If you’re craving a fun twist on traditional pizza, these Easy Gluten-Free Pizza Quinoa Bites are just the ticket. Packed with the classic flavors of pizza and the added bonus of being gluten-free, they make a perfect snack or appetizer.
Quick to whip up, these bites are a delightful way to enjoy pizza without the crust. Ready to bring some excitement to your next gathering?
Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 12-cup mini muffin pan by greasing it with oil or using parchment paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for 2 tablespoons of vegan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Evenly distribute the quinoa mixture into the muffin cups, pressing it down firmly to pack it in.
- Bake the quinoa bites in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and broil for 30 to 60 seconds until the cheese is melted and crispy.
- Allow the bites to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing them. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup vegan shredded cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
- 1 flax egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Additional marinara sauce for dipping
Nutritional Values
Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 1404mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 444IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute quinoa with couscous in this recipe?
- While couscous can mimic the texture and appearance of quinoa, it doesn’t provide the same protein content. Using couscous will result in pizza bites with less protein.
- How should I store leftover Quinoa Pizza Bites?
- Store any remaining bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat them in a microwave, air fryer, or a 350ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re heated through.
- Is it possible to freeze Quinoa Pizza Bites?
- Yes, these bites freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months and reheated using the same methods as refrigerated leftovers, with a few extra minutes added to the reheating time.
- What vegan cheese works best for this recipe?
- Choose a vegan cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Parmesan. Pre-shredded vegan cheese is ideal for ensuring a good melt.
- How can I ensure my pizza bites hold together?
- To make sure your quinoa bites stay intact, use a flax egg and vegan cheese for binding. Additionally, compressing the mixture into the muffin cups using the back of a spoon will help them hold their shape.
Tips
- Choose the Right Vegan Cheese: For the best results, opt for vegan cheese that melts well, such as cheese shreds. This will ensure your pizza bites have the perfect cheesy texture.
- Ensure They Hold Together: Use a flax egg and vegan cheese to help bind the mixture. Press the mixture firmly into the muffin cups with the back of a small spoon to ensure they hold their shape.
- Easily Remove Pizza Bites: To make removal easier, run a butter knife along the edges of each muffin cup before popping out the bites, which will help loosen them.
- Freezing and Reheating: These bites freeze well. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. When reheating, use a microwave, air fryer, or oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re frozen.
Equipment
- Mini muffin pan – A 12-cup mini muffin pan is specifically mentioned for baking the quinoa pizza bites.
- Wire rack – Used to cool the quinoa pizza bites after baking.
- Air fryer – Mentioned as an option for reheating the pizza bites, if not already owned.
