Ingredients
Detailed Instructions for Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Gratin
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish (or a similarly sized casserole dish) with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
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Stir in the rinsed and drained quinoa along with 1 teaspoon of dried dill. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the quinoa and deepen its flavor.
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Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 12 minutes.
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After 12 minutes, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 more minutes to allow the quinoa to finish steaming.
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Uncover the pot and stir in the broccoli florets. Add the heavy cream and shredded white cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the mixture is thick, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
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Carefully transfer the quinoa and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
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In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
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Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.
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Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
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Remove from the oven and allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Instructions
🥦 How to Make Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Gratin (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized casserole dish) with vegetable oil or nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add diced onion and minced garlic.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Toast the Quinoa
Add the rinsed and drained quinoa and 1 teaspoon dried dill to the saucepan. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the quinoa to lightly toast and develop flavor.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12 minutes.
5. Let Quinoa Steam Off-Heat
After 12 minutes, remove the pot from heat but leave it covered. Let it sit for 5 more minutes so the quinoa can steam and fluff.
6. Add Broccoli, Cream, and Cheese
Uncover and stir in the broccoli florets, heavy cream, and shredded white cheddar cheese.
Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the cheesy quinoa and broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
8. Make the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
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Breadcrumbs
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Melted butter
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Grated parmesan cheese
Stir until evenly coated.
9. Top the Gratin
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the quinoa mixture in the dish.
10. Bake the Gratin
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
11. Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
✅ Pro Tip
You can prep the gratin up to Step 7 ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate, then top and bake just before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven meal.