Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

Easy Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Bake

This Easy Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Bake is the perfect cozy dinner. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it creamy and preventing sogginess. Jump to Recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner and Easy Veggie Scrambled Eggs on Toast for Quick Breakfast.

Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Bake
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Why This Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner Is Pure Comfort

  • Creamy, comforting, and packed with protein
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Better than takeout and freezer-friendly
  • Kid-approved and customizable

What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Optional: Toasted almonds
  • Optional: Crispy bacon bits
  • Optional: Sliced green onions
Broccoli Quinoa Bake Ingredients

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • Broccoli: You can use frozen broccoli florets to save time.

đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Broccoli Quinoa Bake Ready to Serve

How to Make Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir in cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Combine broccoli mixture with quinoa mixture and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with additional cheese if desired.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your choice of toppings.
🎩

Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

  • Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the broccoli to prevent it from becoming mushy. It's okay if it's still slightly crunchy when you add it to the casserole.
  • Pro tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and omit the heavy cream. Add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor.
  • Pro tip: To make this dish ahead, prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Freezing Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
  • Best substitution: Use frozen cauliflower florets as a substitute for broccoli.
  • Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If the casserole is still not set after baking, let it rest for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving.

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Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

Broccoli Quinoa Bake Ready to Serve
⏱
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
25 mins
⏳
Total
40 mins
🍽
Serves
6 servings
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Optional Toppings

  • Toasted almonds
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir in cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Combine broccoli mixture with quinoa mixture and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with additional cheese if desired.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your choice of toppings.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
  • Best substitution: Use frozen cauliflower florets as a substitute for broccoli.
  • Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If the casserole is still not set after baking, let it rest for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sat. Fat: 13g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Why is my broccoli and quinoa bake dry?

To prevent a dry casserole, make sure to use enough liquid and don't overcook the broccoli. Adding a splash of milk when reheating can also help.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets to save time. Thaw them before using and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free quinoa if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Can I add chicken to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked, diced chicken to this recipe for added protein. Stir it in with the broccoli mixture before transferring to the baking dish.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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