Vegetarian Crispy Quinoa Bites

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these Vegetarian Crispy Quinoa Bites—a delicious, protein-packed recipe that's perfect for appetizers, lunchboxes, or even as a light, guilt-free meal. Made with fluffy quinoa, creamy mashed chickpeas, and vibrant grated carrot, these bite-sized beauties are seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder for an irresistible flavor punch. A touch of parmesan cheese and a crispy panko breadcrumb coating create the perfect golden crunch when baked to perfection in the oven, no frying required! Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, these nutrient-rich bites are not only vegetarian but also versatile—serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them solo for a wholesome, savory treat the whole family will love. Budget-friendly, packed with plant-based protein, and baked for a healthier twist, these quinoa bites are a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked and drained
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 2 stalks green onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked chickpeas until mostly smooth. Add the cooled quinoa, grated carrot, chopped green onion, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 5

In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese to the quinoa mixture. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 6

Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7

Drizzle the olive oil over the quinoa bites or use a brush to coat them lightly.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as is for a delightful snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1136.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1527.3

Total Fat 60.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 239.5mg	0%
Sodium 3082.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 185.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 63.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 508.9mg	0%
Iron 16.0mg	0%
Potassium 1320.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.5%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 48.0%