Description
A creamy and delicious cheesy quinoa recipe that can be made using either the stovetop or Instant Pot method. Perfect as a comforting side dish, this recipe combines fluffy quinoa with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Greek yogurt, and aromatic spices.
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
- Cook Quinoa: Using the Instant Pot, add rinsed quinoa, water, and salt. Secure the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then allow natural pressure release. Alternatively, cook quinoa on the stovetop according to package directions after rinsing thoroughly.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard, stirring constantly until a roux forms.
- Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the half & half and Greek yogurt, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Quinoa and Sauce: Add the cooked quinoa to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
Notes
- The dish can be reheated in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until warm and creamy.
- If reheating results in thickening, add a little water to achieve desired creamy texture.
- Make sure to rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best creaminess in the cheese sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
