If you’re looking to add a nutritious, delicious, and incredibly versatile grain to your diet, or simply want to discover a new family favorite, then now is the perfect time to try quinoa! These Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Quinoa Bites are not just tasty; they’re utterly addictive and promise to become a staple in your kitchen.
Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Quinoa Bites: Your New Favorite Wholesome Snack
Quinoa has been a star in my kitchen lately. From delightful quinoa patties to refreshing black bean and sweet corn salads and vibrant mango and black bean variations, this ancient grain consistently delivers. But let me tell you about these ham, cheese, and broccoli bites. For five days straight, I found myself eating them exclusively, completely forgetting any other quinoa recipe existed!
I even resorted to hiding them in the deepest corners of the refrigerator, tucked away behind the blue cheese (which my husband, thankfully, detests), just so I could savor them at my leisure. And I didn’t feel a single ounce of guilt. Every bite was simply divine. They are undeniably flavorful. And completely irresistible. Honestly, there are far worse things to crave than nutritious quinoa (don’t worry, my dark chocolate addiction remains perfectly intact).
These bites vanished instantly when my kids got their adorable little fingers on them. The next morning, they all requested them for their school lunches. Most of the time, this would be a monumental win – children enthusiastically asking for healthy lunch options. But in this particular instance, I was genuinely tempted to persuade them to stick with the classic PB&J, purely so I could, well, you know, have more for myself.
I know, I know. Mothers are supposed to be selfless. Consider it a work in progress when it comes to these cheesy quinoa bites. Go ahead, make them, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean. Prepare to fall in love!
What to Serve With This
These versatile quinoa bites are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they also make an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some delicious ideas:
- For a complete and balanced meal, pair them with Tender Grilled Salmon or Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Add more vegetables to your plate with a Vegetable Sauté with Simple Cream Sauce, or simply serve alongside fresh, crisp cut-up veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- For an extra flavorful touch, serve with a dip like Cranberry-Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip or a hearty Hot Chorizo and Cheese Dip, accompanied by crackers or chips.
- These bites are also wonderful with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to their savory richness.
- Consider serving them with a bowl of warm tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying lunch.
Looking for more culinary inspiration? Explore these beloved recipes from years past:
One Year Ago: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies {Egg-Free}
Two Years Ago: Hearty Beef Stew {Slow Cooker}
Three Years Ago: The Best Chicken Fajitas
Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Quinoa Bites
24-36 mini bites
15 mins
18 mins
33 mins
4.75 stars (16 ratings)
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked quinoa, chilled or at room temperature (for enhanced flavor, I highly recommend cooking quinoa in low-sodium chicken broth instead of water)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (these act as a crucial binder to hold our bites together)
- 8 ounces deli or leftover cooked ham, finely chopped (aim for about 1 1/2 cups of chopped ham; quality ham makes a big difference!)
- 1-2 cups finely chopped steamed broccoli (see note below for steaming tips; adjust quantity to your preference)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if using salted broth or ham)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best for maximum flavor)
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (adds a sharp, nutty flavor profile)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the star of our cheesy bites, providing creamy richness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, lightly beaten eggs, finely chopped ham, steamed broccoli, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Then, gently fold in both the shredded Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Lightly grease a mini muffin cup tin to prevent sticking. Using a cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons in size is ideal) or a spoon, scoop the quinoa mixture into each muffin cup, filling them completely to the top. Gently press down on the mixture in each cup to pack it slightly, ensuring the bites hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the quinoa bites for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges appear set and lightly crispy. Carefully remove the cooked bites from the tin. If you have any remaining mixture, you can scoop it into the warm tin and bake again. Serve these delicious bites warm or at room temperature as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Notes and Pro Tips
Broccoli Preparation: I find that lightly steamed broccoli works best for these bites, offering a tender texture without being mushy. To quickly steam, place broccoli florets in a glass bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and microwave for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender-crisp. Ensure it’s finely chopped for even distribution.
Vegetable Variations: Don’t have broccoli, or want to mix things up? These bites are incredibly adaptable! Feel free to substitute with other finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini (sautéed and squeezed dry), shredded carrots, bell peppers, spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or even corn kernels. Experiment with what you have on hand!
Choosing Your Ham: The quality of your ham truly elevates these bites. I highly recommend using a good quality deli ham, such as Hormel Natural Choice ham, or even better, leftover baked ham that has been finely diced. The savory notes of the ham are a key component of the flavor profile.
Muffin Tin Size: While this recipe is optimized for a mini muffin tin, you can easily use a standard-sized muffin tin. If opting for standard size, increase the baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are heated through and golden on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Quinoa Cooking Liquid: If you choose to cook your quinoa in water instead of chicken broth, you will likely want to increase the amount of salt in the recipe by an additional ¼ to ½ teaspoon, depending on your taste preferences, to ensure the bites are adequately seasoned.
Make-Ahead & Storage: These quinoa bites are fantastic for meal prep! Once baked, allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Mel
Appetizer, Snack, Lunch
American
Bake
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bite)
Serving: 1 Bite
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 32mg
Sodium: 245mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
Recipe Source: Adapted with permission from Iowa Girl Eats