Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa recipe, a wholesome twist on classic mac and cheese! Featuring fluffy quinoa as the protein-packed base, this dish is loaded with tender steamed broccoli and enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powder, it delivers mouthwatering flavor while remaining a nutritious vegetarian option. Lightly crisped in a skillet for extra texture, this dish is as versatile as it gets—serve it as a hearty side or a satisfying main course. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s an irresistible blend of healthy, cheesy, and downright cozy!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness caused by the natural coating called saponin.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.

Step 3

While the quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli florets. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and toss in the broccoli. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 5

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 7

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

Step 8

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the quinoa mixture to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, gently stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 9

Serve warm as a comforting and nutritious side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1199.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1734.1

Total Fat 105.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 256.8mg	0%
Sodium 3709.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.1g	0%
Total Sugars 8.3g
Protein 78.3g	0%

Vitamin D 94.2IU	0%
Calcium 1500.6mg	0%
Iron 8.4mg	0%
Potassium 545.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.0%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 28.2%