If you’re on the lookout for a simple, wholesome, and downright delicious snack or light meal, this Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe is a total winner. I remember the first time I tried making quinoa patties — the way the crispy golden crust gave way to gooey mozzarella inside? Seriously addictive! Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch, feeding the kids, or craving a savory bite that feels a little special, these patties have you covered. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every little trick to make yours just as mouthwatering.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Texture: Crispy outside meets tender, cheesy inside for a perfect bite every time.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything at your local grocery store or maybe already in your kitchen.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Versatile Flavor Boost: Oregano and garlic powder bring subtle warmth without overpowering the mozzarella and quinoa.

Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella, quinoa patties, cheesy quinoa bites, healthy quinoa snacks, easy vegetarian appetizers - The image shows a white plate filled with about ten golden-brown, round patties that have a crunchy, textured look with visible small bits of red onion and quinoa. The patties are arranged overlapping each other, creating a layered effect, and are surrounded by fresh, bright green arugula leaves scattered around the edges of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue and white checkered cloth nearby, creating a fresh and simple setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe plays an important role — from the protein-packed quinoa to the melty mozzarella that makes every patty feel indulgent. When I shop for the components, I look for fresh onions and quality mozzarella to get that dreamy texture and flavor. Also, good-quality panko breadcrumbs really help achieve the crispy crust we all love.

Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella, quinoa patties, cheesy quinoa bites, healthy quinoa snacks, easy vegetarian appetizers - Flat lay of cooked quinoa in a simple white ceramic bowl, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, shredded fresh mozzarella cheese in a white ceramic bowl, finely minced red onion in a white bowl, panko breadcrumbs in a white bowl, and a small white bowl with golden avocado oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooked quinoa: The base ingredient that’s light, nutritious, and binds well with the other components.
Eggs: Natural binder keeping the patties together without being heavy.
Oregano: Adds an herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with mozzarella.
Garlic powder: Gives subtle depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Mozzarella cheese: The gooey star — creamy, melty, and absolutely irresistible inside every patty.
Red onion: Finely minced to offer a mild crunch and slight sweetness.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret weapon for that golden, crispy exterior.
Avocado oil: Perfect frying oil with a mild flavor and high smoke point.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love customizing this Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s so forgiving, you can add or swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences — and still end up with a tasty patty you’ll want to make again and again.

Variation: Once, I swapped out mozzarella for shredded sharp cheddar and added fresh chopped cilantro, which gave the patties a nice tang and fresh flavor. They disappeared fast!
Dietary swaps: For an egg-free version, I use flax eggs—mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water per egg—to keep everything sticky and together without compromising texture.
Gluten-free option: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs or prefer to avoid gluten, almond or oat flour are great substitutes and still keep the patties firm.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Magic

Start by combining your cooked quinoa, eggs, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the mozzarella and finely minced red onion—this is where the flavor really starts to shine. I like to let the mixture sit for a few minutes, so the panko breadcrumbs can soak up just enough moisture to help the patties hold together without being soggy.

Step 2: Shape Your Patties

Using a ¼ cup measuring cup makes it super easy to get evenly sized patties. Wet your hands with some water (a little trick I learned so the mixture doesn’t stick), then gently form the scooped mixture into discs about ½ inch thick. You should end up with approximately 10 patties.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet. Place half the patties in the pan and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and repeat with the remaining oil and patties. The oil keeps everything crispy without feeling greasy.

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Pro Tips for Making Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe

Perfect Binding: Letting the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture, so the patties hold without falling apart.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches keeps the temperature steady and ensures a golden crust instead of steamed patties.
Watch Your Heat: Medium heat is key—you want that crispy outside without burning before the inside sets.
Wet Your Hands: This simple trick stops sticking and makes shaping easier and cleaner every time.

How to Serve Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe

Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella, quinoa patties, cheesy quinoa bites, healthy quinoa snacks, easy vegetarian appetizers - The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface. The front plate has two golden-brown quinoa patties with visible small pieces of red onion and crispy edges, one of which has a small piece taken off on a silver fork resting on the plate. There are a few fresh green arugula leaves placed beside the patties. The back plate, slightly out of focus, holds a stack of four similar quinoa patties. A green and white striped cloth napkin is partially visible on the left side. The light is natural and soft, making the colors warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these patties with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that pairs perfectly with the melted mozzarella. A drizzle of tangy yogurt sauce or a side of salsa also lifts the flavors and adds moisture.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies. Sometimes I even serve them with a scoop of guacamole and some crunchy carrot sticks for a fun, balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, I’ve arranged these quinoa patties on a large platter with bowls of assorted dipping sauces—think marinara, pesto, and creamy aioli—so guests can mix and match flavors. It always gets compliments, and they vanish fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover patties (if that ever happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 5 days, which makes them fantastic for meal prep or quick snacks during the week.

Freezing

I swear by freezing some patties to have on hand for busy days. You can freeze them either before cooking — just freeze them on a flat tray until solid, transfer to a freezer bag, and cook right from thawed — or freeze cooked ones after they cool. Both ways work great!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that glorious crust intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella’s melting qualities make it perfect for these patties, you can swap in other shredded cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on moisture levels as some cheeses are wetter than others.
What’s the best way to cook quinoa for the patties?

I prefer rinsing the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness. Cook it with a little less water than usual to avoid mushiness — you want distinct, fluffy grains that bind well without being soupy.
Can I bake the quinoa patties instead of frying?

Yes, baking is an option if you want a lighter version. Arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

The key is to let the mixture rest after adding breadcrumbs so they soak up moisture and bind better. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking, and make sure to flip carefully. Wetting your hands when shaping also helps form firm patties that hold together nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—because it’s easy, satisfying, and just hits all the right notes. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or packing it as a snack to-go, it never disappoints. Give it a try — I promise, once you taste that crispy crust with gooey cheese, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let me know how yours turn out!

Quinoa Patties with Mozzarella Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste