Description
A creamy, cheesy quinoa recipe that can be cooked either on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, perfect as a comforting and nutritious side dish or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup water (for Instant Pot method)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (for Instant Pot method)
Cheese Sauce Ingredients for Cheesy Quinoa
- 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (non-GMO)
- 1 cup half & half cream
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt full fat
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: For Instant Pot method, rinse quinoa thoroughly, then add quinoa, water, and sea salt to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set valve to seal, and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Allow natural pressure release. For stovetop method, rinse quinoa well and cook according to package directions, usually simmering in water until tender and water absorbed.
- Make Cheese Sauce: On the stovetop over medium heat, melt butter in a pan. Add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard; stir continuously to form a roux.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in half & half cream and Greek yogurt, stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, about 4-6 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add cooked quinoa to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
Notes
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until creamy and warm.
- Add a splash of water when reheating to achieve desired creamy texture.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness.
- Ensure not to overcook quinoa to maintain a fluffy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
