These tot-sized broccoli cheddar quinoa bites are packed with nutrients and the perfect size for little hands. They are great for baby led weaning or toddlers that like to dip. Simply pair these with fruit to make a complete, well-balanced meal!
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When kids are young — under 3 years old — I find it’s best to keep meals fairly simple (but flavorful!). I like to include a protein source, a carb (bonus if it’s a vegetable) and some healthy fat in each meal as often as possible. And when I can combine all those macronutrients into one toddler hand-sized meal? Well, I get pretty excited.
These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites come together quickly and easily and are the perfect size for little hands.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
[Tweet “These broccoli cheddar quinoa bites are delicious and great for toddlers and babies who are starting solids!”]
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Spray a mini-muffin pan with non-stick spray (or I love this mini pan option which makes them so easy to pop out!) and spoon mixture into each cup, pressing down mixture into each cup as you go.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bites are firm to the touch and slightly browned on top.
Serve immediately.
Or save in the fridge and reheat (or I eat them cold!) for a quick snack or meal.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: about 30 mini quinoa bites 1x
Description
These tot-sized broccoli cheddar quinoa bites are packed with nutrients and the perfect size for little hands. They are great for baby led weaning or toddlers that like to dip. Simply pair these with fruit to make a complete, well-balanced meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 large eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Spray mini-muffin pan with non-stick spray and spoon a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each cup, pressing down mixture into each cup as you go.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bites are firm to the touch and slightly browned on top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
If you find yourself with leftover quinoa mix, try making larger muffins for the adults!
You may find that it’s easiest to chop the broccoli using a food processor.
These are great dipped in ranch, but I also highly recommend this Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce from Iowa Girl Eats. No child can resist!
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And
Danica @ It's Progression says
This recipe may be geared toward kiddos but I’m pretty sure I’m going to make them for myself sometime soon 🙂
katie says
IGE also has a BLT version that is delicious, I’ve used the quinoa egg mixture as the base of a lot of recipes, super delicious for a quick breakfast or lunch or snack.
Brittany Dixon says
Ohhh BLT sounds awesome! And I totally agree with you Katie- it’s a great base to add in whatever mixes strike your fancy. I’ve eaten these quite often on salads 🙂
Sarah says
Stupid question. Do I measure the 2 cups of Quinoa before or after cooking it?
Brittany Dixon says
There’s no such thing as a dumb question 🙂
Use 2 cups of quinoa that has already been cooked
Yuliya says
Your daughter is so cute! Those quinoa bites look amazing. Sadly, I’m not sure that I’ll be able to make them anytime in the near future because it looks like all of the quinoa in this region of the Netherlands has disappeared. I think I’ve been to every single store that sells anything food related in our city and nothing, but they used to sell it!
Okay, I’m done complaining, but great recipe!
Brittany Dixon says
So crazy, I wonder why it disappeared? You could totally use cooked brown rice or another grain if you wanted!
Yuliya says
I have no idea why! I really miss it though. We don’t have plans to visit the US anytime in the near future either, so I can’t bring back a suitcase full either 🙁 I’ll try this with brown rice though. I’m all stocked up on that! Thanks for the tip!
Jill says
These look like a great alternative to the spinach quinoa bites from Costco I bought the other day that my kiddo won’t touch.
Marjorie says
You and your bump are too cute! I love the Friday videos, and you do so great on TV! I am most definitely going to try these for my son. He loves anything with cheese in it. Perfect! Thanks for sharing.
Amy @ Long Drive Journey says
Is it bad that I would gladly eat and enjoy all of your munchkin meals? These look right up my alley!
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
I agree with Amy, these look perfect for kiddos and adults alike! Pinning now!
Brittany Dixon says
I had to make several batches, so I ate tons of them on salads! I should have snapped a selfie to show they’re awesome for adults too 😉
Karen says
I might need to make those for myself…lol
Ali says
That’s a good recipe! I think I’ll try it soon for Aiden. He’s never eaten cheese or dairy yet, but at one, I think it’ll be okay!
Lauren B. says
Yummy! I’m always impressed with how you present yourself on tv so seemlesy- you are well-spoken and don’t look a bit nervous! Great job!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much! That’s sweet of you to say. I definitely have segments that I feel go better than others, but all the people at WCCB are so great and really do a great job of making me feel comfortable 🙂
char eats greens says
You always come up with such great ideas to make for Hailey!! I totally will have to do a vegan version of this for Nia (which is super easy because I only have two ingredients to replace!). And umm, would it be such a crime if I got a mini muffin pan because I also wanted to eat cute, mini things out of it? haha
Brittany Dixon says
I splurged on a fancy mini muffin pan from Williams Sonoma and now I’m obsessed with making everything mini… for both H and myself- haha!
Jen says
These look SO good Brittany. I’m trying to figure out if I can sub a flax egg b/c in theory Wyatt should like them. I think I’ll try with a half batch first and let you know!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
L is still in an anti-green food phase… I can’t wait until it’s over! But I wonder if I could sneak these by her. I’d eat them if she doesn’t want them!
Emily says
These are so delicious I had to stop myself from eating a bunch of them! Made them for my picky toddler. Any tips on how to store them properly? Will they freeze well? I will make these again for sure.
Brittany Dixon says
So glad you like them! Yes, you can freeze them and defrost/heat in the oven as needed. Thanks for your review!
Maria says
I need to show my mini muffin tin some love and what a great way to do it 🙂
So many possibilities too! I’d like to try them with a bit of Mexican flare. Maybe some taco seasoning, diced peppers, black beans and mexican cheese?
emma @ be mom strong says
I have been searching for a recipe like dr praagers veggie burgers for my little one so thank you so much for this!
Julia says
Aw these look SO tasty have to try them asap!! Would be good for snacks for when friends come over too 🙂 xxx
Tiff says
Yummy! I’d make a pan of these for the hubby and I to pack for lunch!
Kayla Seah says
These look so good! Definitely going to make them next chance I get.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
munchkin or not – these look awesome!
Carol Haidar says
Hey there do you cook the broccoli first before chopping and mixing in? Thanks !
Brittany Dixon says
No, you do not need to. 🙂
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
I would totally eat these and I’m 24!
Lauren says
I don’t have a mini muffin tin yet. Should I use a large or do so you think the shape would hold if I used a baking sheet?
Brittany Dixon says
You could create little mounds/ balls and line them up on a baking sheet kind of like these:
https://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/vegetable-quinoa-biscuits-for-baby/
and it should work fine! You just won’t get as pretty as a final product, but taste-wise, you’ll be good. Or you can fill up your muffin tin 1/3-1/2 of the way and proceed as written.
Christine says
I also don’t have a mini muffin tin – I put the mixture between two sheets of parchment paper (on a sheet pan) and basically made them into granola bars. i flipped them at one point and the overall cooking time was a bit longer, but I think it achieved a similar “crispy-outside” effect that way. They are quite tasty! I cut my granola bar parties into thin fingers for toddler lunches, and I keep telling my husband to get out of them LOL
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
My son used to love quinoa bites like these then all the sudden, stopped liking quinoa! I need to try again though. Looks like Hailey loves them!
Nan says
These look amazing!! I am definitely going to make them for my little guy…. especially after he threw a major tantrum for wanting a “muffin” for dinner tonight. Maybe these little quinoa bites will satisfy his muffin craze. THank you!!
Lindsay says
We are making these tonight for dinner to accompany our coconut and pecan encrusted chicken tenders. I PRAY they eat them, my daughter had turned against broccoli :(. They look absolutely delicious though!
Katie Harding says
Not only will my little one’s love these but my husband will go wild for these as well! They will be perfect to stick in his lunches this week! Thanks for sharing!
lauren says
These look perfect for little ones…and parents too. My little guy went from mainly eating purees to eating brown rice pasta with meat sauce, diced veggies and pancakes in a matter of a week and a half. He wants to do everything himself. Gotta love that pincer grasp! I’m definitely going to make these for next week. Looks like something he can feed himself in the am while I eat my breakfast and get us ready to go.
Samantha says
These just got the big tick of approval from my rather fussy 13 month old, win! I may have enjoyed a few too…
Courtney Swecker says
These look yummy; I think my 13 month would love them! Do you think I could freeze the left over bites and then reheat? I just discovered your website, great stuff! Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Courtney! I think it would be worth a try to freeze them! I actually think they’d be fine, but it would probably be best to defrost, then reheat them in the oven or toaster oven so they don’t get soggy. If you try it out, please let me know! 🙂
Denise says
Hi Brittany! I made these yesterday and posted a picture both on FB and Instagram.. I tried to tag you in the photo but I’m not sure it worked. In any case, Olivia approved! They were a hit!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t think I saw the tag, but I’m thrilled that they were a hit! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂
Kat says
These look awesome! Do you know if they freeze well?
Brittany Dixon says
I have not tried to freeze them, but I think they’d do alright! I’d try to reheat in the oven versus the microwave. If you try it, will you report back?? Thanks! 🙂
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Ali Davies says
I am always on the look out for new things to try out. Will be giving this a whirl this weekend. Thanks.
Sarah C says
Excellent! Two two year old’s and pregnant mama gobbled these up today! Easy to whip together and healthy too. Thank you!!
Amanda says
These look delicious! I would like to make them for my daycare kids, but one kiddo is allergic to eggs. Is there an egg substitute that would work well here? I’ve done “flax eggs” in baking recipes but never paired with quinoa.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not sure if a flax egg would work in these, but if you try it, I’d love for you to let me know!
You could also try replacing one egg with 2 Tbsp of water whisked together with 1 tsp vegetable oil and 2 tsp of baking powder. That works really well for some recipes!
I wish I had more of a suggestion, but I’ve only ever done it with egg.
Jody says
Do these freeze well?
Jody says
Excuse me, I was able to find a related post. Will try to reheat in the oven, thank you!
Julio says
Do you cook the brocolli first? or can it go in raw?
Brittany Dixon says
It can go in raw, though you can certainly cook it if you prefer!
Michelle says
What if you don’t have a mini muffin pan? These would work in a full size muffin pan, right? Would it hold together if I did a dollop on a cookie sheet and made into ‘cookies’?
Brittany Dixon says
I think either would work, but would try dollops over larger muffins. If you try larger muffins, note that they may need to bake longer. Let me know how they turn out!
Michelle says
So I tried in a normal muffin pan before I saw this. They actually turned out pretty decent. I did borrow a mini muffin pan today and tried that out and I definitely like it better, but the big ones were okay too! Time to invest in a mini muffin pan I think!
Brittany Dixon says
Awesome- thanks for the feedback!!
Heather says
Oh man, I totally forgot about these! I used to make them as quinoa pizza bites for myself. I need to try them with my daughter. Basically the same concept you have here except I used Parm and some pizza sauce!
Molly says
Hi! LOVE this recipe! Is the broccoli raw when you stick it in the food processor or steamed? These are going in my meal plan this next week!! Thanks!
Christina says
These look so good! I’ve been researching baby led weaning as I get ready to start it with my little guy, and have found your posts so helpful.
Stephanie says
Do you cook the broccoli first?
Becks says
Thanks for the recipe! I just made them today, and they were a hit with the whole family, not just my 1 year old that I had intended them for. I’ll definitely be making them again.
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much for the feedback! I’m so happy to hear your family enjoyed them! <3
Sarah says
Is it supposed to go in the food processor before you bake it?
Brittany Dixon says
No, I just used the processor to easily shred the broccoli and cheese! 🙂
Ali says
Just made these for my son (8 months old) – so yummy! He hasn’t tried them yet but my husband said ‘These are like broccoli and cheddar soup in a bite!’ Looking forward to his reaction tomorrow!
Brittany Dixon says
So glad your husband likes them! I hope your son does too 🙂
Tori says
Made these tonight! So easy and so good. I only have one little so I halved the recipe… Kinda wish I hadn’t now 😉 going to try grated carrots next!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks so much for the rating and feedback! <3
Rachael says
My three year old doesn’t typically like the texture of quinoa, but she loved these! I did too. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Brittany Dixon says
Wonderful! Thank you for the feedback!
Charmaine Poulin says
What a great way to use up leftover quinoa! I added some chopped ham too…delicious!
Brittany Dixon says
So glad you enjoyed them! Love the added ham- yum!
Radhia says
What can I replace eggs with since We are vegetarian ?
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not sure there would be a good substitute, as the eggs are a strong binder. You could try it with a flax egg, but I’m not sure it would be the same consistency.
Jodi-Jane says
My son has egg and dairy allergies so I had to test some modifications. I used flax eggs (1 tbs ground flax + 2.5 tbs water per egg) and non-dairy shredded cheddar cheese (Earth Island brand) and yellow mustard as I had no dry at home. The mixture was still too crumbly so I then added water a tbs at a time to get it to hold together a bit. I made one batch with silicone mini-muffin pan and had to leave them for 30 minutes and the bottoms still didn’t set well, so the second batch I actually formed delicate balls and put them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet to allow them more surface area to cook, then I left them in the oven for 40 minutes (until they browned). At last, they turned out yummy and my little guy (13 months old) scarfs them. Thank you for keeping it simple and delicious
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad you liked them. Thank you so much for your feedback; so helpful!
Maggie says
I loved these!! My daughter (15 months) spit out many of the broccoli pieces so I think next time I’ll cook it first. Will definitely be making this again!
Brittany Dixon says
Wonderful! Thanks so much for the feedback!
Maggie says
Me again and we’ve made these multiple times since that last post. I usually use leftover steamed broccoli which the little one seems to like better. Still a huge hit in our housr! We do freeze them and reheat in either microwave or oven. All work well!
Brittany Dixon says
So thrilled to hear that!! 🙂
Maggie says
This is my old post ….my three year old has decided she doesn’t like quinoa so she doesn’t eat these anymore but the one year old and I devour them!! They are on regular rotation at our house – making them now! I’m sure the three year old will come around again…..phases!
lisa says
Yay, another NorCal blogger! I’ll definitely have to check her out. My beauty tip would be to exfoliate/scrub your lips (like with Lush or homemade w/ brown sugar & olive oil) before wearing lipstick! It makes the world of difference and taste delicious too!
Cate says
Yay my super picky toddler loves these!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad to hear that; thank you for the review!
PD says
Can’t wait to try this with my toddler! How can I use frozen broccoli in it?
Brittany Dixon says
You can chop it up and use it just the same! 🙂
Julie says
I made this with my air fried fish- soooo yummy! I accidentally left out the eggs though and the cheese bound it successfully! Thanks for sharing!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad they were a hit; thank you for your review!
Emma says
My kid (12 m.o) is obsessed with these. And our daycare provider actually asked me for the recipe so she could make them for the other kids. Recommend adding one extra egg so they hold together nicely!
Great recipe!!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you for your review, Emma! 🙂
Kayla Larson says
Thanks for the recipe! It’s a staple in our home.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad you love them; thank you for the review!
Maryc says
The recipe sounds delicious but the instructions aren’t clear of my phone is not showing the whole recipe as it is . I see a good processor and the ingredients in it but you never mentioned that step in the recipe. Is there anyway you can clarify that for me please ? Ok so I get ingredients together and then what ? I mean I need to follow step by step I’m sorry some people are just not as smart and need step by step instructions lol .
Brittany Dixon says
Sorry they are not showing up for you! Let me paste them here. The food processor is just a recommendation you might find easier; it’s not necessary.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Spray mini-muffin pan with non-stick spray and spoon a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each cup, pressing down mixture into each cup as you go.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bites are firm to the touch and slightly browned on top.
Serve immediately.
Notes
If you find yourself with leftover quinoa mix, try making larger muffins for the adults!
You may find that it’s easiest to chop the broccoli using a food processor.
Melissa says
Can you freeze these and if so how long would these freeze for?
Brittany Dixon says
I have frozen them for up to three months while reheating in the oven. Some people don’t like the way cheese tastes/feels after freezing but I didn’t have an issue with that for these.
Amal says
Im definitely making this for my 13 month old! I do not have a mini muffin pan. How long would you recommend baking in a regular muffin pan?
Brittany Dixon says
Increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes and it should do the trick. Enjoy! 🙂
Susan says
These were delicious! The only thing I did differently was I sautéed the garlic with the broccoli and then I put it through a mini chopper.
Brittany says
Just curious is it ok for baby 8 months with the half teaspoon of salt ? I don’t want it to have 0 flavour for her
Heather says
I just made these to take to a Christmas function as a GF option. Of course I had to try one before taking them…….and they were lucky to make it there!
Seriously good!
Christina Joy says
Hi, would couscous work with this in place of the quinoa?
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not sure because I have not tried it, but if you give it a go, will you please let me know?
Lala Max says
Quinoa bites are the best! I discovered them when my kids were little, and we still all love them! I always use more than broccoli…carrots, kale, cauliflower, spinach. Whatever vegetables we have at home, plus jalapenos for a little kick. Quinoa bites are a win!
Mary Holler says
Hello, I just made these and they turned out great. Am I able to freeze and then reheat? Thank you!
Brittany Dixon says
So glad they turned out great for you! Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight storage and microwave them to reheat quickly, or reheat in the oven for a firmer texture.
Katie says
Can these be frozen?
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, they can. They reheat best in the oven.
CJ says
This is amazingly good. I have been making them for years. Started when my oldest went vegetarian and kept it in rotation because they are so good. Even my very picky, steak-loving teenager eats them. Thank you for the recipes!