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Cheesy Quinoa with a Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Cheesy Quinoa recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on quinoa, combining sharp cheddar cheese with a rich sauce made from half & half and Greek yogurt. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a comforting main, it can be prepared using either the Instant Pot for convenience or the stovetop method. With a blend of garlic, onion powder, and dried mustard, this dish is packed with savory depth and creamy texture for a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

For Quinoa

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup water (for Instant Pot method)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt (for Instant Pot method)

For Cheese Sauce

  • 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp non-GMO cornstarch
  • 1 cup half & half cream
  • 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Quinoa (Instant Pot Method): Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Add rinsed quinoa, water, and sea salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Secure the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute and then allow natural pressure release.
  2. Prepare Quinoa (Stovetop Method): Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Cook quinoa according to package directions on the stovetop, using the recommended water to quinoa ratio, usually 2:1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce Roux: While quinoa cooks, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard, stirring constantly until a roux forms and is smooth.
  4. Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the half & half cream and Greek yogurt. Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat for 4-6 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  5. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Season Sauce: Taste the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
  7. Combine Quinoa and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked quinoa to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until well combined and heated through.

Notes

  • Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural bitter coating called saponin.
  • The water to quinoa ratio can vary but 2:1 is typical for stovetop cooking; follow your quinoa package instructions.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture in cheese sauce.
  • Natural pressure release in the Instant Pot prevents quinoa from overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/cheesy-quinoa-with-a-creamy-cheese-sauce-recipe/