2025-06-19



Quinoa Bites – These savory, oven-baked quinoa bites are packed with cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs for a snackable, protein-rich option that’s great warm or cold.

I go through phases with quinoa. Sometimes it sits in the pantry for months, untouched. Then I make one recipe like this, and suddenly I’m adding it to everything

These little baked quinoa bites are my current favorite—cheesy, garlicky, and the kind of snack that disappears fast. I usually make a batch when I want something a little more exciting than plain rice or pasta, and I like that they hold their shape enough to dip.

The texture is soft but not mushy, and the crisp edges from the muffin tin give it just the right balance. They’re great warm from the oven or packed up in a lunchbox the next day.

We usually serve them with marinara, but if you’re in the mood for something creamier, try them with my Homemade Ranch Dressing. It’s one of those recipes that turns into a weekly staple without even meaning to.

Why You’ll Love Quinoa Bites

Kid-friendly texture & flavor – Soft on the inside with golden edges, they’re mild enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough for adults.

No complicated steps – Everything comes together in one bowl and bakes in a muffin tin—easy cleanup, no fuss.

Freezer-friendly – Bake a batch and stash extras in the freezer for fast snacks or a quick side later in the week.

Customizable mix-ins – Swap in other cheeses, add cooked veggies, or toss in fresh herbs based on what you have.

What You’ll Need

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

Chicken Broth

Quinoa

Egg

Onion

Cheddar Cheese

Fresh Parsley

Garlic

Salt

Black Pepper

Marinara Sauce (Optional)

How To Make Quinoa Bites

Cook the quinoa – Rinse it well, then simmer in chicken broth until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Let it cool slightly.

Prep the oven and pan – Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray or line a muffin tin.

Combine the filling – In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with egg, cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly distributed.

Fill the muffin tin – Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups and gently press down to flatten.

Bake until golden – Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and set.

Cool and serve – Let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing. Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dip.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Rinse the quinoa well – Give it a good rinse in a fine mesh strainer to remove the natural coating that can taste bitter.

Use pre-shredded cheese to save time – While freshly shredded melts better, pre-shredded cheddar still works well and speeds things up.

Let the quinoa cool before mixing – This keeps the egg from scrambling and helps everything mix evenly.

Add veggies for extra flavor – Try finely chopped spinach, bell pepper, or shredded zucchini for a veggie boost.

Make it spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a little kick.

Mini muffin tins work great – Perfect for party snacks or lunchboxes, just reduce the bake time slightly.

Freeze for later – These freeze well after baking; just reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.

What is the best way to reheat?

Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or pop them in a 350º F oven for 5–8 minutes to keep the texture crispy.

Do you have to rinse quinoa?

Yes, rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural coating (saponin), which can taste bitter. Use a fine mesh strainer and cold water before cooking.

Can you make quinoa bites ahead of time?

Yes, quinoa muffin cups are great for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

More Great Side Dish Recipes

Roasted Edamame

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Cheese and Sausage Biscuits

French Onion Rice

Orzo Pasta Salad

Print

Quinoa Bites

These Quinoa Bites are an easy and healthy side dish you can make to go with just about anything. You can add protein or veggies to bulk them up and make them a meal.

Course Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine American

Keyword quinoa bites

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 167kcal

Author Erin Sellin

Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa uncooked

1 egg beaten

1/2 cup onion finely chopped

1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded

1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa and add to a saucepan with chicken broth. Cover, bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the pan and cool for a few minutes.

1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa

Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray or you can use muffin liners.

In a large bowl combine the slightly cooled and cooked quinoa with the remaining ingredients (except the marinara sauce). Mix until everything is well combined.

1 egg, 1/2 cup onion, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spoon mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon gently press down, and flatten out the mixture. This should fill up 7-8 muffin cups.

Bake for 5-30 minutes or until starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool for a couple of minutes before removing from the pan to serve.

Serve with marinara sauce, ranch or whatever your favorite dip is.

Marinara sauce

Notes

Adapted from The Healthy Apple

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 2mg

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