Cheesy Quinoa Mac & Cheese

I have discovered my new favorite dish. I am a huge fan of Quinoa as you have seen in some of my latest posts, but this recipe has put this super grain over the top. I love mac and cheese from every angle. The cheese, the crunchy topping, the richness. Gosh, it tugs at my heart strings. This recipe makes it at least healthy for you. I used reduced far sharp cheddar, almond milk, and quinoa. I say that is a major win. Leanne 1, thunder thighs 0.

This dish touched on every reason as to why I love Mac & Cheese in the first place. The quinoa's texture tastes like pasta, but has more flavor. The cheese is creamy and sharp as ever and the topping. Oh the panko topping. This may have made the dish. If you are a cheerleader for texture, add the panko. I just put them on plain( no oil or butter) and they were super crunchy. I added some local hot sauce for some zing and broccoli to bump up the nutrition. You can make this as a side dish or main. It would be perfect with a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut the richness of this cheesy delight.  I also served them in the cutest individual ramekins. It makes it easy to figure our serving size and they are really cute if you have guests. You can literally top these with anything. Salsa, more cheese, hot sauce. I used a local hot sauce, which is to die for!

Hello my new favorite ( & local) hot sauce!

I found this recipe on Pinterest, but check it out on the main website for Monica Nelson Fitness.

Hello Cheesy Quinoa!

Serving Size: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• Veggies of your choice (optional)
• good pinch of salt
• a few grinds of seasoning salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup soy milk or non-fat milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling
• Optional- Crushed Red Pepper, Panko Bread crumbs for topping
• Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions

    

1. Lightly saute any veggies you would like in this dish. 
2. Cook quinoa to packaged instructions until fully cooked. (About 15 minutes)
3. 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.