Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

Easy Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to keeping it creamy and preventing soggy quinoa. The key is to cook the quinoa separately and add it at the end. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup and Easy Spicy Honey Soy Sauce.

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 cooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
5. Step 5: Combine cooked quinoa, broccoli mixture, and cream mixture in a large bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

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 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge 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 fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of both.
• Make-ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Assemble the casseroles in individual dishes and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
• Troubleshooting: If your casserole isn't bubbling, it may need a few more minutes in the oven. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.

Easy Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake for Dinner

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

25 mins

⏳

Total

40 mins

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

Optional Toppings

• Breadcrumbs for topping
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
5. Step 5: Combine cooked quinoa, broccoli mixture, and cream mixture in a large bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of both.
• Make-ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Assemble the casseroles in individual dishes and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
• Troubleshooting: If your casserole isn't bubbling, it may need a few more minutes in the oven. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.

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 fridge before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• 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

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!