Best 2 Unhealthy Quinoa Mac And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese recipes, a harmonious blend of comfort and decadence. Embark on a gastronomic adventure with our three tantalizing variations: the Classic Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese, a timeless favorite elevated with a touch of indulgence; the Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese with Roasted Red Peppers, a vibrant twist that adds a burst of color and flavor; and the Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Jalapenos, a spicy and smoky rendition that packs a punch. Each recipe promises a unique symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, prepare to embark on a delectable expedition with our Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese recipes, a celebration of culinary indulgence.

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:

Choose the right type of quinoa. Tri-color quinoa has a mild flavor and cooks in about 15 minutes, making it a good choice for this recipe. Other types of quinoa, such as white or red, can also be used, but they may have a different flavor or cooking time.
Rinse the quinoa before cooking. This will help to remove any dirt or debris from the quinoa.
Use a flavorful cheese. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère.
Add some vegetables to the dish. This will help to make the mac and cheese more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or peas.
Don't overcook the quinoa. Quinoa should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked quinoa will be mushy.
Serve the mac and cheese immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Conclusion:

Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover quinoa. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy recipe, give Unhealthy Quinoa Mac and Cheese a try.