These quinoa pizza bites are the perfect toddler quinoa bites or quinoa appetizer. Filled with greens, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and cheese, these veggie quinoa bites taste like healthy mini pizza bites.
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I did some recipe testing last week, which felt really good. Cooking has been so off and on during this pregnancy, in terms of motivation, likes and aversions. And, just wanting easy, minimal cook things.
But, I got some unexpected energy and these quick quinoa meatballs were born.
When figuring out what to name these healthy toddler quinoa bites, I figured quinoa pizza bites were perfect because they are like mini pizzas. Healthy mini vegetarian pizzas for toddlers. Or call them quinoa meatballs if your child likes meatballs.
This quinoa appetizer recipe is also a great way to use leftover quinoa. You know, when you’re sick of just eating it plain and don’t know what to do with the rest of it? That happens to me because quinoa can be so plain and I run out of ideas.Think about this quinoa bite recipe!
An Easy Quinoa Recipe for Kids
I know finding quinoa recipes for kids can be a little intimidating because quinoa is such a small and messy grain. I find that finding recipes where it holds things together works better!
Like this veggie bites recipe. Quinoa patties are another great way to hold quinoa together for quinoa recipes for kids.
Specifically, I think this makes for a great quinoa recipe for toddlers, though, because they can be so picky. If it tastes like pizza, it’s usually a go here in our house.
Plus, these are essentially plant based meatballs if you’re trying to introduce your toddler or kids to more plant-based eating habits.
These are also an easy way to introduce veggies and quinoa bites for baby, too. They hold together well so once baby can grab food, this can be a great option for baby led weaning.
I plan on writing more about baby led weaning once our second little one arrives and we do solids. It worked REALLY well for Camryn. I truly feel like it’s why she’s such a great eater, and we’re lucky she’s not a picky eater.
What You Need To Make Quinoa Pizza Bites
You really only need 6 key ingredients plus some spices to make this quinoa appetizer or quinoa snack recipe. If you don’t like kale in these kale and quinoa bites, leave it out or try spinach.
- quinoa (we buy in bulk so always have some on hand)
- breadcrumbs (use gluten free to keep these quinoa meatballs gluten free)
- tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- handful of spinach or kale
- shredded cheese
- egg
- spices
Of course, feel free to add in any additional add in’s! Diced zucchini or shredded carrot would also be delicious!
How To Make Quinoa Bites with Your Choice of Veggies
To make these mini pizza bites with quinoa, decide what veggies you want to include. Of course, you can leave the veggies out altogether. We like to shred up some spinach or kale, and add some canned tomatoes to make them juicier.
First, you’ll cook your recipe and let it cool. You only need 1 cup of cooked quinoa, so we tend to make a bunch of quinoa at once, and double the recipe so we can toss quinoa bites on pasta, salads or just have as a snack!
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Mix the ingredients for the meatball and quinoa recipe in a bowl and roll into small quinoa meatballs shape.
Put them on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then you just bake them for 13-16 minutes.
These pizza quinoa balls are super quick and easy!
Can You Freeze Quinoa Balls?
Yes, we actually plan on freezing a bunch before the new baby arrives next month!
To freeze after baking, just let them completely cool. Then, store them in a freezer-friendly ziplock bag (we love these reusable ones).
Then, just reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to eat them.
More Quinoa Recipes
- Mango Quinoa Salad
- Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Lemon Herb Cheesy Quinoa
- Sweet Potato Quinoa Beet Breakfast Scramble
Quinoa Pizza Bites (Easy Veggie Quinoa Bites)
These quinoa pizza bites are the perfect toddler quinoa bites or quinoa appetizer. Filled with greens, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and cheese, these veggie quinoa bites taste like healthy mini pizza bites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
- ¼ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- Handful spinach or kale, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/8 pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook quinoa as directed. I like to do 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth, but do it slowly to keep the quinoa fluffy.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Lay out a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Mix all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Roll into small quinoa meatballs, leaving about an inch between each on the parchment paper.
- Bake for 13-16 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 58Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 109mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g
Save it For Later
And please don’t forget to tag me on social (@bucketlisttummy_rd) if you make it. I’d love to see and reshare it! Or, leave a review if you love them.
What’s your favorite way to use quinoa?
These look great! I think I have some quinoa packed in a box somewhere (yay moving…) so this might have to be bookmarked until later. Do you think I could sub in just some marinara sauce instead of tomatoes?
Yes, definitely! I would add 3-4 tablespoons to start, and see if you like that flavor enough.
I love this recipe. I’m always looking for a snack that is not a handful of choc chips straight out of the bag! Not there’s anything wrong with that, just not everyday!
These are a fun snack/appetizer. Something different!
These look awesome! WE can’t wait to make these, Sarah
Thank you! Hope you enjoy them.