Description
A creamy and delicious cheesy quinoa recipe that can be cooked using an Instant Pot or stovetop method, featuring a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Greek yogurt, and seasoned with garlic and onion powder.
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
- 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
- Prepare Quinoa: For the Instant Pot method, rinse the quinoa thoroughly, then add it to the Instant Pot along with 1 cup water and ¼ tsp sea salt. Secure the lid, set the valve to seal, and cook on high pressure for 1 minute followed by a natural pressure release. For stovetop method, rinse quinoa thoroughly and cook according to package directions, using about 2 cups of water per cup of quinoa, bringing to boil then simmering covered until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: While quinoa cooks, melt unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard, stirring continuously until a roux forms.
- Thicken Sauce: Gradually add half & half cream and Greek yogurt to the roux, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for about 4 to 6 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Season: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Combine Quinoa and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked quinoa to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
Notes
- Quinoa can be re-heated in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until creamy and warm.
- Add a little water while reheating to restore desired creamy texture if needed.
- For stovetop quinoa, use approximately 2 cups water per 1 cup quinoa for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
