Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Fat: 16 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 450 mg

Why Make This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake is a remarkable dish that combines the hearty texture of quinoa with the vibrant crunch of broccoli and the creamy richness of cheddar. Perfectly baked, it brings a delightful warmth to your table and is great for any meal, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a comforting weekday snack. This one-dish wonder is not just delicious but also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for families looking to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into their diets. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare, so even kitchen novices can enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort!

How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its bitter coating, which is known as saponin. This step ensures a better flavor and texture, so don’t skip it.

• Step 2: Cooking

  In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.

• Step 3: Mixing

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well incorporated, creating a colorful and creamy mixture.

• Step 4: Baking

  Pour the quinoa mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. The smell of melting cheese will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone in your household!

• Step 5: Cooling

  Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This wait time helps it set further, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

Serve the Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake warm, straight from the oven! This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It also makes great leftovers, so feel free to prepare it in advance for easy reheating during busy weeknights.

How to Store Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

To store leftovers, allow the quinoa bake to cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or bake it in the oven until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

• Ensure you rinse the quinoa well before cooking to enhance its flavor.
• You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli for convenience; just thaw and drain before adding it to the mix.
• Adjust the cheese quantities to your taste; feel free to mix in other types of cheese for a unique flavor.
• You can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
• If making this dish for kids, incorporate pureed veggies into the mixture for added nutrition.

Delicious Variations

• Spinach and Feta: Swap broccoli for fresh spinach and use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean twist.
• Southwestern Style: Stir in black beans, corn, and jalapeños, and top with a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Herby Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added flavor and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use quinoa flakes instead of regular quinoa?
  Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid, as quinoa flakes cook faster. Check package instructions for specifics.

• What can I substitute for cheese?
  You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option which adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

• Is this dish gluten-free?
  Yes, since all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

• Can I add more vegetables?
  Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini.

• How do I know when it’s done cooking?
  The casserole is done when the top is bubbly and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

The Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake is a delightful dish that combines comfort, nutrition, and simplicity. It’s perfect for meal-prepping or enjoying fresh out of the oven. With minimal fuss, you can create a dish that’s bound to please everyone at the table. Give it a try, and watch as it becomes a beloved staple in your home! Happy cooking!

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful combination of quinoa, broccoli, and cheddar cheese baked to perfection, perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its bitter coating.
2. In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
5. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli and adjust cheese quantities to your taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 140mg