Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
User Reviews
4.2
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Description
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole starts with cooking quinoa in water or broth until fluffy, yielding about three cups. Fresh broccoli florets are steamed to bright green and crisp tender. A cheese sauce is prepared by sautéing butter, onion, and minced garlic until soft, then whisking in milk mixed with oat flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to thicken. Two cups of shredded good-quality cheddar cheese melt into this sauce.
The sauce is combined with the cooked quinoa and broccoli, creating a creamy, cheesy mixture featuring the nuttiness of quinoa and the freshness of broccoli. The casserole is then baked to meld flavors and textures.
This dish offers a nutritious twist on traditional broccoli cheese casseroles, suitable for vegetarian diners and adaptable with dairy or nondairy milk options as noted. It serves well as a side or a light main dish for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa I love Ancient Harvest, uncooked
- 2 cups water for cooking quinoa, or low sodium broth
- 4 cups broccoli fresh florets
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons oat flour all-purpose will work too
- 1 cup milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 8 oz cheddar cheese divided, block, good quality
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Lightly coat a casserole dish (I used an 8x8 square dish) with non-stick spray or lightly grease.
- Prepare quinoa using water or broth, according to package directions. You should end up with about 3 cups of cooked, fluffy quinoa. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- While quinoa is cooking, steam broccoli for 5-6 minute or until bright green and crisp tender.
- Meanwhile, shred cheese by using a food processor with the shredding attachment or with a handheld grater.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile in a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together milk, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour milk mixture into saucepan with the onions and garlic. Allow sauce to simmer, whisking continuously until sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Pour cheese sauce over quinoa and broccoli. Toss well to combine.
- Transfer to greased baking dish and top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and cheese has melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe was adapted from a Whole Foods Broccoli, Rice and Cheese Casserole, substituting quinoa for rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 207 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 207kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 523mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
You'll Also Love
