Cheesy Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Cheesy Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Combining nutritious quinoa and vibrant broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is as satisfying as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole

The star of this dish is the broccoli, bringing a nutritious punch and a pop of color. Quinoa serves as a protein-rich base, absorbing the flavors around it. The vegetable broth infuses the quinoa with additional savory notes. For the sauce, cheddar cheese and milk create a creamy, cheesy layer that ties everything together. Butter and flour form the roux, essential for thickening the sauce. A sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth, while salt and pepper offer balance. Topping the casserole, Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs create a golden, crispy finish. Finally, a touch of olive oil prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer more crunch, roast the broccoli florets first to enhance their flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Always taste your cheese sauce before mixing everything to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a piece of grilled chicken or fish. A glass of crisp white wine can complement the cheesy flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to use any melty cheese you like, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, for a different flavor profile.

Cheesy Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm for your casserole. While that's heating up, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can be a bit bitter. This step is quick but important! Drain it well.

Now, grab a saucepan and bring your vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Give it a gentle fluff with a fork and set it aside.

Next, you'll want to steam or blanch your broccoli florets. Keep them tender but still bright green, maintaining their crunch and vibrant color. You can do this in a steamer or simply by boiling them briefly in water and then shocking them in ice water to stop the cooking.

Time to make the cheese sauce! Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the while to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

Add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Now, combine the cooked quinoa, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing well so everything is evenly coated.

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil and pour in the quinoa and broccoli mixture. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This will give your casserole a wonderfully crispy top.

Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let everything set nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • A great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
  • Perfect as a main or a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
3. In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
4. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green.
5. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add flour, and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
7. Add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until cheese is melted.
8. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, broccoli, cheese sauce, and mix well.
9. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil and pour the mixture into the dish.
10. Top with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
12. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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