Cheesy Bean Fiesta Bites
These Cheesy Bean Fiesta Bites are crispy on the outside and wonderfully cheesy and flavorful on the inside. They are a delightful appetizer or a light meal that's packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a fiesta of flavors.
Ingredients
- 400 grams black beans, canned, rinsed and drained
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup corn kernels, canned or frozen
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, for serving
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 400 grams rinsed and drained black beans. Mash the beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture.
- To the mashed beans, add 0.5 cup breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 0.25 cup corn kernels, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion, 1 large clove minced garlic, 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin, 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika, 0.25 teaspoon chili powder, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 16 small, golf-ball-sized bites (approximately 2 tablespoons each). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the top of each bean bite with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Carefully remove the Cheesy Bean Fiesta Bites from the oven. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with 2 tablespoons plain yogurt for dipping.