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Home » Recipes » Recipes

Cheesy Quinoa Bites

Published: Aug 7, 2017 · Updated: Nov 16, 2023 by Laura Fuentes · This post may contain affiliate links

These cheesy quinoa bites are easy to make and a delicious way to repurpose leftover quinoa into a fun lunch!
4.91 from 65 votes
Jump to Recipe

These cheesy quinoa bites are the perfect solution when you need something to do with leftover quinoa!

You and the kids will love them because they’re bite-sized, cheesy, nutritious, and pair great with everything!

two lunch boxes with quinoa bites, dip and fruit

Are Quinoa Bites Healthy?

These quinoa bites are a healthy meal option for adults and kids; with each bite containing 36 calories and 2 grams of protein, they’re a terrific meal builder.

Quinoa is also a healthy grain providing fiber, protein, and minerals, making it a great addition to your meals.

Ingredients

Few ingredients go into these cheesy quinoa bites, which is why they’re always the perfect thing to make and easy to customize! You’ll need:

  • Quinoa: the recipe card below includes measurements for leftover cooked quinoa or uncooked.
  • Egg: to bind the quinoa, seasoning, and cheese.
  • Italian seasoning: adds a mild flavor kids love. Check the recipe card for other seasoning suggestions.
  • Garlic powder: a little goes a long way to add flavor.
  • Salt: just a pinch for seasoning.
  • Shredded Cheese: this is what gives these bites its “cheesy” name and make it a kid-favorite! I suggest sharp cheddar for flavor, but you can use mozzarella too.
quinoa bites in a mini muffin tin before baking

How to Make Quinoa Bites

Making cheesy quinoa bites is easy, almost like making cupcakes! Here is what you’ll need to do:

  1. Cook the quinoa (if you don’t have leftovers)
    In a medium saucepan, place quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 to 7 more minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
    Allow the quinoa to cool down to room temperature; this is a great step to make ahead of time or use up leftover quinoa.
  2. Prep the oven
    Preheat the oven to 400F and grease or spray a (24) mini muffin pan*.
  3. Make the cheesy base
    In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and shredded cheese. Once combined, add the cooled quinoa and mix.
  4. Fill them up!
    Spoon the cheesy quinoa mixture into the muffin pan.
  5. Bake the cheesy quinoa bites
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and enjoy.
  6. Serve
    Serve these cheesy quinoa bites with marinara sauce, salsa, topped with guacamole, and more!

Watch this quick recipe video to see it all come together step-by-step

Dry to Cooked Quinoa Ratio

1 cup of dry quinoa expands 3 to 4 times its size, yielding approximately 3.5 cups cooked.

The recipe card below includes the measurements to make these cheesy quinoa bites starting from dry and with leftover cooked quinoa.

Kid and Toddler Approved Quinoa Recipe

By turning quinoa into a bite-sized food and adding cheese, you’re transforming a nutritious ingredient into a kid and toddler-approved quinoa recipe. Bonus points when you serve these cheesy quinoa bites with a sauce for dipping!

mini quinoa bite dipping in a red sauce

Sauces for Dipping Quinoa Bites

Kids and toddlers love to dip their food, and by serving these quinoa bites with a sauce, you’re making them more fun to eat.

Consider dipping these in:  

  • bbq sauce
  • homemade ranch
  • homemade ketchup
  • veggie tomato sauce
  • easy guacamole
  • Smooth blender salsa

Always looking for ways to add variety to your kids’ lunch? Check out this book!

101 Packed Lunches eBook

All my best kid-friendly lunches from over a decade of creating meal plans. Add some variety to your child’s lunchbox with these epic lunches, plus receive my Pack Meals Like a Pro ebook, free with purchase!

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How to Pack Quinoa Bites for Lunch

You can pack these quinoa bites warm inside a preheated thermos or at room temperature inside a compartmentalized container. 

Pair these with some fruit and veggies, and you’ve got one complete meal!

These are my favorite kid-friendly lunch containers.

More Ways to Use Leftover Quinoa

Want more ways to use up quinoa? Consider these recipes:

Southwest Quinoa Salad | Pizza Quinoa Bites | Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Cheesy quinoa bites

Cheesy Quinoa Bites

Laura Fuentes
These cheesy quinoa bites are easy to make and a delicious way to repurpose leftover quinoa into a fun lunch!
4.91 from 65 votes
Servings 24 bites
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 

  • ½ cup quinoa*
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning*
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, place quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 to 7 more minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Allow the quinoa to cool down to room temperature; this is a great step to make ahead of time or use up leftover quinoa.
  • Preheat the oven to 400F and grease or spray a (24) mini muffin pan*.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and shredded cheese. Once combined, add the cooled quinoa and mix.
  • Spoon the cheesy quinoa mixture into the muffin pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and enjoy.

Notes

Have leftover quinoa? You’ll need 1.5 cups cooked quinoa to make this recipe.
In this recipe, you can swap the Italian seasoning with cajun seasoning or veggie seasoning. Omit the salt if your seasoning already has it.
Want to make larger, muffin-sized quinoa cups? Use a (12) standard muffin pan and bake for 22 to 15 minutes.

Equipment

packed lunches ebook on a tablet
101 Packed Lunches eBook
Kids Lunch Box

Nutrition

Serving: 1 biteCalories: 30kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 33mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 44IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 0.3mg
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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Celeste

    August 26, 2022 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    loooove this cheese snack

    Reply
  2. Mikayla Pheifer

    May 07, 2018 at 1:01 am

    5 stars
    Can you freeze these? If i made a triple batch and cooked them and then froze them?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      May 08, 2018 at 8:59 am

      You sure can! just heat them up and serve. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Mindy G

    August 15, 2017 at 7:58 am

    5 stars
    I would add a few veggies to help boost the nutrients…maybe broccoli or even little bits of kale.

    Reply
  4. Rachel

    August 15, 2017 at 5:02 am

    5 stars
    Oh any kind of savory crumbled meat or olives!

    Reply
  5. Valerie Gordon

    August 14, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    5 stars
    The recipe looks good and basic. I would just add some sauteed onions and broccoli. Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Jamie

    August 14, 2017 at 8:49 pm

    5 stars
    Love this, I can’t wait to try it on my picky eaters. I might add carrots or spinach.

    Reply
  7. Carrie Miller

    August 14, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    5 stars
    Green chilies or ham. Or both!

    Reply
  8. Marion

    August 14, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    5 stars
    My kids would love to add chopped pepperoni and our homemade pizza seasoning!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer

    August 14, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    I would add mushrooms or zucchini!

    Reply
  10. Be

    August 14, 2017 at 11:41 am

    5 stars
    I think these are a great idea!! I would add bacon bits!!! Yum!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 14, 2017 at 11:44 am

      You can never go wrong with bacon!

      Reply
  11. AnnEllen Feltcorn

    August 14, 2017 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    First, I love the note in the lunch box. I wrote notes most days to my kids on the napkin I enclosed in their lunches. It became the subject each lunch table my kids would sit at, and other kids loved it. Second, I would love to add defrosted chopped spinach, and here’s a twist for this amazing quinoa recipe., Siracha sauce mixed with a bit of mayo for a dipping sauce. Great use for that bit of made ahead (no such things as left overs)quinoa.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 14, 2017 at 11:44 am

      That sounds amazing AnnEllen!

      Reply
  12. Mary Clare

    August 14, 2017 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    I love the idea of pepperoni!

    Reply
  13. Lisa Floyd

    August 14, 2017 at 9:47 am

    4 stars
    I find these bites-type of foods often lack enough flavor to make my kids want them more than once (with the exception of cheesy turkey meatloaf bites). I would add some uncured bacon bits and a few fresh spinach leaves that have been cut into thin ribbons with kitchen scissors. A sliced cherry tomato ring baked into the top would also be fun and add a little more vitamins and color.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 14, 2017 at 11:45 am

      These are just the base to add an unlimited amount of toppings and add-ins. Enjoy!

      Reply
  14. Meridith

    August 14, 2017 at 9:40 am

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to try these! I would try adding bacon and maybe some thawed frozen spinach, but just a little to not overpower the flavor! Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Laynee

    August 14, 2017 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    These sound good except I don’t like cheese. Would it be easy for me to just leave the cheese out? My first thought was to add pepperoni and onions and bell peppers to make them pizza quinoa bites, but if I remember, I think you already have another recipe of just that. So I would add some broccoli, bell peppers, and maybe some pastured bacon. That would be for all my family! Lucky we all like veggies!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 14, 2017 at 11:45 am

      If you leave the cheese out, add an additional egg since the cheese helps bind everything together. Enjoy!

      Reply
  16. Kathy

    August 14, 2017 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    Bacon sounds really good. Since my kids are grown, I would make some for myself and add some jalapeño peppers

    Reply
  17. Natasha

    August 14, 2017 at 9:19 am

    5 stars
    These cheesy quinoa bites seem perfect as is….but if I were to add anything, it would have to be BROCCOLI!!

    Reply
  18. Carin

    August 14, 2017 at 8:47 am

    5 stars
    Definitely the secret ingredient… Love!!

    Reply
  19. Damiana

    August 14, 2017 at 8:30 am

    4 stars
    These look super tasty! I’d add in a little bit of hamburger or turkey burger, chopped super fine, to sneak in a bit of iron for my toddler. Thanks!

    Reply
  20. Sarah

    August 14, 2017 at 8:07 am

    4 stars
    My kids would love pepperoni and black olives cut up real small in them.

    Reply
  21. Juliane P.

    August 14, 2017 at 7:56 am

    5 stars
    These look delicious! I think broccoli and chicken would be a good addition.

    Reply
  22. Candy Conrad

    August 14, 2017 at 7:31 am

    5 stars
    Broccoli would be a nice addition. I love the idea of using them as croutons and with tomato soup. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  23. Mama Bear

    August 14, 2017 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    They are perfect just as presented here. I would add nothing. 🙂

    Reply
  24. January V.

    August 14, 2017 at 7:23 am

    5 stars
    I’d add some finenlt chopped carrots or possibly some collagen to up the protein. They look delish!

    Reply
  25. Kathy

    August 14, 2017 at 7:15 am

    5 stars
    Look yummy! I think I’d like dried tomatoes 🙂 but I know my sons would like Greek style w/ olives & feta.

    Reply
  26. Kathy

    August 14, 2017 at 7:14 am

    5 stars
    Look yummy! I think I’d like dried tomorrows but I know my sons would like Greek style w/ olives & feta.

    Reply
  27. Michelle

    August 14, 2017 at 7:02 am

    5 stars
    Some leftover chicken or sausage would be delicious.

    Reply
  28. Melissa

    August 14, 2017 at 6:08 am

    5 stars
    I love that this recipe can be modified right in the bowl to accommodate all three of my kids tastes. Just cheese for one – put in the pan, add in some diced ham in the remaining mix – put in the pan, and finally add in broccoli and grated carrots to go with the ham for my third child who loves it all!

    Reply
  29. Melissa Kling

    August 14, 2017 at 5:25 am

    5 stars
    These look so yummy! I think you could add whatever you have in the fridge or pantry! Broccoli, spinach, nuts, bacon! They look versatile! Can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
  30. Kim

    August 14, 2017 at 5:11 am

    5 stars
    I am thinking about trying shredded zucchini in these! Can’t wait to try it 🙂

    Reply
  31. Cristina Moidel

    August 14, 2017 at 3:48 am

    5 stars
    I would add pepperoni or sausage, and I like the broccoli idea! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  32. Stacy L

    August 14, 2017 at 3:46 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for the quinoa recipe – can’t wait to try it! I would add grated carrots or minced onions.

    Reply
  33. Mayah DeVillier

    August 14, 2017 at 1:13 am

    5 stars
    I would add chopped ham or bacon.

    Reply
  34. Shant

    August 13, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    5 stars
    I’d maybe try adding chopped tomatoes and fresh basil. These look like a great snack to have on hand.

    Reply
  35. Tiffany Brown

    August 13, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    5 stars
    I love your reciles and tips! I would add some diced pepperoni.

    Reply
  36. Debbie Hausher

    August 13, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    5 stars
    These sound yummy so definitely will try them out. I would try Colby Jack cheese and bacon with little taco seasoning for Tex-Mex twist.

    Reply
  37. Alli

    August 13, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    5 stars
    I would add curry powder or dried rosemary. I love when there is a lot of flavor and as long as it’s not too spicy my kids usually are on board! These sound awesome and I plan to make them soon.

    Reply
  38. Nancy B

    August 13, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    5 stars
    I would add some colorful peppers into those little bites.

    Reply
  39. Marie

    August 13, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    5 stars
    I was thinking of adding pepperoni – but I like the other suggestions of broccoli and bacon, too!

    How do you recommend sending them to school? Since you don’t have them photographed with a Thermos – do you just send them cold?

    Reply
    • Marie

      August 13, 2017 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      I guess your video addresses sending them to school… But it says room temperature. What about cold? From the fridge to the lunchbox with an ice pack?

      Reply
      • Laura Fuentes

        August 14, 2017 at 11:49 am

        Yes, from fridge to lunchbox with an ice pack or warmed inside a thermos.

        Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 14, 2017 at 11:50 am

      I send them as is, inside a lunchbox. My kids don’t mind them at room temperature. You could warm them and place them in a thermos too.

      Reply
  40. Jill

    August 13, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    5 stars
    Seems simple and easy to make and something my son would love! I would add broccoli or perhaps pepperoni or ham.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 23, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      Congratulations Jill! You are the winner of the Bob’s REd Mill Gift Card! Look in your inbox for an email from [email protected] Thanks for following me!

      Reply
  41. Tammera Barnas

    August 13, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    5 stars
    These look tasty! I would add some chopped baby spinach.

    Reply
  42. Dawn Kirchmann

    August 13, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    5 stars
    My kiddos like ham, bacon, & sausage, so I would try each!

    Reply
  43. Kristin D

    August 13, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    5 stars
    I would add finely chopped spinach! Would add a nice pop of color 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kay Eibl

    August 13, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    5 stars
    We love quinoa bites! I made some with a similar recipe this weekend and added chopped spinach, plus an extra egg white. My family loves eating them with sriracha sauce! Thank you for sharing another wonderful recipe, with protein-filled quinoa… the best! Thank you.

    Reply
  45. Beth

    August 13, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    I would make “BLTs” and add some snipped sun dried tomatoes (not in oil), spinach, and bacon – my daughter and I love tomatoes! My son would prefer broccoli and ham.

    Reply
  46. Theresa O

    August 13, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to try these! My kids like your tuna-quinoa casserole recipe from your book a lot, so I would think adding any veggies, like broccoli, corn or peas could bump up the nutrition. And a sprinkle of cumin like in the casserole. I really like the suggestion of bacon up above too. What a great idea!

    Reply
  47. Katie

    August 13, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    5 stars
    I would dice up some pepperoni and mix it in. Looks delicious.

    Reply
  48. Audra

    August 13, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    5 stars
    They sound yummy as they are, but ham, spinach, bacon would be good in them too!

    Reply
  49. Jennifer

    August 13, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    5 stars
    I would try chickpeas for added protein.

    Reply
  50. Kate Olson

    August 13, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    5 stars
    Ahhh I love this!! Can’t wait to try these! I think I would add broccoli in some and maybe bell peppers and onions?… I’ve decided that everything should be in mini muffin form because they’re so dang cute and easy to eat. Plus the kids love that it fits in their palm! 🙂 Thank you for another super fun recipe!!

    Reply
  51. Carrie Haines

    August 13, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never eaten quinoa, but I recently bought some and am inspired by this post…. I like cheese 🙂 I want to try adding ham or bacon… yum!

    Reply
  52. Denise

    August 13, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    5 stars
    I think chopped broccoli would be fantastic 🙂

    Reply
  53. CarrieP

    August 13, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    5 stars
    I would add shredded zucchini to it especially at this time of the year.

    Reply
  54. Tiffany B

    August 13, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    I’d add some bacon!!! Yum!!

    Reply
  55. Kate

    August 13, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    5 stars
    How about some fresh or frozen spinach, and maybe a little Italian sausage (pre-cooked)?

    Reply
  56. Keri justice

    August 13, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    I would love to try this recipe with a ranch seasoning in place of the itialin seasonings and use a ranch dip also! They sound super tasty.

    Reply
  57. Marcia

    August 13, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    These look yummy, but we don’t eat cheese. I would try subbing mashed sweet potato instead.

    Reply
  58. Brenda

    August 13, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    3 stars
    I would add a diced jalapeño to the mix and serve with salsa.

    Reply
  59. latanya

    August 13, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    I would add some carrots

    Reply
  60. Natalie

    August 13, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    Humm ,maybe a couple different cheeses and spinach

    Reply
  61. Linda

    August 10, 2017 at 10:53 am

    These look great and I definitely plan to make them. It would be great if you could also post the nutritional data on these recipes for those of us who are monitoring our nutritional and calorie intake.

    Reply
  62. Jennifer

    August 09, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    I would add 1-2 tablespoons ancient seeds or chopped almonds, to add a little crunch and a bit more protein.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 11, 2017 at 9:34 am

      Sounds delish. Enjoy!

      Reply
  63. de

    August 09, 2017 at 11:43 am

    4 stars
    These look great! I would add bacon!

    Reply
    • Rita

      August 15, 2017 at 9:52 pm

      5 stars
      Love that idea. Everything is better with bacon!!!

      Reply
  64. Tiffany D

    August 08, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    I’m like you in always trying to get more greens in for my daughter. I’d like to add in broccoli chopped up really small. For us big kids, I think it’d be nice to add a grilled shrimp on top to make for a fun appetizer. As always, thanks for amazing recipes!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Laura.
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