Quinoa Pizza Bites
The ultimate snack for health enthusiasts, Quinoa Pizza Bites are packed with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy these crispy morsels that taste like pizza but are made with wholesome ingredients—perfect for a quick snack or meal prep. Make them tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa here's How to cook quinoa
- 1 cup canned or cooked pinto beans
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice
- shredded mozzarella cheese optional, vegan brands work too!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s important to have a well-preheated oven for even cooking. Grease a baking sheet generously; this will ensure the bites don’t stick and help them crisp up nicely.
- In a medium bowl, mash the pinto beans completely using a fork or a potato masher. Aim for a smooth consistency, as this will help bind the ingredients together.
- Now, stir in all the remaining ingredients: the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, dried basil, onion powder, garlic, salt, and the sweetener. Mix everything together until well combined. You can taste the mixture at this point and adjust the seasonings as you prefer.
- If you’re using it, take the shredded mozzarella cheese and break off small pieces. You’ll add this in later.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If you’re adding cheese, create a small indentation in the center of each ball, place a piece of cheese inside, then seal it back up.
- Place the balls on your prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion.
- Bake them in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- For an extra crispy outer shell, consider broiling them for an additional minute or so at the end. Just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once they are done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor and fun!
Notes
- Tip 1: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the unbaked balls for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Tip 3: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli, for added flavor and fun.
- Tip 4: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite herbs or spices to cater to your taste preferences!
- Tip 5: These bites make for a great appetizer or snack. You can serve them at parties, game days, or casual gatherings!
- Tip 6: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or cheeses to make this recipe suit your dietary needs.