Buffalo Quinoa Bites w/ Homemade Ranch Dip

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!

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Low Calorie, Vegetarian

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings 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