Cheesy Quinoa (Stovetop or Instant Pot)

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This Cheesy Quinoa recipe makes serving quinoa as a side dish simple & delicious. Especially since it's such an easy way to make quinoa taste good so even the pickiest of eaters will love this recipe. A gluten-free easy side dish that goes perfect with most meals.

Cheesy quinoa garnished with fresh chopped parsley and cracked black pepper in a grey bowl with a silver spoon. A white and green towel in the background behind the bowl.

Cheesy quinoa is a side dish you'll want to make on the repeat. A super simple recipe with only a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Quinoa is packed with so many important nutrients making it the perfect staple to have in your pantry.

We also love to make this Quinoa Tabbouleh or this Mediterranean Quinoa Breakfast Bake !

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredient notes
How to cook quinoa {stovetop or instant pot}
How to make cheesy quinoa sauce
Storage notes
Top tips
Frequently asked questions?
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Why you'll love this recipe

It's super simple to make and is an easy side dish that goes with most meals.
Quinoa is packed with lots of healthy nutrients and is a good source of plant proteins & fiber.
Thus making it a healthy protein source to include with meals.
It's creamy, cheesy and delicious so even your picky eaters will love this.
Gluten-free and made with only a handful of ingredients.

Cheesy quinoa in a grey bowl with a silver spoon that's garnished with chopped fresh parsley and black pepper. A brown cutting board in the background with chopped parsely.

Ingredient notes

Quinoa- white quinoa works best in this recipe and I used the already rinsed quinoa. I like this brand of quinoa.
Cheddar cheese- I used all sharp cheddar cheese. You can also use medium or mild cheddar with a mix of pepper jack or your favorite cheese. I recommend mostly cheddar that you shred yourself.
Butter- unsalted organic butter.
Half & half cream- or whole milk.
Greek yogurt- or sour cream.
Cornstarch- use a non gmo cornstarch or could substitute with tapioca flour.
Seasonings- garlic powder, onion powder, & dried mustard.

ingredients for cheesy quinoa which include cheddar cheese, butter, quinoa, half & half cream, cornstarch, greek yogurt, & seasonings.

How to cook quinoa {stovetop or instant pot}

{Full directions are in the recipe card below}

You'll need to rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer prior to cooking unless you have the already washed & rinsed quinoa.

If you have an instant pot I love to cook quinoa in there since it's pretty much hands off. Then you can make the cheese sauce on the stovetop while the quinoa is cooking in the instant pot.

The main difference in making it in the instant pot verses the stovetop(other than the hands off) is the liquid to dry quinoa ratio changes.

Water to dry quinoa ratios

Instant pot- 1 cup water to 1 cup rinsed dry quinoa
Stovetop- 2 cups water to 1 cup rinsed dry quinoa

Step-by-step instructions

{see recipe card for cooking quinoa on the stovetop or refer to directions on bag of quinoa}

Add rinsed quinoa, water, & salt to instant pot & stir. Secure the lid on instant pot and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure 1 minute and natural release.
Add cooked quinoa to large mixing bowl.

quinoa, water, and salt in the instant pot prior to being cooked.

cooked quinoa in a clear glass mixing bowl.

How to make cheesy quinoa sauce

{Full directions are in the recipe card below}

Melt butter and stir in cornstarch & seasonings. Mix till it's incorporated and forming a roux.
Add half & half cream & greek yogurt. Whisk together till starting to thicken.
Turn off heat and add shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir till melty and incorporated.

melted butter with cornstarch and seasonings in sauce pan.

greek yogurt and half & half cream added to butter mixture and whisked together in saucepan.

shredded cheese added to cream mixture in saucepan.

cheese being whisked around until melted and creamy in saucepan.

Pour cheese sauce over cooked quinoa.
Mix until combined and serve.

cheese sauce poured into bowl of cooked quinoa.

Cheese sauce mixed and combined with cooked quinoa.

Cheesy quinoa in a clear glass serving bowl with spatula that was used to combine it.

Storage notes

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Top tips

Rinse quinoa thoroughly prior to cooking! You can pre cook the quinoa earlier in the day and make the cheese sauce right before serving or I love to cook the quinoa in the instant pot while preparing the cheesy sauce.

Frequently asked questions?

Is quinoa healthier than rice?

Quinoa has a higher amount of all the essential amino acids and has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice. It also has higher amounts of protein & lower carbs compared to a serving of brown rice. So overall I would say it's a healthier option.

What to serve with cheesy quinoa?

It's great served with broccoli, pinto beans or even a green salad. Any of your favorite roasted vegetables are perfect with this.

What are the benefits of quinoa?

It's higher in fiber than many grains. Gluten-free & a good source of protein. A nutrient dense food which will aid in keeping you full.

AND IF YOU TRY 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.

Cheesy quinoa in a grey bowl with a silver spoon garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper.

Until next time- xoxo

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4.63 from 16 votes