Get ready to revolutionize your appetizer game with these mouthwatering Spicy Buffalo Quinoa Bites that combine the protein-packed punch of quinoa with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce! These crispy, golden nuggets are not just another boring snack – they're a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for a healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings, or simply craving something deliciously spicy, these quinoa bites are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small bite-sized balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the bites are formed, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- After baking, remove the quinoa bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Spicy Buffalo Quinoa Bites warm, with additional buffalo sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Make sure to drain the quinoa completely after cooking to prevent soggy bites.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands when forming the bites to get uniform sizes and prevent sticking.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the bites lightly with cooking oil before baking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes after baking to help them firm up and hold their shape.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- These bites can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking – perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
