These cheddar apple quinoa bites are an easy recipe that the whole family will love. I have been making them on rotation ever since my kids were toddlers. The combination of savoury cheddar and sweet apple gives them a really lovely balance of flavour, while the quinoa adds a soft, slightly nutty texture that makes them feel a bit more satisfying too.
They are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, light lunches or even as part of a brunch spread. Great warm or cold, they are simple to make, easy to store and a handy option to have ready in the fridge for those moments when you want something quick, tasty and delicious.
Calories in Apple Cheddar Quinoa Bites
This recipe makes 21 quinoa bites, with each bite coming in at 58 calories.
If you're looking for more recipes by calories, you'll find plenty of options grouped by calorie range here: Slimming Eats Low Calorie Recipes
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Quinoa: This adds a lovely soft texture and makes these bites a little more filling. It is a great way to add some extra protein and fibre too.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: Used to cook the quinoa, stock adds much more flavour than just using water. Either works well, so use whichever you prefer.
- Cheddar: Adds that delicious savoury, cheesy flavour. A mature cheddar works especially well if you want a stronger taste.
- Honeycrisp apple: This brings a little natural sweetness and a nice fresh bite that pairs really well with the cheddar. Another crisp sweet apple will work too if you cannot get Honeycrisp.
- Spring onions: Add a mild onion flavour that helps balance the sweetness of the apple and richness of the cheese.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a little helps bring all the flavours together and seasons the bites nicely.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together so the quinoa bites hold their shape once baked.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
There are a few easy ways to adapt these cheddar apple quinoa bites depending on what you have on hand.
- Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely savoury flavour, but you can swap it for Red Leicester, mozzarella, gouda or even a little parmesan for something slightly different.
- Apple: Honeycrisp works really well for sweetness and crunch, but Pink Lady, Gala or Fuji are all good alternatives you can even omit the apple if you prefer a more savoury flavour.
- Spring onions : These can be replaced with a little finely diced red onion or chives if that is what you have. If you prefer you can soften the onion in a pan with some olive oil spray.
- Stock: You can use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on what you prefer. Vegetable stock is a great option if you want to keep these meat-free.
- Add extra flavour: A pinch of dried thyme or a little cinnamon or even some chilli flakes for additional flavour
- Make them extra veg-packed: Try adding a little grated courgette or carrot, just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture first so the bites hold together well.
Side Suggestions
These cheddar apple quinoa bites are great just as they are, which makes them perfect for lunchboxes, light lunches and packing up for picnics. They are easy to enjoy warm or cold, so they are a really handy make-ahead option too.
If you want to serve them as more of a snack plate or light meal, they pair really well with a dip. I especially love them with my honey sriracha dip for a sweet and spicy contrast, but ranch is also a great option if you want something cool and creamy.
To round things out, add some crunchy veggie crudités on the side like carrot sticks, sliced peppers, cucumber and radish. It makes everything feel a little more colourful and fresh, while keeping it nice and simple.
Storing and Reheating
These cheddar apple quinoa bites store really well, which makes them perfect for meal prep or having ready for easy snacks and lunches through the week. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, or warm them up before serving. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick option, warm them in the oven until heated through, or use the air fryer for a few minutes if you want to bring back a little of that lightly crisp outside.
More Quinoa Recipes
Need some more ideas for that bag of quinoa in your pantry or cupboard? Check out these:
See more Quinoa Recipes →
or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.
All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.
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Recipe Card
Cheddar Apple Quinoa Bites
Cheddar apple quinoa bites are an easy make-ahead snack or lunch box option with the perfect balance of savoury cheddar, sweet apple and soft fluffy quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (170g) of quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups (480ml) of chicken or vegetable stock
- 120g cheddar, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large honeycrisp apple, grated (squeeze excess liquid)
- 2 spring onions
- salt and pepper
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Add the quinoa and stock to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the stock has just been absorbed. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and leave for 15 minutes. The trapped steam will continue to cook the quinoa and leave it soft and fluffy. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, 375°F.
- Add the cooked quinoa, apple, cheddar, spring onions and beaten egg to a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into 21 bites and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly over the top with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until firm and lightly golden.
- Enjoy hot or cold.
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free - use gluten free stock
- Vegetarian Friendly
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Nutrition Information
Yield
21Serving Size
1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 58Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 41mgSodium 123mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 3g
Nutritional information and valuesetc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
lucie42 says
can you tell me how much dry weight quinona you need so I don't cook too much? Thanks 🙂
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
it wouldn't be any more than 1/2 cup of dried quinoa
D'thea Webster says
But you can cool a whole bunch and freeze/reheat for salads, or as a side