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bites are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool before serving. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Notes
- Adjust water quantity depending on the moisture of the ingredients to achieve the ideal texture for shaping.
- Use mature cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor and better binding properties.
- These bites can be served warm or at room temperature and work well as appetizers or snacks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute quinoa with couscous or rice for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese bite (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 2.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
