Best 2 Quinoa Mac N Cheese Recipes

Quinoa mac and cheese is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic comfort food. Made with quinoa, a gluten-free and protein-rich grain, this dish is a great option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese. The quinoa is cooked in a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar, Parmesan, and fontina cheeses, creating a rich and flavorful dish. This recipe also includes instructions for a crispy breadcrumb topping, adding a delightful crunch to the dish. In addition to the classic quinoa mac and cheese recipe, the article offers variations such as a vegan version made with plant-based cheese, a spicy version with added chili powder and jalapeños, and a kid-friendly version with milder cheese and a fun sprinkle of colorful vegetables. With its easy-to-follow instructions and delectable flavors, this article provides a comprehensive guide to making a delicious and versatile quinoa mac and cheese dish.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED QUINOA "MAC" AND CHEESE

Baked Quinoa

If you haven't tried quinoa yet, this recipe is the perfect place to start, because this gluten-free grain pairs well with any cheese, so try substituting shredded Gruyère or mozzarella for some or all of the cheddar.

Provided by By Stephanie Wise

Categories Side Dish

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped red or white onion
1/2 cup finely chopped tomato (1 medium)
1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3 cups water
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 oz)
Additional shredded Cheddar cheese
Sour cream, if desired
Chopped green onions, if desired

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and tomato; cover and cook 5 minutes or until onion is translucent and tender.
Stir in quinoa and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until grains begin to become translucent and brown slightly (they will still be undercooked).
Stir in salt, pepper and paprika. Add water; cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
In medium bowl, beat eggs and milk with whisk until well blended. Stir into quinoa mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese; stir to combine. Pour mixture into baking dish.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until edges begin to brown. To serve, spoon into individual serving bowls; top with additional cheese, sour cream and green onions.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

QUINOA MAC AND CHEESE

Quinoa Mac and Cheese image

Stolen from http://aroundthetableri.blogspot.com/2012/02/cheesy-quinoa-mac-cheese.html ... Put here for nutrition facts and safe keeping!

Provided by likethebird

Categories Grains

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
vegetables, of your choice (optional, broccoli,is a good choice)
1 pinch salt
3 dashes seasoning salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup soymilk or 1 cup nonfat milk
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

Lightly saute any veggies you would like in this dish. .
Cook quinoa to packaged instructions until fully cooked. (About 15 minutes).
Preheat oven to 350°F Coat 13x9 inch dish( or 8 individual ramekins) with cooking spray.Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese. Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt. Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko Crumbs or Bread crumbs add now and bake 30-35 mins, until bread crumbs are browned. .

Tips:

Use a variety of cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses to find a combination that you enjoy. A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is a classic choice.
Cook the quinoa properly: Quinoa should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. If you overcook it, it will become mushy.
Make sure the sauce is thick enough: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the quinoa and vegetables evenly. If it is too thin, it will be runny and watery.
Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and peas.
Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping: A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delicious crunch to this dish. To make the breadcrumb topping, simply combine bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Quinoa mac and cheese is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty dish to serve at a potluck, quinoa mac and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.