Savory Energy Bars put a savory spin on the classic recharge snack. Loaded with protein, fiber, omega 3’s, and vitamins that give a burst of sustainable energy, without all the sugar.
This is a sponsored post for Milk Means More – United Dairy Industry of Michigan. All opinions are my own.
We are an active family. On a perfect day, we start with a good family walk, successfully tackle school like academic beasts, run off to sports practice or hike in the woods in the afternoon, and if time/weather permit, play some sort of game outside after dinner. On those perfect days, we need a great granola bar, a protein rich chocolate smoothie, or another healthy snack that will give us the energy we need to keep that pace.
I’ve noticed that many snacks that are readily available can also be fairly high in sugar. Now y’all know that I love my sugary treats, but not everyone does well with sweets or the inevitable sugar crash after eating them. I know that when I need sustainable energy, I sometimes prefer a more savory option myself. With a texture reminiscent of a power bar,
Savory Energy Bars are packed with protein from milk, cheese, and quinoa, fiber from whole grain oats, and loads of vitamins and omega 3’s from a variety of seeds.
They may not look like much, but Savory Energy Bars are very flavorful. The whole grains impart a nutty chew that is nicely complimented by the crunchy seeds. Let’s not forget the cheese factor–cheese makes everything better! I’ll be honest–many days when I’m looking for a snack, I’m actually looking for a mini meal. Because it’s very likely that I haven’t stopped moving long enough to eat a proper meal. Those are the days when I really crave something savory and filling. Savory Energy Bars fit the bill quite nicely.
As an added bonus, the bars keep for over a week making them a readily available and healthy snack option. The recipe makes a generous 18 bars, which may also be individually wrapped and frozen in anticipation of busy days ahead.
My Impression of the Savory Energy Bars
I really enjoy the flavor profile and texture combinations in these bars. I’d liken them to a cross between a granola bar and a polenta cake in texture. I’m half tempted to fry up a few, just to see how they’d taste as a base for bruschetta.
Family Impression: Bacon Slayer and Son #3 liked the bars. Son #1 was expecting a sweet and chewy bar when he took his first bite but still said, “They taste healthy. I’d eat these again.”
According to MyFitnessPal.com, Savory Energy Bars contain 151 calories, 17g carbs, 7g fat, 6g protein, and 2g sugar per serving. Serving size is one bar.
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Kirsten Kubert
Yields 18
Savory Energy Bars put a savory spin on the classic recharge snack. The bars are loaded with protein, fiber, omega 3's, and vitamins that give a burst of sustainable energy without all the sugar.
15 minPrep Time
28 minCook Time
43 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 3 C. cooked quinoa
- 2 C. old fashioned rolled oats, finely ground into flour (or 1 1/2 C. oat flour)
- 1/2 C. lightly salted sunflower seed kernels
- 1/2 C. lightly salted pumpkin seed kernels
- 1/3 C. flax seeds
- 1/4 C. chia seeds
- 2 C. 2% milk
- 1/4 C. finely shredded asiago, romano, or parmesan cheese (choose one)
- 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13” x 9” x 2” baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray or smear 2 tsp. of soft unsalted butter over it.
- Combine the cooked quinoa, ground oats, sunflower, pumpkin, flax, and chia seeds in a large bowl. Pour the milk into the bowl. Sprinkle the cheese, seasoned salt, white pepper, and garlic powder over top, and then stir well to blend. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, leveling it with the back of the spoon.
- Bake the bars for 25 to 28 minutes or until the center is set and the top is beginning to brown. Cool pan completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the edges of the foil overhang and carefully transfer the energy bars to a cutting board. Peel back the foil and cut the bars.
- Serve the energy bars immediately or wrap well for storage. To store the bars, place them bars in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap. Savory Energy Bars may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
The undersides of the bars will be a tad moist after cooling on the foil. To counteract the moisture, flip each bar over on the cutting board to allow the undersides to dry out for about 30 minutes before packaging for storage.
Any firm, salty cheese would likely work in the energy bars. Italian style cheeses are preferred, but aged good white cheddar would also be lovely.
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