Quinoa Mac & Cheese

I've been meaning to post this recipe for months. I've made it a bunch of times and pretty much have told everyone who would listen how awesome it was, so now it's time to finally post it.

I have made it with reduced fat sharp cheddar, and it was amazing. The original recipe can be found here and she uses veggies in it, which makes the options limitless. I also made it with reduced fat 4 cheese (the pre-shredded bag) and it was even more amazing. This is kid friendly and husband friendly. It's also healthier than other mac and cheese options, although quinoa still counts as a carb. It feels a lot less heavy than pasta though.

Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained 
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• good pinch of salt
• a few grinds of seasoning salt
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 3 cups water
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup nonfat milk (or almond milk)
• 1.5 cups grated cheese, plus some for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3-4 mins, or until grains start to turn opaque.
2. Add 3 cups water and add seasonings. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer 15-20 mins or more, until the quinoa is cooked.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs and milk in a small bowl, add to quinoa along with the cheese. Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt.
4. Pour into baking dish and add Panko bread crumbs for a delicious crunch.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese and bread crumbs turn golden brown.
6. Dig in!

xoxo,

Taren