Are you ready to take your snacking game to the next level? Introducing Quinoa Pizza Bites with Summer Vegetables—a delightful fusion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! These bite-sized wonders are not only packed with wholesome ingredients but also offer a guilt-free way to indulge in your pizza cravings. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a simple afternoon treat, these little morsels are sure to impress your family and friends. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you'll be on your way to enjoying a delicious Italian-inspired snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe—let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped bell peppers, and chopped zucchini. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and seasoned.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs into the mixture and mix gently. The breadcrumbs will help bind the ingredients and provide a crispy texture.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Press each ball firmly to ensure they hold together.
- Place the quinoa pizza bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each bite to allow for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bites are firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate.
- Optional: Serve with additional pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables in advance. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything will be ready to go!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and zucchini for your favorite summer vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or even corn can add a unique twist to these bites.
- Make Them Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick!
- Crispy Finish: For an even crispier texture, you can lightly spray the tops of the bites with cooking spray before baking, ensuring a golden brown finish.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve these tasty bites with a side of pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. It adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love!
- Perfect Portions: If you prefer larger bites, simply increase the size of each ball, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they cook through.
- Storage: Leftover quinoa pizza bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 3mg
