Imagine the aroma of cheese wafting through your kitchen, dancing playfully with the earthy scent of quinoa. These Cheesy Quinoa Crust Breadsticks are not just a treat—oh no, they’re an experience. I stumbled upon this gem while attempting to turn a healthy grain into a guilty pleasure, and let’s just say, mission accomplished.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked quinoa and mozzarella cheese to the egg mixture, stirring well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Spread the quinoa mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a ¼ inch thick layer in your desired shape.
- Bake the quinoa crust in the oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and firm.
- Remove the crust from the oven, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top, and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Slice the quinoa pizza crust into breadstick shapes and serve immediately with your choice of marinara or other dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- Cooked quinoa
- 2 eggs
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Baking powder
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
- How easy is it to make a quinoa pizza crust?
- Creating a quinoa pizza crust is surprisingly simple! It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy option for entertaining.
- Can the quinoa crust be made in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare and bake the quinoa crust ahead of time. Serve it fresh from the oven, or prepare the crust in advance and top with cheese to reheat before serving. You can also mix the dough and store it covered in the fridge until needed.
- What does the quinoa crust taste like?
- The quinoa crust offers a delightful crispy texture with a subtle nuttiness. Mozzarella cheese is incorporated into the crust for a cheesy flavor, while Italian seasoning provides a hint of herbs.
- What tips are there for making quinoa pizza crust breadsticks?
- To ensure a firm crust, remove any excess moisture from the cooked quinoa. Limit the amount of toppings to prevent a soggy crust and avoid high-water-content toppings, such as tomatoes or zucchini, unless cooked separately before serving. For extra crispiness, consider flipping the crust before adding toppings.
- How should leftover quinoa pizza crust breadsticks be stored?
- Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for about 3-4 days.
Tips
- Remove Excess Moisture from Quinoa: Ensure the cooked quinoa is as dry as possible before mixing it with other ingredients. If cooked like pasta, drain any excess water to prevent a soggy crust.
- Limit Moisture-Rich Toppings: To maintain the integrity of the crust, avoid toppings that release a lot of moisture, such as tomatoes and zucchini. If you wish to use them, consider cooking them separately and adding them just before serving.
- Flip for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, consider flipping it before adding toppings. Use two spatulas to carefully flip and prevent it from breaking apart.
- Prepare Ahead for Convenience: You can prepare the quinoa dough in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This allows for quick assembly and baking when you’re ready to serve.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used in an oven.
- Parchment Paper: Non-stick paper used to line baking sheets and pans.
- Cooking Spray: Non-stick spray used to coat pans and baking sheets.
- Whisk: A tool used to blend ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: A tool used for flipping or spreading mixtures.
