I was a little nervous about this recipe. Pizza is hands down my favorite food, and the ingredient list on this recipe pulled me right out of my pizza comfort zone. Quinoa? Eggs?? While I tend to enjoy both of those things, let’s be honest, they’re not your average pizza ingredients. These are right up there at the top of my “NOT ON PIZZA”  list with fruit. I’m sorry if hawaiian pizza is  your thing, but I just can’t do fruit on my ‘za.

But, something told me that these cute little things were going to be a hit. And a hit they were! I tested them out on my boyfriend and after he popped the first couple into his mouth he looked at me and said, “You only made 24 of these? I could eat about 300…” I think there was a compliment hidden somewhere in there because in my mind, all I heard was: SUCCESS!

These absolutely need to be taken to a football party. I’m not into football, but I could definitely see myself pretending to be into football for a day just to bring a party platter full of these healthy game day snacks. And judging by the speed at which my boyfriend and I devoured these bad boys, I would suggest doubling (quadrupling?!) the recipe. And play around with the ingredients, too! Next time I want to add fresh spinach and artichokes.

Oh, and the homemade sauce thing is just for kicks. I recently started making my own pizza sauce and I will never go back to the pre-made stuff from the store. This is SO easy and totally worth the extra prep time. I like to make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it for personal pizzas on whole wheat pita bread for easy lunches and dinners when I don’t feel like cooking. Definitely give it a try and let me know what you think!

Quinoa Pizza Bites (from So Very Blessed)

Ingredients:

1 cup of cooked quinoa

1 egg

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (or whatever veggie you want!)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 t minced garlic

1/4 cup fresh basil <–this is the best part!

1/2 cup chopped pepperoni slices (if desired)

1/2 t dried oregano

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except sauce) and mix well. Distribute mixture by heaping tablespoons into a greased mini muffin tin. Press down firmly to compact ingredients so your pizza bites don’t fall apart.

Bake for 15-20 minutes and enjoy! (Makes about 24 bites)

 

Homemade Pizza Sauce (from Edible Perspective)

Ingredients:

1 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes, drained + chopped (save liquid in a measuring cup)

2 cloves minced garlic

2 T olive oil

dash of salt and pepper (to taste)

3T tomato paste

2 t dried oregano

2 t dried basil

1 t dried thyme

~1/4 cup tomato liquid

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in garlic and saute for about 1 minute. Gently add in chopped tomatoes and let cook for 5 minutes. Add in all seasonings,tomato paste and about 1/4 of the liquid (add more of less liquid to get the consistency you prefer). Simmer, covered, for about 20-30 minutes while stirring often. Leave chunky or puree with a blender/food processor. (makes: ??)