If you’re looking for a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious, this Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa is your answer. Imagine perfectly cooked quinoa mingling with tender broccoli, all smothered in creamy, melty cheese—every bite is a comforting explosion of flavor. It’s the kind of meal you can make for a quick weeknight dinner or as a hearty side for a bigger spread. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this one is!
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy meal at home or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it works for just about any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or at a gathering, it’s bound to steal the show.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber from quinoa, this dish gives you that comforting cheesy vibe without feeling too heavy.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is a total time-saver. It’s an easy one-pot wonder that delivers big flavor with little fuss.
Customizable: Want to spice it up? Toss in some chili flakes or add cooked chicken for extra protein. It’s so adaptable to your tastes!
Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy, broccoli goodness? Yeah, everyone loves that. It’s the kind of dish that gets requests for the recipe after every bite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
Quinoa: The base of the dish. It cooks up fluffy and light, adding a hearty texture to the meal.
Broccoli: Roasted or steamed to tender perfection, broccoli adds a pop of color and flavor while balancing the richness of the cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: A must for that creamy, melty goodness. You can use sharp cheddar for more flavor or a milder cheese if you prefer.
Milk: To create that smooth, cheesy sauce. You can use regular milk or a non-dairy alternative if you want to keep things plant-based.
Butter: For richness and flavor.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a creamy consistency.
Garlic: For a little savory punch to bring all the flavors together.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course—seasoning is key to making the flavors pop.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish:
Cook the Quinoa: Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. It should be fluffy and tender by the time you’re ready to mix it in with the rest of the ingredients.
Steam or Roast the Broccoli: While the quinoa is cooking, steam or roast the broccoli until tender. Roasting it gives the broccoli a slightly caramelized flavor, but steaming keeps it extra crisp.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Add the cooked quinoa and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated in that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy! This dish can stand alone as a satisfying meal or be paired with your favorite protein or salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, crisp green salad to balance the richness of the cheese. A lemony vinaigrette will do wonders!
Grilled Chicken: If you want to add some extra protein, serve it alongside grilled chicken or even shrimp.
Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing it with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or asparagus for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread is always a winner.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free milk alternative to make this dish completely vegan.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring a little heat into the mix.
Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Prepare it up to the point of combining the quinoa and broccoli with the cheese sauce, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and stir in the cheese sauce.
Q2: Can I substitute quinoa with rice?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer rice, go ahead and use it as a substitute. It’ll work just as well with the cheesy broccoli.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables?
A5: Of course! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and variety.
Q6: Can I use other cheeses?
A6: Yes! Feel free to swap in mozzarella, gouda, or even a little parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Q7: Is this dish gluten-free?
A7: It can be! Simply use a gluten-free flour to make the roux, and check that your cheese and milk are gluten-free.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! If you’re cooking for a crowd, just double the ingredients and use a larger pot.
Q9: How do I keep the cheese sauce from separating?
A9: Make sure you stir the sauce constantly while adding the milk, and keep the heat on low once it starts thickening.
Q10: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A10: Yes! Frozen broccoli works great in this dish. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using it.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa is everything you’ve been craving—comforting, cheesy, and full of healthy goodness. Whether you enjoy it as a main or side dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and let the cheesy magic happen!
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
he classic cheese and broccoli combo served in quinoa for a wholesome, flavorful side or meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the quinoa, vegetable broth, and chopped broccoli to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, letting it melt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- tes, flipping once halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown on both sides.
- Flip the potatoes again, then add the broth, lemon juice (if using), and garlic cloves. Roast for another 10 minutes until tender.
- Optional: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top while the potatoes are still hot from the oven for extra flavor.
Notes
- Option: Use other types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Tip: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg