Cheddar Cheese Quinoa

4.7 from 20 votes
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Need a new idea for a quinoa side dish? Cheesy Quinoa has plenty of cheddar cheese to make the whole family happy. It’s a healthy and naturally gluten free side dish packed with protein and whole grains. And it’s one of our favorite easy quinoa recipes because it’s totally kid-approved!

An Easy Quinoa Side Dish – Kid Approved!

 

I’ll be honest, it can be a struggle to get my kids to eat quinoa. But I do have one trick up my sleeve…

Cheese. Lots of cheese.

Yes, cheddar cheese is the key to convincing my kids to eat quinoa. When it is this creamy and cheesy, even they can’t resist this easy quinoa side dish recipe. And that always makes me feel good since I know it is a healthy and protein-packed gluten free grain alternative!

You only need five ingredients besides salt and pepper, and there are really only two main steps – cooking quinoa and stirring in the cheese!

A bowl of a cheesy quinoa side dish on a green napkin.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this easy quinoa side dish! In fact, you probably already have them in your kitchen.

  • Uncooked quinoa. Rinse it well and drain it throughly.
  • Chicken or vegetable broth. Broth adds extra flavor, but you can also use water. Just be sure to add a little extra salt and pepper.
  • Salt and pepper. To taste.
  • Dry mustard. Bumps up the flavor of the cheddar cheese.
  • Greek yogurt. Make it creamy.
  • Cheddar cheese. I prefer to use sharp or extra sharp, but use your favorite.

How to Make Cheesy Quinoa

Cook the quinoa. After you’ve rinsed and thoroughly drained the quinoa, add it to a pot with the broth, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Cover and bring to a boil. The reduce heat and simmer as per package instructions, about 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you can use my post about How to Cook Quinoa to see how to prepare it not only on the stove, but also in the microwave, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or rice cooker. Just replace the water with the broth and add the seasonings.

Stir it all together. When quinoa is fully cooked, stir in Greek yogurt and cheese. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed.

The final prepared dish in a white bowl.

Serving Suggestions

What meals would go well with a quinoa side dish? Try one of these.

A serving bowl of the quinoa recipe.

More easy quinoa recipes

Cheesy quinoa from above with green napkin
4.7 from 20 votes

Cheesy Quinoa Side Dish

Need a new idea for an easy quinoa side dish? Cheesy Quinoa has plenty of cheddar cheese to make the whole family happy. It's a healthy and naturally gluten free side dish packed with protein and whole grains. And it's one of our favorite easy quinoa recipes because it's totally kid-approved!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa , rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth or stock
  • salt & pepper , to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 oz., you can use up to 1 cup if you would like it more cheesy)

Instructions

  • Combine quinoa, broth, a pinch of salt and pepper, and dry mustard in a pot.
  • Cover and bring to a boil. The reduce heat and simmer as per package instructions, about 15 minutes.
  • When quinoa is fully cooked, stir in Greek yogurt and cheese.
  • Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Quinoa Side Dish
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 273mg11%
Potassium 379mg11%
Carbohydrates 32g11%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 160IU3%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 158mg16%
Iron 2.3mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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5 Comments
  1. Colleen Benedict

    I am making this tonight! I don’t have any yogurt, but I do have sour cream, I’m thinking that will work too, right?

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