Stovetop Cheesy Quinoa is an easy delicious side that comes together in under 20 minutes. Cheesy, creamy, satisfying and a great way to switch up mac n cheese. Gluten Free, Easy.
Can I just start by saying "Omgosh"... this stuff is seriously sooo good.
And to think it's super easy to throw together and I'm really wondering why it took me so long to make this stuff.
Especially since I've been enjoying Quinoa so many different ways now...
And we all know about my slight addiction to cheese. 😂
But Quinoa has seriously been one of my go to additions to meals.
Reasons to add Quinoa to your diet....
- Quinoa is a decent source of fiber.. and better then yellow corn or brown rice
- It's fairly low on the glycemic index so doesn't cause rapid spikes to blood sugar
- Quinoa is considered a complete protein source....
- By providing the essential amino acids
- Plus it's a good source of minerals
So many reasons you should be adding Quinoa to your meals.
Tips for making Stovetop Cheesy Quinoa:
- Always make sure to thoroughly rinse Quinoa prior to cooking....
- I find the easiest way to do this is just let it soak in a bowl of cold water about 15 minutes prior to cooking...
- Then just drain in a mesh strainer and rinse
- Grate your own cheese- just so much better than the pre-shredded bags....
- Melts easier and doesn't contain things to keep it from caking 🤔
- Have all your ingredients ready prior to starting
Can I make this Cheesy Quinoa ahead of time?
The short answer is yes ✔
As a matter of fact I prefer to make it ahead... then just keep it warm in the oven till ready to eat.
It also re-heats nicely so makes wonderful leftovers if you're lucky enough to have any left. 😉
So you may want to consider doubling the batch.
What to serve with it?
It actually goes great with a lot of things or even eaten alone.
Just think of what you'd normally serve with mac n cheese....
Like a green salad, pinto beans or chili beans (my fav). I've even plated it on the bottom of a bowl topped with chili.. YUM.
Other suggestions would be broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
More ideas for using Quinoa....
Mediterranean Quinoa Breakfast Casserole
AND IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE PLEASE BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW…..
I’d love to hear if you make this & how you like it. Plus please be sure to include a star 
rating.
Until next time-xoxo
Stovetop Cheesy Quinoa (Gluten Free, Easy)
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 ½ tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch (non-gmo)
- 1 cup half & half cream
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt full fat
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 ounces monterey jack cheese shredded
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. dried mustard
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions making sure to rinse thoroughly before cooking.
- Meanwhile on stovetop over medium heat melt butter, then add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder and dried mustard.
- Stir until roux is formed.
- Add half & half, and greek yogurt and continue to stir until starting to thicken about 4-6 minutes.
- Once it's thickened up turn heat off and add shredded cheese.
- Stir till melted and taste for salt & pepper.
- Add cooked quinoa and stir till combined.
I’m trying to cut down on rice and pasta. This was a wonderful replacement!!
Thanks Phyllis! Glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Would this work with low fat milk and fat free Greek yogurt to cut the calories?
Hi Michelle, I haven't personally tested it, but I think you could easily swap with those ingredients. Let me know how it turns out!
Made this last night as my grocery delivery last week substituted two bags of brown rice with quinoa. It was so good and I made a ton as I doubled it. I didn't realize quinoa expands 4x when cooked. You are right, very easy to reheat and eat as left overs.
Thanks Kim! Glad to hear you're enjoying it!
I’ve never made a roux using cornstarch. Usually you make a flurry with cornstarch. The cornstarch doesn’t get clumpy?
Oops, haha, obviously “slurry” not flurry 🙂
I use cornstarch all the time for making roux. It turns out perfect every time! 😉
Love this! Instead of yogurt I used sour cream and I also put a half packet of ranch Seasoning in this. It gives it a lot of flavor! Obviously a little less healthy but taste awesome!
Glad you Enjoyed! And yes you can easily substitute sour cream in place of greek yogurt.
This was super delicious! I’m a Midwest girl who loves cheese and sauce, however, i ended up doubling the amount of quinoa. It still had amazing flavor and was the right amount of cheese/sauce/deliciousness!
Thanks Brianna! Glad to hear you Enjoyed it!😘
This cheesy quinoa is delicious and so easy to make!! I make it at least once a week!
Thanks Jennifer! So happy to hear that.😀
Um, I've been living under a rock because I have never had cheesy quinoa before!! I bet even picky eaters will love it!
I love Quinoa... hubby hates it but I make it all the time for myself and would to try this recipe! Looks wonderful.
So yum!! I LOVE quinoa but my kids don't love it as much as I do.. until they tried this cheesy version! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Everyone in my house likes quinoa, and I'm pretty sure with this recipe, it just got a little tastier. My kids especially, will now LOVE it!