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- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 large head of broccoli - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - Olive oil In making this casserole, I love to start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Quinoa is my base. It gives a great nutty flavor and is packed with protein. I use vegetable broth to cook the quinoa, adding depth of taste. For the star of this dish, I choose a large head of broccoli. You want it vibrant and crisp. Then, I mix in sharp cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich taste. Cream cheese brings creaminess, while milk ensures a smooth texture. The breadcrumbs on top are essential. They create a lovely crunch when baked, enhancing the whole dish. - Dairy or plant-based milk alternatives - Additional toppings like herbs or spices Sometimes, I like to switch things up. You can use any milk you prefer. Almond or oat milk works great if you want a plant-based option. Also, feel free to add herbs or spices for extra flavor, like thyme or red pepper flakes. This personal touch can change the whole dish! - Gluten-free options for breadcrumbs - Dairy-free alternatives for cheese and cream cheese If you need a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free dish, use cashew cheese or any vegan cream cheese. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty casserole, no matter their diet. Plus, it’s fun to experiment! You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when you bake. Grease your favorite casserole dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. 2. Rinse and cook quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitter taste. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the broth, becoming fluffy. 3. Steam the broccoli florets: While the quinoa cooks, take 1 large head of broccoli. Cut it into small florets. Steam them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender. Drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside. 1. Combine quinoa and broccoli mixture: In a large bowl, mix the fluffy quinoa with the steamed broccoli. Make sure to combine them well so that every bite has both flavors. 2. Add cheese and seasonings: Next, add 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese to the bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk, then add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s smooth and creamy. 1. Transfer to casserole dish: Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. 2. Prepare and add breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the breadcrumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. This will create a crispy topping. 3. Bake and monitor cooking time: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning. Enjoy making this simple yet tasty dish! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To make fluffy quinoa, rinse it well before cooking. This step removes any bitter coating called saponin. Then, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid. When done, fluff it gently with a fork. This keeps the grains separate and light. When steaming broccoli, time is key. Steam it for just 4 to 5 minutes. You want it bright green and tender, not mushy. Check the broccoli often. Once ready, drain any excess water. This helps keep the broccoli crisp and fresh. This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette complements its cheesy flavors. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This adds texture and makes a hearty meal. For garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can also place extra grated cheddar on the table. Cheese lovers will appreciate this touch. Adjusting the salt and spice levels is easy. Start with the amounts in the recipe. Taste the mixture before baking. If you want more flavor, add a little salt or spice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables too. Spinach or bell peppers work well. Just chop them small and mix them in with the broccoli. This adds extra nutrients and flavor to your dish. {{image_4}} For a vegetarian option, you can keep the cheese. If you want a vegan dish, swap the cream cheese and cheddar for plant-based versions. Vegan cream cheese and cheese melt well. You can also add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for taste and color. This casserole can be heartier with protein. You can add cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra nutrition. If you use chicken, cook it first and chop it into small pieces. For beans, rinse and drain them before mixing. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. If you add raw chicken, bake longer to ensure it cooks through. Want to spice things up? Use herbs and spices from different cultures. Add garlic, cumin, or curry powder for a new twist. For heat, toss in jalapeños or chili flakes. This makes the dish fun and different each time you make it. Explore and find flavors you love! For more details on making this delicious dish, check out the Full Recipe. To store your leftover broccoli cheddar quinoa casserole, use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to let it cool first. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep the top from burning. If you choose the microwave, heat it in short intervals. Stir between each interval to ensure even heating. This way, you keep the texture nice and creamy. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal later without any fuss! The casserole can last in the fridge for about three to five days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool down before putting it in the freezer. Yes, you can prepare it a day before. Cook the quinoa and steam the broccoli in advance. Mix everything and place it in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add some extra time in the oven, as it will be cold. Yes, the recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Most of the other ingredients, like quinoa and cheese, are naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels to be sure. This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or some crusty bread. A light soup can make a great side, too. It balances the flavors nicely. To scale the recipe, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of extra servings you want. For example, if you want to serve eight people, double each ingredient. Just ensure your casserole dish is big enough to hold everything. This article covered how to make a tasty Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole. We looked at essential ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. You can customize flavors and adapt the dish for different diets. Don't forget the storage and reheating tips for your leftovers. This casserole is a great option for meals ahead or simple dinners. Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy cooking!

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole

Looking for a delicious and nutritious meal? Try our Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Delight! This easy-to-follow recipe combines fluffy quinoa, tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese blend, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer for the perfect finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's a fantastic dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Click through now to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

2 cups vegetable broth

1 large head of broccoli, trimmed and cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish, if desired)

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup milk (can use dairy or any plant-based alternative for creaminess)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust according to your taste preference)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.

    In a medium-sized pot, bring the vegetable broth to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa. Cover the pot with a lid, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Once finished, remove from heat and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.

      While the quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are vibrant green and tender, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess water and set the steamed broccoli aside.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa with the steamed broccoli. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

          Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, ensuring the mixture is spread out evenly for uniform cooking.

            In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, mixing until each breadcrumb is nicely coated. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole to create a delicious crispy layer.

              Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling.

                Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Consider placing a small bowl of extra grated cheddar on the table for cheese enthusiasts!