Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Printable Version)
Tender broccoli and fluffy quinoa baked in a luscious creamy cheddar sauce for cozy family gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
04 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
→ Dairy & Eggs
05 - 1 1/2 cups milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or plant-based alternative
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
08 - 2 large eggs
→ Pantry
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1/2 tsp paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs, optional for topping
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
02 - Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in broccoli and sauté until just tender, about 5 minutes for fresh or until heated through for frozen.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Scatter the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top.
06 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- It turns simple pantry staples into something that feels like a genuine hug on a plate
- The creamy sauce comes together in one bowl so there is almost no cleanup beyond the baking dish
02 -
- If you pour hot vegetables straight into the egg mixture without cooling them a bit the eggs will partially cook and you will get scrambled egg bits in your casserole
- Letting it rest for the full 5 minutes after baking is not optional, it is what keeps each slice intact
03 -
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and do not overfill or the edges will bake faster than the center
- Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any bubbling over before it hits your oven floor