Buffalo Quinoa Bites w/ Homemade Ranch Dip

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!

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. 

• 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

• 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 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 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 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

Other healthy appetizer recipes to try

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!