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When preparing your Crispy Baked Veggie Nuggets, it's essential to pay attention to visual cues throughout the mixing and forming process. After you have combined the ingredients, the mixture should hold together without being too wet or crumbly. Aim for a consistency that allows you to easily shape the nuggets without them falling apart. If your mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of vegetable broth or water; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.

Crispy Baked Veggie Nuggets

Discover the delicious world of Crispy Baked Veggie Nuggets, a perfect solution for healthy snacking or meals that appeal to everyone. Packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli, carrots, and quinoa, these nuggets offer a flavorful twist on traditional favorites. Easy to customize and fun to make, they are ideal for all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free. Enjoy them alone or paired with your favorite dips for a guilt-free treat. Embrace healthy eating while satisfying your cravings!

Ingredients
  

1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped

1 cup carrots, finely grated

1 medium zucchini, grated with excess moisture squeezed out

1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole grain preferred)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

2 large eggs, beaten (or mix 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons water for a vegan substitute)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, grated carrots, and zucchini along with the cooled cooked quinoa. Stir well to ensure the vegetables are evenly mixed.

      To the veggie mixture, add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), flour, beaten eggs (or flaxseed mixture), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a slightly sticky texture.

        With your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form small nuggets, about 1-2 inches in size. Press them firmly to ensure they hold their shape. Arrange the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for even cooking.

          Lightly spray or brush the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This step helps achieve a beautiful golden color and crispy texture during baking.

            Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

              Once done, remove the nuggets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy them warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings