I’m on a bit of a quinoa kick lately. As I stated in my previous post, it is a bit bland when served without any seasonings, which is why I’m introducing you to these little lovlies.
Again, I have a huge addiction to Pinterest. I found a few cheesy quinoa recipes, but honestly, they didn’t sound like they had enough “kick” for my liking. I spiced them up a bit and switched up the type of cheese, made them a little healthier by swapping out a few ingredients, and this was the result.
I don’t like to toot my own horn….
*toot toot*
These are pretty darn tasty.
Take 2 cups of cooked quinoa and place it into a large bowl. Add in the egg whites.
Measure out all of your seasonings including sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper.
Add the seasonings and flour to the quinoa and egg white mixture.
Throw in a little cheese for good measure.
Place mixture by heaping tablespoon full into a muffin pan sprayed with olive oil or cooking spray.
After baking for a bit, pull out the pan and sprinkle a little extra cheese on the top of each bite and broil on low until bubbly.
Spicy Tex-Mex Quinoa Bites
adapted from So Very Blessed
yields approximately 12 bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 3 egg whites or 1/4 cup liquid egg whites
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar) plus additional for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- olive oil or cooking spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 12 muffin pan wells with olive oil or cooking spray. Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined. Place quinoa mixture by heaping tablespoon into muffin pan wells and pat down with the back of a spoon. Cook in the oven for 13-15 minutes. Remove pan and sprinkle a bit of cheese on each quinoa patty. Set the oven to broil, and broil on low for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. Serve with your favorite salsa.
Mmm…these look great! What a good variation! I’m a wimp when it comes to spice, but my husband would LOVE these!
Hi Becky! Thanks for making your quinoa bites and giving me the inspiration. Let me know if you end up making them for your hubby!
This looks like a great variation of Becky’s recipe. I loved hers. My little boy won’t eat meat, so I’m always looking for healthy ways to get protein to him.
Her recipe is awesome! It’s so easy to take the original ones and make modification. Hope they turn out well for you!
Holy smoke! These are stinkin’ awesome! I love the kick. I think cumin would be really great in this. I might try it this way next. And then, an Asian version with pineapple and soy sauce. I’ll have to be working on a variation of that.
I made this a few days ago using chipotle jack cheese (extra spicy). Absolutely wonderful but too spicy for my crew. I am making them again today w/ your spices & see how it goes. Love them! Thanks for posting the recipe!
Awesome! I just made them for lunch the other day too. Glad you enjoyed them!