Protein-Packed Broccoli Cheese Bites

These Protein-Packed Broccoli Cheese Bites are packed with quinoa and chickpeas for extra protein. They’re easy to make, healthy, and toddler-approved! 🙂

Sometimes, I cruise through the frozen food section and impulsively throw things into my cart that I think Eli would enjoy. Most of the time, I feel like they lack flavor and that I could make a much better version myself.

These Broccoli Cheese Bites would be one of those foods! Sometimes, you don’t realize how easy homemade is until you try it.

Protein-Packed Broccoli Cheese Bite Recipe Ingredients

These Protein-Packed Broccoli Cheese Bites are my new favorite easy snack to make at home. You need just a few ingredients, and you can easily make them vegan by using vegan cheese instead of regular. I call these protein-packed because they contain four sources of protein: cheese, broccoli, quinoa, and chickpeas. The quinoa and chickpeas also help to hold everything together, so you don’t even need eggs or breadcrumbs in this recipe.

• Chickpeas – I used one (15-ounce) can of chickpeas.
• Quinoa – You can use your favorite variety of quinoa and cook it according to the package directions.
• Broccoli –
• Cheese – I used sharp cheddar; you can make this recipe vegan by substituting vegan cheese. 
• Spices – I used onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Cooking spray – Olive oil also works well. 

How To Make These Snackable Bites

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until completely combined and ingredients are broken down. Feel free to add more seasonings if you wish.
2. Line a baking sheet with a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper.  Spray with cooking spray and use a 1 tablespoon scoop to scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet.
3. Use your hand to pat down the tops a bit, then brush them with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray.
4. Bake broccoli cheese bites until golden brown on the top and bottom, 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes before eating. Because of the cheese, they can be a little soft when warm but should firm up nicely once cooled a bit.
5. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions and Tips

• These bites are a great way to hide the veggies if you have picky kids! The quinoa and chickpea help mask the broccoli’s green color, and they have a great cheesy flavor that goes perfectly with the broccoli.
• They’re freezer-friendly and stay good in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• You can easily reheat them in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave for a quick and easy snack or toddler lunch.
• This Recipe can easily be made vegan with vegan cheese.
• These bites are gluten-free.
• These Protein-Packed Broccoli Cheese Bites are great for healthy snacking!

Have a question about this recipe? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Looking For More Delicious Vegetarian Snacks and Appetizers?

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Check Out Exactly How I Make This Recipe Below

Protein Packed Broccoli Cheese Bites

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5 from 1 review

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 30 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Protein Packed Broccoli Cheese Bites are perfect for a quick and healthy snack!  They’re freezer friendly so you can have them on hand all the time!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, or 1 1/2 cups
• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

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Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until completely combined and ingredients are broken down.  Feel free to add more seasonings if you wish.
2. Line a baking sheet with a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper.  Spray with cooking spray and use a 1 tablespoon scoop to scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet.
3. Use your hand to pat down the tops a little bit and either brush the tops with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
4. Bake broccoli cheese bites until golden brown on the top and bottom, 20-25 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes before eating.  They can be a little soft when warm because of the cheese but should firm up nicely once cooled a little bit.
5. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

Notes

Broccoli cheddar bites can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days and frozen in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Side, Snack
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American