Craving a snack that’s both nutritious and delicious? Look no further than these Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bars! Packed with protein, fiber, and cheesy goodness, these bars are the perfect blend of health and flavor. Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go, a satisfying lunch, or a tasty afternoon snack, these bars will not only tickle your taste buds but also keep you feeling full and energized. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this wholesome treat. Dive into our recipe and discover how to make these irresistible bars that are sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, finely chopped broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the quinoa and broccoli mixture. Add breadcrumbs and mix well until all ingredients are completely combined and the mixture holds together.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes to allow the bars to set.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 8 equal bars while still slightly warm. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- Cook Your Quinoa Ahead of Time: To save time, prepare your quinoa in advance. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it easy to throw together this recipe on busy days.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely for even cooking.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack to give your bars a unique twist.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars once baked. This also helps prevent sticking and ensures a clean cut.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes it easier to slice them into neat, even pieces.
- Store for Later: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
