Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bake

$- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cottage cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 large eggs, beaten The main part of this dish is quinoa. Quinoa is a great grain that is full of protein. Rinsing it helps remove bitter flavors. Next, we have fresh broccoli florets. They add a nice crunch and bright color. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich taste. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt make the bake creamy and help with texture. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Seasonings make this dish pop. Garlic powder and onion powder give a savory flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the ingredients. For the topping, breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil create a crunchy layer. This adds a nice contrast to the soft bake. Each bite is a mix of creamy and crunchy goodness. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the quinoa under cold water. This step removes the bitter coating. Then, in a medium pot, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check that all the liquid is absorbed. The quinoa should be fluffy when done. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa and 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt and 2 beaten eggs. Next, season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until fully combined. Prepare your baking dish by greasing it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour the quinoa mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mix on top for a crispy finish. Bake the dish in your preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden, crunchy top. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bake! - Rinsing: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water. This removes a bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. - Boiling: Use two cups of vegetable broth for every cup of quinoa. Bring the broth to a boil before adding your rinsed quinoa. This adds great flavor. To get the right texture, let the quinoa simmer on low heat. Cover it and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should be fluffy and the liquid should be absorbed when done. You can swap out cheese based on your needs. Try mozzarella or gouda if you want a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. Adding proteins can make this bake heartier. You can stir in cooked chicken, beans, or even tofu. Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrients. For a nice presentation, cut the bake into squares. Serve it warm and consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley. Pair your quinoa bake with a side salad. A light salad with lemon dressing works well. You can also add some crusty bread for a comforting meal. Pro Tips Cook Quinoa Properly: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness. Make sure the water is fully absorbed for a fluffy texture. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also adds more nutrients. Steaming it lightly retains its vibrant color and crunch. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Let it Rest: Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner cuts. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this bake. Try using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a mix. Each cheese brings new flavors. If you want a vegan option, use cashew cheese or a store-bought vegan cheese. These options melt well and still taste great. For more protein, add cooked chicken or beans. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well for a quick option. If you prefer plant-based, chickpeas or black beans add protein and fiber. Both choices make your bake heartier and more filling. Feel free to swap in other vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are tasty alternatives. You can also use whatever is fresh at your local market. This keeps your dish exciting and in tune with the seasons. Mixing in seasonal veggies can change the flavor and texture too! To store leftovers, let the quinoa bake cool first. Once cooled, cut it into squares. Place the pieces in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, you can reheat it easily. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These containers seal well and protect the bake from air. This way, the flavors stay intact. If you have any extra toppings, store them separately to maintain crunchiness. To freeze the bake, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw the bake in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it on low until warm. For best results, reheat in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes. This will keep the texture nice and cheesy. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. First, make the quinoa bake as directed. Once baked, let it cool down. After it cools, store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This way, you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal later without extra work. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice. Just be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the label to be sure. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about gluten. To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap out dairy ingredients. Use plant-based cheese instead of cheddar and Parmesan. You can also replace cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy yogurt. For Greek yogurt, choose a dairy-free version. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. This blog post covered a tasty and healthy dish featuring quinoa, broccoli, and cheese. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and smart tips for perfecting the bake. You learned about storage options, variations for customization, and answers to common questions. Try this recipe for a delicious meal that’s easy to adapt. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and proteins to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish your own!$

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bake

A delicious and nutritious bake featuring quinoa, broccoli, and a blend of cheeses.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
0.5 cup cottage cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with olive oil.
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, and beaten eggs.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Transfer the quinoa mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the quinoa bake for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crunchy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

Cut into squares and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for added color. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!

Keyword bake, broccoli, cheesy, quinoa