Everything Bagel Chickpea Bites

Okay, let's get baking! I'm so excited to share with you one of my absolute go-to's whenever I need a little something to tide me over – my ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious, and totally gluten-free snack recipe: Everything Bagel Chickpea Bites. Seriously, these little guys are about to become your new obsession.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Chickpeas? For a snack? Really?" Trust me on this one! I actually stumbled upon the idea completely by accident. A few years ago, I had a random craving for a New York bagel, you know, the kind loaded with everything seasoning, and then realized my kitchen was tragically bagel-free. Being the ever-resourceful (or perhaps just desperate?) foodie I am, I started rummaging through my pantry. Lo and behold, a can of chickpeas peered back at me. And that, my friends, was the quirky beginning of this love story. These chickpea bites have since become a staple, especially when I'm working from home and need a quick, protein-packed pick-me-up. They're also amazing for taking to work, picnics, or any time you need a little something savory and satisfying.

What You'll Need:

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to whip up these little pockets of joy:

• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed really well (seriously, rinse 'em!).
• 1 large egg (for a vegan version, see my tips section!)
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite gluten-free flour blend (I've had great success with Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1).
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (plus a little more for drizzling)
• 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning (the more, the merrier!)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• Pinch of salt (or more, to taste)
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick!

Let's Get Cooking!

Ready to get your hands a little messy (in a good way)? Here's how we make the magic happen:

1. Preheat & Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It's a small step but makes clean up so much easier!
2. Mash Those Chickpeas: In a medium-sized bowl, toss in those thoroughly rinsed chickpeas. Grab a fork (or a potato masher if you're feeling fancy) and just go to town, mashing them until they're mostly broken down but still a little chunky. We don't want a paste here; a little texture is key.
3. Introduce the Wet: Add the egg and olive oil to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas and give it a good mix. Make sure everything is well combined. If you're using a small whisk, this step can be done super quickly.
4. Dry Ingredients In: Now, it's time to add the gluten-free flour, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper (and those red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy). Stir everything together really well until a slightly sticky dough forms.
5. Shape into Bites: Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the mixture and gently roll them into small balls – about the size of a large marble. I just use my hands for this part, it is just easier. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle & Bake: Lightly drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of the bites. This helps them get perfectly golden brown and gives them an amazing crisp edge. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Devour: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let your chickpea bites cool slightly before digging in. I know it's hard to resist, but letting them sit for a few minutes helps them firm up even more. Then, enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the recipe! These Everything Bagel Chickpea Bites are so addictive – I honestly have to stop myself from eating them all in one sitting. Please let me know in the comments if you try them and what you think! Happy baking (or, well, *not-baking*)!