This healthy, gluten-free recipe idea is a kid-pleaser! Quinoa Pizza Bites make a nutritious meal or snack the whole family will love. The perfect pizza alternative that’s so easy to make.
It’s so easy to make Perfect Quinoa every time!
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Kid-Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites
Eureka! We found a healthy recipe every single one of my 4 adorable, yet discerning kiddos actually likes. It’s definitely a Healthy Food Recipe and it’s super easy to make! It’s like finding gold! Quinoa Pizza Bites are delicious and a great alternative to traditional pizza, which is usually high in fat and sodium.
If you want to Cook Your Quinoa Perfectly follow this easy tutorial.
Over the years, we’ve tried a kazillion recipes that we think the kids will like, only to have a ton of leftovers that no one will eat. We literally thought we struck it rich the day every one of the kids thought this recipe was super good! The only other recipe they have all agreed on lately is this yummy Tater Tot Casserole.
Maybe it’s because it has the word pizza in it. Who knows. It’s a winner in our house.
Kids also love this Crockpot Pizza Casserole.
Benefits of Quinoa
If you don’t know quinoa the superfood, let me introduce you.
Quinoa seeds {yes, it’s a seed, not a grain} contain all the essential amino acids like lysine and small quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Quinoa also provides small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It’s also considered a complete protein…what other seed or grain can do that?
Quinoa is gluten-free and easy to digest, so those with sensitivities can enjoy this one.
How to Make Gluten-Free Quinoa Pizza Bites
With your leftover cooked quinoa, these Pizza Bites can be on the table in 20 minutes and only requires one bowl for prep. (That’s my kind of recipe!)
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spray the inside of the muffin pan with non-stick spray.
Gather your ingredients. (You can use cheddar or mozzarella.)
Next, place all your ingredients, except your parmesan cheese and pizza sauce in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
Step 2
Now, fill the mini muffin cups and you’re ready to bake!
Finally, top with parmesan cheese and broil for 30 seconds to a minute. Watch closely so they don’t burn. Your Quinoa Pizza Bites are done when they’re golden brown.
Tips for Making Quinoa Pizza Bites
- Depending on your preference, you can use any type of cheese for this recipe, but mozzarella is our top choice.
- You can use regular or turkey pepperoni in this recipe.
- For meal and snack prep, doubling the batch is a good idea.
- This recipe is so simple, the kids can certainly help!
- Quinoa Bites are best served with marinara or kid-favorite, ranch dressing.
Are There Other Flavor Variations for Quinoa Bites?
You can certainly customize your quinoa bites for many flavor combinations.
- To add more nutritional value, try adding shredded vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the recipe.
- Ham and cheese is a wonderful variation.
- Bacon! Yes, bacon is a great addition or stand-alone ingredient.
Can You Freeze these Pizza Bites Made With Quinoa?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these bites. They are great to pull from the freezer when you’re in a rush or need something healthy.
- To freeze for later, take out of the muffin pan and place individual baked cups on a cookie sheet and then freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You always want to make sure to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, microwave for 20-40 seconds depending on how many bites you’re reheating.
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Kid-Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites
Equipment
- mini muffin pans
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or veggies (optional)
- Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and then spray a mini muffin tin VERY well with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Add all ingredients except parmesan cheese and pizza sauce to a large bowl and stir to combine. Fill mini muffin tin cups to the top with the mixture then place on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Top with remaining parmesan cheese and broil for about 30 seconds to 1 minute (watch them closely, they burn easily) Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from cups. Serve with warmed pizza sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
The recipe was updated with additional instructions and photographs on 1/31/2020.
Everyone loves pizza, right? So give this recipe for Quinoa Pizza Bites a try! Make it with pepperoni, add olives, or plain cheese, and watch your kids gobble up the healthy, protein-packed goodness.
If you’re looking for other ways to use your leftover quinoa, try these Mini Quinoa Mini Frittatas. Kids call them cupcake quiches…how cute is that!
There’s a kid-friendly version of this One-Pot Mediterranean Quinoa you’ll love!
Everything is Better in Miniature
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We love using a mini cupcake pan for much more than cupcakes. You have to try these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Cheesecake Filling. YUM! If you don’t have a mini cupcake pan…you should! Everything tastes better in miniature!
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