Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe

Who knew satisfying pizza cravings could come in the adorable, poppable form of quinoa pizza bites? Let’s dive into this cheesy, bite-sized joy that combines all the flavors we love in pizza, but with a healthy, creative twist!

I love how these pizza bites made with quinoa bring together nutrition and fun, making them a family favorite. I love how they’re brought together with some mozzarella and a little pepperoni, just enough to get a flavor of pizza and keep things kid-friendly.

If you don’t have kids, make these for yourself and eat with guacamole!

Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe Ingredients

• Quinoa: A protein-rich grain, high in fiber and essential amino acids.
• Egg: A great source of high-quality protein, aids in binding ingredients together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, adds cheesy deliciousness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich in flavor, boosts calcium and protein content.
• Pizza Sauce: Adds savory tomato flavor, contains antioxidants like lycopene.
• Italian Seasoning: Enhances flavor with aromatic herbs; includes oregano and basil.
• Pepperoni: Adds savory flavor and protein; optional meat topping.

Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup finely diced pepperoni or preferred topping
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

How to Make this Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe

1. Lightly coat the mini muffin tin with cooking spray or oil to help the crusts release after baking.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, eggs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, and stir until well blended.

3. Combine the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, and mix the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Gently blend the diced pepperoni or your topping of choice into the mixture; take care that it is evenly dispersed throughout.

5. Taste and then adjust the mixture. Add salt and pepper until you believe you’ve hit the flavor profile you want. Most of us would naturally oscillate between somewhat undersalted to somewhat oversalted and feel okay with that because we know most of our savory dishes have these kinds of flavor profiles.

6. Spoon the prepared mixture into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and pressing down gently to compact the mixture.

7. Put the muffin tin in the oven that has been preheated, and then bake it for 15 to 20 minutes; watch closely, and as soon as the tops of the quinoa bites are golden brown and set, remove the tin from the oven.

8. Take out the quinoa pizza bites from the oven; they are still in the muffin tin. Let them cool for a bit so they are easier to handle, and then:

Carefully remove the pizza bites, one at a time, and without breaking any of them, from the tin.

9. A butter knife or small spatula can be used to gently release the bites from the tin, taking care to ensure that they aren’t broken apart.

10. Serve them warm, with fresh basil if you like, and enjoy these kid-friendly quinoa pizza bites as a super snack or appetizer.

Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mini muffin tin
2. Cooking spray or brush for oil
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Spoon or spatula for mixing
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Oven
7. Butter knife or small spatula

FAQ

• Q: Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time?A: Absolutely, the combination can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day, at the very least, before going into the oven.
• Q: Are these quinoa pizza bites gluten-free?A: Yes, your entire recipe will be gluten-free, provided that your pizza sauce is gluten-free.
• Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?Of course! Cheddar or a combination of Italian cheeses can serve as excellent replacements.
• Q: How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the pan?A: Take a mini muffin tin and coat it generously with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later, or place silicone baking cups inside each well. These steps are important because normal muffin batter—like the one in the following recipe—often sticks to the pan.
• Q: Can I freeze these pizza bites?A: Absolutely, they freeze very well! Allow them to cool thoroughly, and then store them in an opaque container in your freezer for up to 2 months. Heat them again before serving.
• Q: What can be used as a vegetarian alternative to pepperoni?A: Opt for diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to make a vegetarian version.
• Q: How long should I bake the pizza bites?A: Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and set.

Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One large egg: Substitute with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water (allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken).
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Substitute with shredded cheddar cheese or dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese for a lactose-free option.
1/4 cup pizza sauce. Substitute with marinara sauce or tomato paste mixed with a bit of water and Italian seasoning.
1/4 cup finely diced pepperoni: Use finely diced cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or a mix of diced bell peppers for a vegetarian option.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Substitute with a mix of dried oregano and dried basil, in equal parts.

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence: Substitute with a mix of dried thyme and dried rosemary, in equal parts.

1 teaspoon savory: Omit savory and use 1 teaspoon of any Italian spice instead.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Evenness When mixing the ingredients, make sure the quinoa is evenly coated with the egg, cheeses, and seasoning. This will hold the bites together better and ensure each one is flavorful.

2. Pre-Crisp the Pepperoni Briefly sauté the diced pepperoni or toppings of your choice before adding them to the mixture. This can enhance their flavor and prevent any excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bites.

3. Use Quality Cheese Opt for high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. They melt better and have a richer flavor, which will significantly elevate the taste of your quinoa pizza bites.

4. Experiment with Flavors While Italian seasoning is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs for different flavor profiles, such as adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat or fresh oregano for a robust flavor.

5. Cooling Tip Let the bites cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing them. This helps them set and makes it easier to avoid breaking them during removal. If you’re in a hurry, you can briefly run a butter knife around the edges to help ease them out gently.