1-Preheat oven: preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, as that’s the key to getting them just right.

2-Mix ingredients: in a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. This includes the 2 cups cooked quinoa, 2 large eggs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup finely chopped broccoli, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Make sure everything is evenly combined for the best texture and flavor.

3-Prepare muffin pan: lightly coat a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Add a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each cup, then press it down firmly to shape the bites. This step ensures they hold together well during baking. For variations, you can use frozen broccoli; just chop it raw or steam it lightly first for efficiency.

4-Bake and serve: bake the bites for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly browned on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as this keeps the texture moist. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them right away or store them in the refrigerator to reheat later or eat cold, making them ideal for meal prep.

5-Alternative baking: For those without a mini muffin pan, shape the mixture into larger versions in a regular muffin tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To add variety, incorporate extras like grated carrots or jalapenos into the mix for a personalized twist. Check out our quinoa recipes for more ideas on using this superfood.