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    Home / Dinners / Buffalo Quinoa Bites w/ Homemade Ranch Dip

    Buffalo Quinoa Bites w/ Homemade Ranch Dip

    Published: Nov 29, 2022 Modified: Dec 12, 2022 by Jillian This post may contain affiliate link. This blog generates income via ads

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    In the mood for a Healthy Buffalo Appetizer? Look no further! These Buffalo Quinoa Bites are vegetarian with a crunchy outside and a cheesy, moist inside with a flavor that bursts in your mouth. They are also super easy to make and when served with this Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip, you've got yourself the best appetizer in the house!

    A birds-eye view of buffalo quinoa bites on a cream-colored plate with a side of homemade ranch dip with fresh parsley scattered on top.

    First of all, anything that has buffalo in it is a favorite of mine!  These buffalo quinoa bites are super easy to make and with this recipe, you will have a ton of leftovers.   

    I also baked these bites instead of frying them, which I have done in the past.  The baking saves you time because you don't have to stand there cooking them on a frying pan.  You throw them in the oven and set the timer! If you are looking for another healthy appetizer for the holiday try my Juicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs or my Italian Chicken Meatballs!

    Ingredients to make the buffalo balls

    Here are a list of the ingredients that you will need to make these delicious bites. 

    A birds eye view of all the ingredients needed to make buffalo quinoa balls with labels included.
    Ingredients for Buffalo Quinoa Bites
    • quinoa - cooked and cooled, it's easier for the quinoa to stick together once it's cooled. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cook then toss it in a bowl and throw it in the fridge to have it cool quicker.
    • 4 large eggs - beaten, if you're looking to use vegan eggs, then make flax eggs using flaxseed meal. Use 1 tbsp of flaxseed and 3 tbsp of water to make one egg.
    • fresh parsley - I prefer fresh parsley best, but you can also use dried if you happen to have that in your home.
    • small onion - finely chopped (about ¹⁄3 cup). 
    • grated parmesan - you can either buy a block of parmesan and grate it yourself or use a pre-grated cheese and toss that in.
    • garlic cloves - minced, I always say fresh is best, but if you're a busy mom, like I am, one of my favorite ways to cut corners is to use Spice Worlds Organic Minced Garlic.
    • carrots or/and zucchini - finely chopped and optional, you can totally omit these added veggies or finely chop them up using a paring knife and cutting board or my favorite way to chop veggies is using my Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender!
    • buffalo sauce - I like using Tessemae's natural mild buffalo sauce but feel free to use your favorite brand.

    Ingredients to make the ranch dip

    A birds eye view of all the ingredients needed to make homemade ranch dip with labels included.
    Ingredients for Homemade Ranch Dip
    • parsley flakes - use dried parsley for this dip because it mixes in better than fresh parsley.
    • dried dill - organic if you can
    • garlic powder - organic if you can
    • onion powder - organic if you can
    • plain greek yogurt - you can also use sour cream here instead of plain Greek yogurt,but I just prefer the fewer calories and fewer fat.
    • mayonnaise - the consistency of the mayonnaise is what makes this dip extra creamy.

    Step-by-Step instructions for the quinoa bites

    Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 450°. 

    Step 2 - Using a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa, buffalo sauce, eggs, salt, parsley, onion, Parmesan cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and oil.  If you decide to add the carrots and zucchini, mix them in, as well! 

    Step 2 - a glass bowl filled with the ingredients of quinoa, buffalo sauce, eggs, salt, parsley, onion, parmesan cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and oil.
    Step 2

    Step 3 - Combine until a gooey mixture is formed.  Using a mini muffin tray like the one I've linked here, spray it with the cooking spray and set it to the side.  Using your hands, or a spoon, scoop out a tablespoon of mixture and form balls.  Put the balls in each muffin hole until all the mixture is gone. 

    Step 3 - a mini-muffin tray filled up with the buffalo quinoa mixture.
    Step 3

    Step 4 - Spray the tops of the balls with the cooking spray to crisp them up while baking.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

    How to make homemade ranch dip

    Step 1 - In a small mixing bowl combine parsley flakes, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, plain greek yogurt, salt, pepper and mayonnaise.

    Step 1 to make the ranch dip - a glass bowl filled with parsley flakes, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, plain Greek yogurt, and mayonnaise.
    Step 1

    Step 2 - Mix well to combine and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Serve with your buffalo balls.

    Other variations for the bites

    Looking for other ways to change up your quinoa balls? Here are a few flavors to try for next time.  Just omit the buffalo sauce for the ingredients below.

    • BBQ Quinoa Bites - I am a big fan of Tessemae's Matty's Organic BBQ Sauce!
    • Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites - check out my Quinoa Veggie Patties for this recipe.
    • Quinoa Pizza Bites - adding some marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning.
    • Cheesy Quinoa Bites - add mozzarella and cheddar making these bites extra cheesy!

    How can the kids help

    My kids love love love to cook with me! I've started cooking with all of them at a young age and they have continued to want to be helpful. Here are a few ways you can include them in making this healthy appetizer!

    1. Practice measurements when adding all the ingredients into the mixing bowl. This is a great way to utilize math skills and fine motor skills.
    2. Have your child help scoop out the mixture and add it to the prepared mini muffin tin.

    Substitutions

    Here are a few swap ideas if you happen to not have all the ingredients on hand or are not a fan of some of them.

    Parmesan Cheese - if you don't like the taste of parmesan cheese you can use cheddar or mozzarella instead. Grate the cheese before adding it to your mix.

    Panko Breadcrumbs - I like using panko over regular breadcrumbs bc panko gives your final product a crispier crunch to it. Regular breadcrumbs sometimes get soggy and tend to be greasier, but you can definitely use them in place of panko.

    Eggs - if you wish to swap out the eggs for a vegan quinoa bite then try using xanthan gum. Xanthan gum will help bind your quinoa bites together. Substitute in 1 tsp.

    Tips and FAQ's

    Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?


    Yes! If you would rather make homemade buffalo sauce instead of store-bought then all you need to do is use 1 cup of Frank's Hot Sauce and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter.

    What if I don't have a mini muffin tin?


    If you don't have a mini muffin tin, then feel free to use a cookie scoop and place your bites on top of a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet before baking.

    How to keep my quinoa bites from sticking to my mini muffin tin?


    I like to use a butter knife to remove the quinoa bites. Gently slide the knife around the outsides of the cooked bites, slide the knife underneath, then carefully scoop the bites out of the muffin tin.

    Or try mini silicone muffin liners!

    How to store the buffalo bites?


    Store your bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or sealed in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    A close up of buffalo quinoa balls on a cream colored plate with a blue bowl on plate next to the balls.

    Other healthy appetizer recipes to try

    • Quinoa Veggie Patties
    • Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (with homemade blue cheese dressing)
    • Easy Cheese Crostini Appetizer
    • Italian Chicken Meatballs

    If you give this appetizer a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!

    A birds eye view of buffalo quinoa bites on a cream colored plate with slices of carrots and celery and a bowl of homemade ranch dip in a blue bowl.

    Buffalo Quinoa Bites w/ Homemade Ranch Dip

    These Buffalo Quinoa Bites are vegetarian with a crunchy outside and a cheesy, moist inside with a flavor that bursts in your mouth. They are also super easy to make and when served with this Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip, you've got yourself the best appetizer in the house!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Low Calorie, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 24 balls
    Calories: 257kcal
    Author: Jillian Schneider

    Equipment

    • mixing bowl
    • 24 cup muffin tin optional
    • OR baking tray optional

    Ingredients

    • For The Bites
    • 2 and ⅔ cups quinoa cooked and cooled
    • 4 large eggs beaten
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 2 tbsp parsley
    • ½ small onion finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
    • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 3 garlic cloves chopped
    • ¾ cup gluten free whole grain breadcrumbs (or panko)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • ½ cup zucchini and carrots (optional) finely chopped
    • 1 cup buffalo sauce Tessemae's natural mild buffalo sauce
    • coconut cooking spray
    • For the Ranch Dip
    • ½ tbsp dried dill
    • ½ tbsp parsley flakes
    • ½ tbsp garlic powder
    • ½ tbsp onion powder
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
    • ⅛ tsp salt
    • ⅛ tsp pepper

    Instructions

    • For the Bites
    • Preheat oven to 450°. Spray a mini muffin tray with coconut cooking spray and set aside.
    • Using a medium sized bowl, mix together the quinoa, buffalo sauce, eggs, salt, parsley, onion, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Add in the zucchini and carrots if you decide to use them. Combine until a gooey mixture is formed.
    • Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and form a round ball by rolling it in between your hands. Put each ball in the prepared muffin tin until all the mixture is gone.
    • Spray the tops with coconut cooking spray and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve with a side of celery and your choice of dipping sauce. I recommend ranch or bleu cheese dressing. Enjoy!
    • For the Ranch Dip
    • In a small mixing bowl combine parsley flakes, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, plain greek yogurt, salt, pepper and mayonnaise.

    Notes

    How can the kids help?
    • Practice measurements when adding all the ingredients into the mixing bowl. This is a great way to utilize math skills and fine motor skills.
    • Have your child help scoop out the mixture and add it to the prepared mini muffin tin.
    Store your bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or sealed in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    To remove your bites from the muffin tray use a butter knife. Gently slide the knife around the outsides of the cooked bites, slide the knife underneath, then carefully scoop the bites out of the muffin tin.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5quinoa bites | Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 14.5g | Fat: 8.7g | Saturated Fat: 2.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 0.7g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 16mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JilliansHealthfulEats or tag #jillianshealthfuleats!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori

      December 05, 2022 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Love these for a delicious app!!

      Reply

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