Description
Quinoa Pizza Bites are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pizza, combining protein-packed quinoa with classic pizza flavors like mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for snacking or serving at parties, offering a gluten-free, flavorful option everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup mini pepperoni or chopped turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce plus extra for serving
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Allow quinoa to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bites.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, lightly beaten eggs, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, finely chopped bell peppers, red onion, mini pepperoni, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin cups, pressing down gently to compact the mixture for each bite, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown on top and set firmly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the quinoa pizza bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to a serving plate. Serve warm alongside extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni or substitute with chopped mushrooms or olives.
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftover bites in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- These bites can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
