Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Quinoa Mac and Cheese


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring quinoa and a blend of rich cheeses.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups quinoa (rinsed)
  • 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons organic cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 6 ounces Colby cheese (grated)
  • 3 ounces gluten-free breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, sea salt, and black pepper in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  3. Melting the butter in another saucepan over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the melted butter and garlic, stirring well to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk.
  5. Stir in the dry mustard, cayenne pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, and Colby cheese until melted.
  6. Add the cooked quinoa to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
  7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  8. Sprinkle the gluten-free breadcrumbs over the top and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Notes

For extra nutrition, consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach. You can swap cheeses based on your preference.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg