Quinoa Spinach and Egg Bake (Printable Version)
Fluffy quinoa, tender spinach, and baked eggs with a golden cheesy topping—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
→ Vegetables
03 - 5 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Eggs
08 - 4 large eggs
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
02 - Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
04 - Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the cooked quinoa, spinach mixture, parsley, and half of the cheese. Mix until well combined.
06 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
07 - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It reheats beautifully, so breakfast for the week is basically done
- The texture contrast between fluffy quinoa and custardy eggs is honestly magical
02 -
- Underbaked is better than overbaked, the eggs continue cooking as it rests
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the eggs from scrambling when mixed
03 -
- Add the cheese to the mixing bowl rather than just on top for extra creamy pockets throughout
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for both flavor and superior melt