High Protein Crispy Quinoa Bites

Packed with plant-based protein and bursting with savory flavor, these High Protein Crispy Quinoa Bites are the ultimate guilt-free snack or appetizer! Made with nutrient-rich quinoa, chickpea flour, and a hint of nutritional yeast, these bites are baked—not fried—for a perfectly crispy texture without the extra oil. Seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and paprika, and complemented by fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, these quinoa bites deliver a delightful balance of earthy and cheesy notes. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re ready in under 45 minutes and serve as a wholesome option for meal prep, party platters, or dipping into your favorite sauces. High in protein, gluten-free, and full of bold flavors, these little bites are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup chickpea flour
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove any bitterness from the grains.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.

Step 3

Once cooked, remove the quinoa from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 6

Using a tablespoon, scoop the quinoa mixture and form small balls or bite-sized patties, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bite.

Step 7

Brush the quinoa bites lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each bite and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	859.8 grams (859.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1309

Total Fat 58.20g	75%
Saturated Fat 10.90g	55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 240mg	80%
Sodium 2889mg	126%
Total Carbohydrate 137.40g	50%
Dietary Fiber 10.40g	37%
Total Sugars 7.20g
Protein 59.60g	119%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 359mg	28%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 1091mg	23%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.9%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 41.9%