Baked Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa
After my first pregnancy, life changed forever for me and John. 2018 was a busy year for John, Baby Will and myself. John and I got married twice (one intimate, one large wedding), John built our home with his family and opened up his new fitness facility in Cross River, NY, AND Baby Will entered our lives. To say we are a little tired at times is an understatement.
Right after I had given birth, my sister brought me a giant quinoa casserole so I wouldn't have to worry about cooking and made all the difference. Especially now with the busyness of life and work and kids to manage, John and I are constantly coming and going, switching the kids between us, working, and determined to stay happy and healthy.
Our meals started to get a little bland and became all about fuel as opposed to flavor - and I've had enough of that. I love food and cooking and am determined to have yet another recipe in my pocket that I can easily make on a Sunday that will last the whole week. So I'm bringing it into 2024 with the hopes you can find it simple, tasty, and easy to whip up for your lunch or dinner throughout the week!
BAKED BROCCOLI CHEDDAR QUINOA
Ingredients
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup quinoa (rinsed if not already)
3 cups broccoli (from package or raw)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup low-fat milk
½ tablespoon butter or 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
*optional 1 cup breadcrumbs (can be gluten free, whole wheat, etc.)
Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.
Bring the water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa and cook uncovered for 18-20 minutes. Once the quinoa is cooked through, fluff with a fork and set to the side.
While quinoa is cooking, spray a baking sheet with pam or cover with parchment paper.
Chop the broccoli into single bite sizes and throw into a bowl with olive oil and salt.
Place the broccoli on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Once the broccoli is done, bring the oven's temperature down to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
Add salt, pepper, broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese to the quinoa pot and stir to combine.
Pour the quinoa mixture into a baking pan and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 24 minutes uncovered.
*If using breadcrumbs, 5 minutes before the quinoa bake is done, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the baking dish and place back in the oven.
