Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (2024)

4.93 from 13 votes

Posted (last updated August 22, 2023) by Wendy Polisi

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If you're on the hunt for a delicious and healthy snack or meal that's sure to satisfy, look no further than quinoa fritters! Bursting with flavor, these tasty treats are loaded with protein from wholesome quinoa, plus veggies and spices. They’re perfect for snacking or lunching – and one of my favorite quinoa recipes for kids. Follow along, and I'll teach you how to make this simple family recipe.

Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (1)

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We love these quinoa fritters in our house - I've been making them for over fifteen years. (They appeared in my second quinoa cookbook.)

Without question, they are one of my favorite quinoa recipes for kids. Kid love them and they are a fabulous way to sneak in vegetables.

Unlike quinoa patties, there are no bread crumbs, so they are super-easy to make gluten-free.

Give this recipe a try, and I think you will agree - this one is a keeper!

Ingredients Needed

  • Quinoa: I recommend using white quinoa to make quinoa fritters. You can cook quinoa on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or use this method for cooking quinoa in a rice cooker.
  • Flour: Use gluten free or regular flour.
  • Cheese: I like to use sharp cheddar, but you could also use mild cheddar, parmesan cheese, or even mozzarella.
  • Onion: Just a little onion adds a lot of flavor. Make sure to chop it very finely if you have kids who don't like the texture.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just a little bit of each
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley is best, but you can also use dried if that's what you have on hand.
  • Eggs: You'll need three eggs to bind the mixture together.
  • Oil: For cooking the fritters in a skillet. You can use your favorite oil - coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil are all great options.

Tips & Tricks

  • Feel free to have fun with this recipe and mix up the flavor profile. Any number of things can be added to these quinoa fritters – like sautéed spinach, kale, red pepper, minced garlic, cayenne pepper and curry powder.
  • If you are having trouble flipping the quinoa fritters, chances are that you are trying to flip them too soon. Wait until you see a light browning at the edges before you flip them so that you know the first side has set.
  • I've been making this recipe since my boys little. It has always been my favorite quinoa recipes for toddlers. To make this more toddler friendly, you can omit the onion completely and make them even smaller for little hands.

Serving Suggestions

Sauces make everything better, and these kid friendly quinoa fritters are no exception. Kids love these with ketchup, but I like something with a little more flavor for the adults. You can serve these with Greek yogurt ranch dressing, avocado cream, or garlic feta dip.

Round out the meal with a simple veggie side like Instant Pot green beans, broiled tomatoes, braised red cabbage, or roasted shaved brussels sprouts.

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Storage

To store the quinoa fritters, allow them to cool to room temperature and then place in an airtight container. They will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.

If you would like to freeze these fritters, wait until they have cooled completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or oven. Enjoy!

More Yummy Quinoa Recipes to Try

  • Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole is a fan and family favorite that never gets old.
  • Level up the nutrition in your bread with this Quinoa Bread. You won't believe how good it is.
  • When you need a vegetarian meal that is sure to satisfy, don't miss these Quinoa Stuffed Peppers.
  • This Chicken and Quinoa skillet is an easy weeknight meal that is always a hit.
  • Looking for even more quinoa inspiration? Don't miss these 44 Quinoa Recipes for Kids!
Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (2)

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Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (3)

Print Recipe

4.93 from 13 votes

30-Minute Quinoa Fritters

If you're on the hunt for a delicious and healthy snack or meal that's sure to satisfy, look no further than quinoa fritters! Bursting with flavor, these tasty treats are loaded with protein from wholesome quinoa, plus veggies and spices. They’re perfect for snacking or lunching – and one of my favorite quinoa recipes for kids. Follow along, and I'll teach you how to make this simple family recipe.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Healthy

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: quinoa fritters

Servings: 6

Calories: 318kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup all purpose flour or gluten free flour blend
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 5 eggs beaten
  • oil for cooking; coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil are all good options

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine cooled quinoa with flour,cheese, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley.

  • Lightly beat eggsin a small bowl and add to quinoa mixture.

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Form quinoa into balls or ovals and carefully add to hot oil. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until a golden crust has formed.

  • Drain on paper towels or cool on a wire rack.

  • Serve with ketchup or desired dipping sauce.

Notes

Serve with ketchup or desired dipping sauce.

  • When making quinoa fritters, one thing to keep in mind is that if they are sticking to the pan, the reason is typically that you are trying to flip them before they have cooked enough. Make sure you are seeing browning edges on the underside before trying to flip them.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 467IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 3mg

Filed Under:

Main Dish RecipesQuinoa RecipesVegetarian Recipes

More Quinoa Recipes Index

  • 25-Minute Instant Pot Quinoa
  • How to Cook Quinoa Perfectly
  • 15-Minute Crunchy Edamame Quinoa Salad with Cabbage
  • 20-Minute Rice Cooker Quinoa Recipe

About Wendy Polisi

Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 18 & 19 and my late life princess is 10.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

  1. Sarena

    Any thoughts on making these egg free?

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      You could easily use a flax "egg"! They might not hold together as well but they would still work.

      Reply

  2. Colleen

    This recipe sounds great! Have you ever tried cooking the patties in the oven?

    Reply

    • Lisa

      Hi, I’d also like to know if these are bake-able... thanks!

      Reply

      • Wendy Polisi

        Yes, you could bake them! I would try 400 degrees for 20 minutes flipping half way through. You may want to spray them with a little oil so they will crisp up a little.

  3. Meli Nolero

    Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (8)
    These were amazing! I used mint and a bit of a Moroccan spice blend I have. How big do you make them? How many per serving?

    Reply

  4. Colleen Conti

    Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (9)
    Thank you for sharing. These were pretty tasty! Next time I would sauté the onions first (with a little chopped bell pepper) because my girls don’t love them crunchy. I will also try adding maybe a curry powder or seasoning of some sort... or a little more salt. Excited to add these to the menu rotation.

    Reply

  5. Mary Wood

    How many quinoa fritters is a serving?

    Reply

  6. Kaitlyn

    Any thoughts on leaving out the cheese? Will they hold together? (Looking for a dairy free alternative.) thanks!

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      They should be just fine. I've made them with vegan cheese - which really doesn't help things hold together and they were just fine. You could always add nutritional yeast for a bit of cheesy flavor if you like.

      Reply

  7. Robin

    Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (10)
    My recently picky 2 year old and Gordon Ramsey wanna-be husband loved these! Super easy to make as well. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      So glad he enjoyed it - always a win when you can get kiddos that young eating healthy.

      Reply

  8. Sarah

    Is the measurement for quinoa based on when it is cooked or pre-cooked?

    Also how do I convert to grams?

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      The recipe calls for cooked quinoa. Three cups of cooked quinoa is about a cup raw. To convert to grams, there is a link just below the ingredients that says metric. Click it and the measurements will display.

      Reply

  9. Heather

    Have these been tried in an air fryer instead of a skillet?

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      I haven't tried it, but it would work well.

      Reply

  10. Karin G

    Can you freeze these? If so would I freeze them before or after I cook them?

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      Yes! I would freeze them after you cook them.

      Reply

  11. melissa

    Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (11)
    My little guy just gobbled his four quinoa bites for lunch. thanks for the easy recipe. I added mushrooms and Herb d'Provence to add some flavour. mmm

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      So glad that he enjoyed them! Love the additions.

      Reply

  12. Katherine

    Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (12)
    My daughter loved these! We are trying to get away from processed foods like mac and cheese. I made these today and made my own home marinara sauce cooking down tomatoes basil and garlic from the garden and then putting them in the food processor. Since we like spicy I also added a little cayenne and some chopped spinach. Thanks for these!

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      I am so glad that she enjoyed them! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

      Reply

Kid Friendly Quinoa Fitters - Quinoa Recipes for Kids (2024)

FAQs

Is quinoa good for little kids? ›

Yes. Quinoa is rich in carbohydrates to provide quick energy, protein for the essential building blocks of growth, and fiber to help baby's gut microbiome flourish and balance blood sugar levels.

What can I add to quinoa to make it tastier? ›

13 Ways To Add More Flavor To Quinoa
  1. Cook it in broth instead of water. ...
  2. Dress it with a vinaigrette. ...
  3. Mix cooked quinoa with caramelized onions. ...
  4. Infuse it with dried fruit and fruit scraps. ...
  5. Add oil and salt to cooked quinoa. ...
  6. Toast uncooked quinoa. ...
  7. Don't skimp on the garlic. ...
  8. Season your water with spices.
Jul 21, 2023

Can we give quinoa to 1 year old? ›

When can babies eat quinoa? Quinoa can be offered to babies as soon as they're ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It's important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

How to eat quinoa? ›

Once you've made a batch of quinoa, you have endless options for using it. Make it the base of your next grain bowl, toss it into a salad, or stuff it into squash or sweet potatoes. It's also at home in soups & wraps, and it pairs nicely with sweet flavors as well as savory.

Is quinoa better than rice for kids? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Can 3 year olds eat quinoa? ›

Yes, quinoa is good for toddlers and it's great for kids of all ages. Quinoa is packed with protein and is a great source of fiber, Vitamins A, C and E, and minerals, like magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium.

How do you season quinoa so it tastes good? ›

Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a nice savory note to quinoa. You can also use a bit of minced fresh garlic. Dried oregano: Oregano adds a nuance of flavor and a Mediterranean flair. Kosher salt : One of the biggest mistakes people make with quinoa: they don't add enough salt!

Should you soak quinoa before cooking? ›

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

What's better rice or quinoa? ›

Quinoa and rice are comparable in terms of calories and fiber content. They're both nutritious ingredients that can complement a well-rounded diet, but quinoa has the edge. It is a complete protein, while brown rice only contains a few of the essential amino acids.

Can dogs have quinoa? ›

But, can dogs eat quinoa? The answer is generally yes. The edible seed is actually an ingredient in some high-quality dry dog foods. Its strong nutritional profile makes it a healthy alternative to corn, grains like wheat, and soy—all starches that are often used to make kibble.

Can you eat 10 year old quinoa? ›

In Peru people keep Quinoa for 10+ years without any issue. As long as it is stored in a cool, dry, dark place, quinoa (and more other seeds) can last for a very long time. For consumption the quinoa expiration date (usually 1.5 - 2 years after harvest date) is more a marketing thing than a food safety thing.

How long is quinoa OK in fridge? ›

For a healthier twist on pasta or potato salad, toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, vinegar and olive oil. Add cooked quinoa to soups, stews and casseroles. Store cooked and cooled quinoa in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

How Quinoa Helps In Weight Loss? Rich dietary fibre and protein increase metabolism, and that makes quinoa good for weight loss. Cooked Quinoa contains five grams of dietary fibre per cup. Eating high fibre foods is often the missing piece when a person is trying to shed weight.

Can you eat quinoa everyday? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

How long should you soak quinoa before eating? ›

To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa). Soak uncovered at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Then drain and rinse once more.

What are the best foods for little kids? ›

Choose seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Fruits. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fresh, canned, frozen or dried fruits.

What grains should kids eat? ›

To buck the trend, make sure your kids get three servings of whole grains per day. Whole grains include barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgar, millet, oats and other grains whose kernels contain three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm, according to The Nutrition Source at Harvard University.

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