Cheesy Rice & Veggie Bites

🛒Ingredients

Makes 24 mini bites. Tap to check off as you go.

• 1 1/2 cups (280 g) cooked rice, cooled (white or brown)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (35 g) finely grated carrot
• 1/4 cup (35 g) frozen peas, thawed and lightly mashed
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 tsp olive oil, for greasing

Contains: egg, milk.

🍳Instructions

1. 

   1Heat and grease

   Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush a 24-cup mini muffin tin with olive oil.

2. 

   2Whisk the eggs

   Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until smooth.

3. 

   3Stir in rice and veggies

   Add the rice, cheese, carrot, peas and parsley and stir until everything is coated in egg.

4. 

   4Fill the tin

   Press a heaping tablespoon of the mixture firmly into each cup so the bites hold together.

5. 

   5Bake until set

   Bake for 18–20 minutes until set and golden at the edges, or 160°F (71°C) in the center. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes before lifting out.

6. 

   6Serve

   Serve warm or at room temperature with soft fruit, or pack cold in a lunchbox with an ice pack.

👶How to serve by age

🔄Allergy & diet swaps

🌾 Gluten-free: Gluten-free as written. Rice, eggs, cheese and vegetables are naturally gluten-free; check that your cheese has no added ingredients.

Dairy-free

Leave out the cheese and add 1 extra egg so the bites still hold together.

Egg-free

This recipe relies on egg to bind. For an egg-free option, mash 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato into the rice and shape into balls instead of baking in a tin.

Extra veggies

Use finely chopped steamed broccoli, spinach or zucchini in place of the peas.

💡Tips

• Use rice that was cooled and refrigerated within 1 hour of cooking. Day-old rice from the fridge works best.
• Swap the peas for finely chopped steamed broccoli or spinach.
• Let the bites cool for 5 minutes in the tin, or they may fall apart.

🧊Storage & safety

Storage: Fridge: 3 days. Freezer: 2 months. Reheat until hot all the way through.

Suggested age: 9 months+. Every child is different — serve textures and sizes that match your toddler's chewing skills.

❓Questions parents ask