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A casserole dish with cheesy broccolii dish
Dinner

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

By According to Elle

Time: 45 minutes Serves: 6 - 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed 
  • Cooking spray  
  • 4 tablespoons flour 
  • 4 tablespoons Darigold unsalted butter 
  • 3 ½ cups Darigold FIT milk 
  • 3 ⅓ cups shredded Darigold Sharp Cheddar cheese, divided 
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste 
  • 16 ounces (about 8 cups) frozen broccoli florets, thawed (see notes) 
  • 12-14 Ritz-style crackers  

NOTES 

Broccoli: To quickly thaw, rinse frozen broccoli under hot water for 30-60 seconds, just until stems are no longer icy on the inside; pat dry. If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in salted, boiling water for 2-3 minutes beforehand and transfer directly to an ice bath to prevent overcooking.  

Instructions

  1. Prep the oven and baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.  
  2. Cook the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and rinsed quinoa and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook until all of the water has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. 
  3. Make the sauce while the quinoa cooks. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned and bubbly, about 30-60 seconds. Add the milk and whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. Reduce heat to low; add 2 ⅓ cups shredded cheese and stir until the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and remove from heat until the quinoa is done cooking. 
  4. Assemble the casserole. Transfer cooked quinoa, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce in your prepared baking dish and mix until well combined. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese. Crumble the crackers evenly over the top and lightly spray with cooking oil again.  
  5. Bake and enjoy! Bake the casserole on the center rack until heated through and the cheese on top is melted, about 12-15 minutes. For a golden finish, place the pan under the broiler until the crackers are a deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.  

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