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Quinoa Mac and Cheese

August 21, 2015 by Annie Chesson 39 Comments

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Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

Let me just start out by saying that I was totally blown away by how much this tasted like actual mac and cheese.

It tasted just like it!! Which brings me to the conclusion that mac and cheese is alllllll about the sauce. Because if it tastes just as good with quinoa as it does with macaroni, it has to be about the sauce, right??

That is my theory anyway. Which I obviously will have to test many more times just to make sure I’m right.

What a hard life….

Let me also start out by saying it’s FfffRRRRiiiidddDDDaaaAAAyyyYYYY!!!! Had to go back to my middle school roots there of capital/lowercase mixing (all the cool kids were doing it).

Fridays are SO much more exciting to me now that I am working full time, not from home.

Woop woop!

Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

Okay, so about this “mac” and cheese. Like I said earlier….all about dat sauce.

The sauce is made from scratch, but it’s really easy!! Do not fear. First you make a simple roux (butter and flour), pour in some milk, let that thicken, and then dump in some cheddaaaa cheese. Heaven.

Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

Oh, hello beautiful cheesy, saucy goodness.

I’m Annie. I made you. And I want to eat you for every meal.

The fact that the most difficult part of this recipe is the sauce really says something about this dish. Because the sauce is easy.

Other than the sauce, all you have to do is cook some quinoa. And then stir it all together.

And then this magic happens:

Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

Yeah, I know.

I know.

Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

If you want to learn all about why quinoa is the best thing EVA, check out  this article. It literally contains every awesome, wonderful fact about quinoa, including its many health benefits. If you are a quinoa lover like me, you will eat it up (just like you’ll eat up this mac and cheese ?).

Okay okay okay okay it’s Friday, GO HAVE AN AWESOME WEEKEND!!

Print

Quinoa Mac and Cheese

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Annie Chesson
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups quinoa
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese + 1/4 cup for topping
  • 5 grates fresh nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat panko
  • Arugula, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
  2. Bring 4 cups of water and 2 cups of quinoa to a boil in a medium pot. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, covered
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt your butter
  4. Whisk in your flour and let that cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly
  5. Add your milk and whisk together
  6. Let this mixture come to a simmer and thicken slightly
  7. Remove from the heat, add your cheese, add your nutmeg, and season to taste with salt and pepper
  8. When your quinoa is done cooking, add it to the skillet with your sauce and mix together
  9. Season to taste with salt and pepper
  10. Pour your “mac” and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish
  11. In a small bowl, combine the panko and remaining 1/4 cup cheese
  12. Sprinkle this mixture over your “mac” and cheese, enough to coat the top (you don’t need to use all of it)
  13. Bake for 10 minutes, turn your oven to broil, and broil for another 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown
  14. Optional garnish – Arugula: I chopped some and topped the mac and cheese with it – we thought it was wonderful!

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Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

Quinoa Mac and Cheese - A lightened up, protein packed version of the classic Mac and Cheese. It is much healthier but tastes surprisingly like the real thing! TheGarlicDiaries.com

If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!

In the mood for more cheesy dishes? Check these out:

Croque Monsieur

Light Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese

Healthy, Cheesy Taco Skillet

 

 

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Filed Under: All Recipes, Dinner, Lunch, Sides, Vegetarian Tagged With: Cheese, Healthy, light, Mac and Cheese, Quinoa, skinny, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Anesha says

    August 7, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    I made this last night. I went a bit off the recipe – I don’t like using measuring spoons. My sauce was very thick, but I evened it out with more milk and it turned out great.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 12, 2019 at 11:42 am

      I don’t like using measuring spoons either :). Glad it turned out well for you, Anesha!!

      Reply
  2. Ben Gretchko says

    July 18, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    Do you use the nutmeg powder or actual nutmeg? Also can you use skim milk rather than 2% milk?

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      July 18, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      I used an actual nutmeg, but you can 100% substitute with nutmeg powder if that’s what you have! I’d go with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste if you want! And yes, you can use skim milk instead of 2%.

      Reply
      • Ben Gretchko says

        July 18, 2018 at 8:29 pm

        And what kind of pepper did you use?

        Reply
        • Annie Chesson says

          July 19, 2018 at 10:58 am

          I just use regular black pepper!

          Reply
  3. Loren says

    June 27, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    Looks great! Any thoughts on adding fresh spinach or maybe mushrooms? Would that work?

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      June 28, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      I think that would be great!!

      Reply
  4. randi says

    May 18, 2018 at 10:06 am

    Has anyone ever made this ahead of time? How does it keep? Does it reheat well? How about making the quinoa ahead of time and then making the sauce and putting it together right before serving? Trying to plan ahead!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 18, 2018 at 11:08 am

      I have never made it ahead of time, but I think it would probably work to make the quinoa and sauce separately and bake when you’re ready to eat it! I think it would work to assemble it all and have it ready in advanced to bake, too, but my only concern would be that the quinoa would soak up some of the sauce. I think it keeps and reheats great! If it gets a little dry, you can add a splash of milk :)!

      Reply
      • randi says

        May 18, 2018 at 11:44 am

        Thanks! I think I’ll make the quinoa ahead and report back! Love this recipe!

        Reply
        • randi says

          June 5, 2018 at 5:21 pm

          Reporting back that I made the quinoa ahead of time and made the sauce the following day, right before mixing them together to bake and it came out fantastic! A huge hit!

          Reply
          • Annie Chesson says

            June 11, 2018 at 12:39 pm

            Yay! So glad that it worked and you guys loved the recipe!

            Reply
  5. Sammie Jo says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:45 am

    Wonderful texture and flavor without velveeta. Reheats smooth. This was delicious and so easy to make. Makes a bigger batch than I was expecting.
    Sammie Jo recently posted…How to Use Coconut Oil For Seasoning Cast Iron Pans & Wooden Cutting BoardsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:22 am

      Thank you so much Sammie!! I’m very happy it turned out well for you :).

      Reply
  6. Jan says

    September 22, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Can it be cooked without butter?

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      September 23, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      Would you be willing to substitute olive oil for the butter? You need some sort of fat to make the “roux” (mix of flour and fat) to thicken the cheese sauce. That fat doesn’t necessarily have to be butter as long as it’s some type of oil.

      Reply
  7. Maya @ Treats and Eats says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    I have had quinoa mac and cheese on my must make list forever! And this version looks so good! I love that crunchy topping. Can’t wait for casserole season!
    Maya @ Treats and Eats recently posted…Fresh Mozzarella with Roasted TomatoesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Yesss so good! All seasons are casserole season to me :).

      Reply
  8. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    WHat a great idea! You get all the flavour of mac and cheese, with the added bonus of protein from quinoa!
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on The Ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich by IzzyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks, Dannii!!

      Reply
  9. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    August 24, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Oh my goodness does this look good! You have my stomach growling! I am just so dang excited for comfort food season to be here. I’ve been craving mac and cheese, but this would be even healthier.
    Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Creamy Mustard ChickenMy Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks, Natalie! Ugh me tooooo you have no idea. Hence the fact that I just posted this…and a hot soup a few weeks ago. Come onnnn comfort food!

      Reply
  10. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    August 24, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Oh that cheese sauce. It looks, SO beautiful! And the whole dish together sounds bomb too. I love using quinoa in casseroles like this! Yum!
    Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel recently posted…Salted Caramel Almond Baked BrieMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks, Jess!! The cheese sauce is on point…yum.

      Reply
  11. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    August 24, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    WOW! Just, wow. I love the looks of this one! I really need to stop reading food blogs when I’m hungry – I’m totally drooling right now!
    Keri @ Fashionable Foods recently posted…Chipotle Chicken EnchiladasMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:39 pm

      Haha I feel your pain on that one. Happens to me all the time!

      Reply
  12. Ali says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:32 am

    What a brilliant idea!! Looks divine and sounds pretty simple – Score!
    Ali recently posted…Refrigerator Dill PicklesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:41 pm

      Thanks, Ali!

      Reply
  13. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    August 24, 2015 at 3:53 am

    OH. MY. GOODNESS: You are genius, Girl! This quinoa mac and cheese sounds out of the world! So so GOOD. So much yes to this Quinoa mac and cheese! DROOL!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you so much, Anu!

      Reply
  14. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    August 23, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    Mac & cheese is the ultimate comfort dish and I love that you made it with quinoa instead! Such a great idea! It looks amazing!
    Kelly – Life Made Sweeter recently posted…Blueberry Lemon Loaf CakeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      Thanks, Kelly! SO much healthier and just as yummy :).

      Reply
  15. GiGi Eats says

    August 23, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    Looks amazing! I have never had quinoa before, but how could it be anything but amazing, especially in this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      Ah you have to try it!!!! Quinoa is delicious!

      Reply
  16. Kristen @ The Endless Meal says

    August 22, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    This sounds amazing! I love mac and cheese but almost never eat it cause it doesn’t make me feel very good after. I’ll be trying this for sure!
    Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently posted…How to Get Pinterest Rich Pins for Your Food BlogMy Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      I think you would feel okay after eating this version!

      Reply
  17. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    August 22, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Oh.My.GAHHH! I love quinoa, I always have some cooked in the fridge to add to meals or salads. SO naturally I am completely smitten with this dish! I mean quinoa MAC and CHEESE????? Gimme that by the vat full! SO MUCH YUM! Pinned! Cheers to a fabulous weekend, girlie

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Woop Woop! You must make :).

      Reply

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Annie Chesson
I am a passionate Christian, wife, cooking addict, and mom to the two sweetest boys in the world! Join me in my journey to create delicious, flavorful food. More About Me...

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