Are you tired of battling with picky eaters? Imagine a magical, nutritious snack that looks like pizza, tastes like pizza, but is packed with wholesome quinoa goodness! These Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites are about to revolutionize your mealtime, transforming healthy eating into an exciting culinary adventure that both parents and children will absolutely love. Prepare to witness your little ones devouring a protein-rich, vegetable-loaded treat without a single complaint!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your quinoa pizza bites cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked quinoa with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will help bind the ingredients together and add a delicious cheesy flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of pizza sauce to the quinoa and cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Next, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped bell peppers and 1/4 cup of sliced olives. These ingredients will add color, texture, and flavor to your pizza bites.
- Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an authentic pizza flavor. Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a tablespoon or your hands, scoop out the quinoa mixture and form it into small balls or patties, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the mixture is shaped into bites, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bite for an extra layer of flavor and a nice golden finish.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- After baking, remove the quinoa pizza bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle.
- Serve warm with additional pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your kid-friendly quinoa pizza bites!
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly cooled quinoa for better binding and texture
- Ensure quinoa is well-drained to prevent soggy bites
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors
- Finely chop vegetables to help them mix seamlessly
- For extra crispiness, brush bites with a light olive oil before baking
- Make ahead and freeze for quick future snacks - they reheat beautifully!
- Let children help shape the bites to increase their excitement about eating them
- Serve with colorful dipping sauces to make mealtime more interactive
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
