Cheesy Gluten-Free Quinoa Bites

Okay, let's dive into the delicious world of gluten-free snacking! It's a place I know well, and let me tell you, it doesn't have to be a desert of blandness. For a long time, I thought "gluten-free" equaled "taste-free," but oh boy, was I wrong! Today, I'm sharing something that's become a staple in my house: Cheesy Gluten-Free Quinoa Bites. They're not only incredibly easy to make, but they're also ridiculously satisfying and perfect for everything from a quick afternoon snack to a party appetizer. I remember when I first made these, my kids—who are usually skeptical of anything remotely healthy—devoured them in minutes. That's when I knew I had a winner! So, grab your aprons, and let's get started on this cheesy, gluten-free delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or any herb you like, such as chives or dill)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional, for crispier edges)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing baking sheet or muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Let's get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet or a muffin tin with that olive oil. A muffin tin is great if you want individual portioned bites, while a baking sheet will give you slightly more rustic-looking, free-form bites.
- Combine the Goodies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked quinoa, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan (or nutritional yeast!), and the beaten eggs. If you are swapping out dairy cheese for vegan, ensure that it is a shredded style cheese substitute for best results.
- Add the Seasoning: Now, toss in the chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season to your liking, you can never have too much flavor, in my book! Give it all a good mix until everything is evenly combined, it should be a colorful, cheesy dream of texture.
- Forming the Bites: (optional crisp edge): If you are doing the crispier edge you will dump the bread crumbs into a separate plate or bowl. Next Use a spoon or your hands to scoop up about 1-2 tablespoons of the quinoa mixture for each bite. For the crisp you will then make a loosely formed ball and then roll in bread crumbs ensuring each side of the ball is coated. if you are not using bread crumbs you can scoop out the mixture on a tray and lightly form them to be round or desired shape.
- Bake to Perfection: If using a muffin tin, you can loosely fill each cup with the quinoa mixture. If using a baking sheet, you'll carefully place the balls or mounds on the prepared sheet and leave them slightly spaced out so that they bake evenly. Pop that tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bites are firm to touch. They should be looking quite beautiful at this stage.
- Cool Down and Enjoy!!: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the tray from the oven and let the quinoa bites cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or plate. This prevents them from getting soggy. Serve them warm or at room temperature. They're fantastic on their own or with a dipping sauce like marinara or a creamy Greek yogurt dip!
Tips & Tricks
- Cheese it Up! Feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese. A touch of smoked Gouda would add a wonderfully deep flavor, and some feta would bring a salty, tangy kick.
- Spice it Right: If you like a little heat, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. Or if you want to take it down a notch, try adding some rosemary or sage.
- Veggie Boost: Need more veggies? Sneak in some finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes into the quinoa mix. It's a great way to up the nutritional ante and they add more color and texture too.
- Make it Ahead: These little guys are perfect for meal prep. Once baked, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. They might become softer, so the oven option is the better one to retain the crunch.
- Freezing Option: You can also freeze the baked quinoa bites for longer storage. Just lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready, bake them from frozen until heated through. Just make sure they are thoroughly cooked before you enjoy them!
- Dipping: If you are in the dipping game, some fun pairings include a marinara sauce, a pesto dip or a dill yogurt sauce.
Get Your Exclusive Cookbook: "Be Gluten Free"

The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cooking: 300 Delicious Recipes with Stunning Photos, Expert Tips, and Comprehensive Meal Plans
Recipe Card
Cheesy Gluten-Free Quinoa Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: approx 20 small bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking sheet or muffin tin with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, cheddar, Parmesan (or yeast), and beaten eggs.
- Add parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- (Optional) Roll mixture into balls then roll into breadcrumbs.
- Form into small mounds or place in muffin tin.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Product Recommendations
Okay, let's talk about some kitchen helpers that can make this recipe even easier (and who doesn't love that?). A good non-stick baking sheet is a kitchen essential for even baking. If you're opting for the muffin tin approach, try a silicone muffin pan; the bites will pop out with ease, and it's super easy to clean! And if you are feeling extra fancy a great handheld cheese grater can do the job quick!
So there you have it! Cheesy, gluten-free quinoa bites that are bound to become a new favorite in your household. They are easy, customize-able, and delicious, all things we love. I hope you give them a try and let me know what you think! Happy snacking!
0 Comments