You know you’re already making a lunch or snack packed with veggies, whole grains, and protein, but it’s the bite-sized little tots and all that cheese that’ll have the kids begging for more of these Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites. They are a perfectly easy, cheesy, popable treat!

Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites

One of the things I find funny is that some of the most popular recipes on my site are the ones I randomly throw together. I’ll post a picture, and everyone will be like, “Give me that recipe!” or “When are you posting that?” Inevitably I won’t have measured anything or taken a decent photo. That is exactly what happened with these cheesy quinoa bites with veggies!

These are so simple and, as any busy mom knows, simple recipes are the ones we want—quick, easy, healthy, and all you need are a few ingredients that you already have in your fridge or pantry, such as leftover quinoa.

How Did You Come Up With Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites?

Sometimes we develop recipes based on experience. My human garbage disposals (aka two little boys) were hanging on my legs with wails of “I’m huuuuunnngggrrry!,” which is a common occurrence around these parts. So I opened up the refrigerator to see what was lurking around.

I had some leftover vegetables and a bowl of plain, cooked quinoa. And cheese. I always have cheese! I’ll be honest, though, vegetarian quinoa recipes are not the kids’ favorite. So far, I’ve only managed to get them to eat quinoa by making breakfast/dessert parfaits or chicken fajita quinoa casserole. But I was determined.

Can I just tell you, it was almost a mistake posting a picture on Instagram! Everyone wanted the recipe right away. Luckily, I had measured the ingredients and wrote down the baking time and temperature, but I had to actually stop the boys from scarfing them all down, just so I could get a few photos!

What Veggies Do You Use For These Quinoa Veggie Bites?

Making these Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites are a perfect way to use up whatever bits and pieces you have in your fridge. I had leftover broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, but anything will do – zucchini, butternut squash, peas, and so on.

You could also add some chicken or ham, if you like, or mix up the type of cheese for an endless variety. And of course, these treats are so tasty and good for you that it’s totally worth making up some quinoa and vegetables just for the sole purpose of making these little tots!

What Ingredients Are In Cheesy Quinoa Bites?

Vegetarian quinoa recipes are perfect for utilizing leftovers that otherwise may sit uneaten in the fridge. For this recipe, I used what I had on-hand at the time, but you can use whatever ingredients you have right now.

I used:

• Leftover cooked and cooled quinoa
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped, cooked vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potato, peas, green beans all will do)
• Kosher salt
• Egg

The egg is important because it binds all of the cheesy quinoa ingredients together. Without it, the tots would fall apart while cooking. This recipe has not been tested with vegan products such as egg replacer or vegan cheese, so try to stick to the original recipe if you can.

How Do You Make Cheesy Quinoa Bites?

These plant-based little bites are so easy to make, especially if you are using leftover ingredients!

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a mini cupcake or muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

Chop all of your leftover veggies and add all ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well.

Divide the quinoa mixture evenly into your cupcake tin. Press firmly to pack the tots down.

Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesy quinoa bites are golden brown and crispy.

What Recipes Are Similar To Quinoa Veggie Bites?

• These amazing Quinoa Pizza Bites are made in a similar way but have the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza!
• My Quinoa Stuffed Peppers recipe is a spin on the classic stuffed peppers but filled with a healthy quinoa filling!
• One of my all-time favorite healthy meals is this Quinoa Salad. It is filling and a full meal in one!

FAQs

Are Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites Vegetarian?

Yes! As long as no chicken or beef stock was used to cook your quinoa originally, these little veggies quinoa bites are vegetarian.

Are These Veggie Quinoa Bites Healthy?

These adorable cheesy quinoa bites are absolutely healthy. Quinoa has tons of vitamins and minerals, while veggies also add nutrition. Cheese adds a bit of protein, and the egg binds everything together. This is so much healthier than a pre-packaged and processed snack!

Do Quinoa Veggie Bites Taste Like Tater Tots?

You can certainly use leftover potatoes in these cheesy quinoa bites;, however, they taste more like a veggie tot than a tater tot. By adding shredded hash browns to these bites, you will get a more tater-tot-like texture and flavor.

Will My Kids Eat Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites?

Your kids might surprise you! If you know you have some picky eaters on your hands, try these veggie quinoa tots. The cheesy crunch is so satisfying. If my kids love these bites, I am sure yours will, too!

More Recipe To Check Out

Want some more great recipe ideas using quinoa?

• For a dish with some spicy kick, try this spicy, tangy quinoa recipe
• Want a great pizza dish that’s also healthy? Try my family favorite quinoa pizza bites recipe
• Looking for a quinoa recipe with some meat? Check out this easy to make chicken fajita quinoa recipe