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Quinoa Spinach Mac ‘n Cheese

4.33 Mitt(s) 3 Rating(s)3 votes, average: 4.33 out of 53 votes, average: 4.33 out of 53 votes, average: 4.33 out of 53 votes, average: 4.33 out of 53 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5

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Level: Intermediate

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Description

Family friendly mac ‘n cheese made a tad healthier!

Ingredients

  • FOR THE CASSEROLE:
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter
  • 3 Tablespoons Flour
  • 1-½ cup Whole Milk
  • 2 dashes Freshly Grated Nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoons Salt
  • 8 ounces, weight Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 3 cups Cooked Quinoa (cooked According To Package Instructions)
  • 2 bunches Fresh Baby Spinach
  • FOR THE TOPPING:
  • ½ cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
  • ¾ cups Panko Bread Crumbs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a medium saucepan add 3 tablespoons of butter and flour and heat over medium heat. Whisk continuously until a paste forms. Whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium/high and bring to a boil whisking the whole time. Stir in the nutmeg, salt and cheddar cheese. When cheese sauce is smooth remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix together the cooked quinoa, cheese sauce and spinach.

Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish (I used an 8 inch cast iron skillet). Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

In a small bowl mix together the butter and bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

Bake on 350 F until bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and enjoy!

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3 Reviews

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greeleygirl on 3.25.2014

Love quinoa, love spinach, really love cheese, loved this dish. Thanks for a fabulous recipe, Carrie.

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Lara on 2.21.2013

I agree with the previous user that it was more of a casserole dish, but it was good and different. I think I may add a little extra salt next time. Nice healthy spin on a mac and cheese dish. Very easy to make too!

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Brianne on 1.27.2013

This was the first time I’d made a dish with quinoa, so I wasn’t sure how I would like it. I toasted the quinoa first, according to package directions and the kitchen smelled lovely. The final dish was a little too much casserole rather than mac n’cheese for me, but it had a nice nutty flavor. Definitely needed the spinach to keep it from being too rich. Next time I will add diced fresh tomatoes. Thank you for the lovely recipe.

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