Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Quinoa and Yogurt

Think of this broccoli quinoa casserole as a healthy version of Broccoli Cheddar Casserole. It eliminates the traditional cream soup and Ritz crackers. And for added protein for a vegetarian main dish, it includes quinoa!

If you already have cooked quinoa on hand, this weeknight dinner takes only about 15 minutes of prep before it slides into the oven. Make it in a casserole dish or as a tart for a fancy touch.

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Jump to:

• 👩‍🍳 Tart or Casserole?
• 🧅 Ingredients
• 🔪 Equipment
• ⏰ Tips to Simplify and Save Time
• 💡Ideas for Possible Variations
• 🥩 For the Meat Eaters at the Table
• 🍽 Side Dish Ideas
• 📇 More Casseroles You Might Like
• Broccoli Cheddar Casserole with Quinoa (Recipe)

Many of us grew up on some version of broccoli cheese casserole. My own childhood version used cheddar cheese and a can of Campbell-cream-of-something-soup. Sometimes mom used mayonnaise instead of the Campbell's soup. But it was always topped with Ritz crackers. I loved it.

When Chobani reached out and sent me a case of plain Greek yogurt (large cartons!) I decided to make my own version of this broccoli casserole with yogurt.

After all, I add yogurt to a lot of things. This yogurt soup, Persian Yogurt Soup and long-time favorite, Pan-Fried Chickpea Salad with Curried Yogurt are two examples. And since I cook at high altitudes, I am particularly fond of adding it to baked items for extra moisture, like this Farmhouse Strawberry Cake  and Blueberry Coffee Cake.

👩‍🍳 Tart or Casserole?

Whether you make this cheesy broccoli quinoa casserole in the form of a tart, or in a traditional casserole dish, is completely up to you. And the amount of time you have.

The tart version, of course, will have more carbs. And I par-bake the tart shell before adding the filling, so that adds some time. But it's prettier. So, I recommend the tart version for a brunch dish for the wow factor. And make the casserole version for a casual family dinner at home.

As a note, the bake time for the filling is the same, whichever version you make.

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🔪 Equipment

• Chef's knife
• Steamer basket
• Medium size pot
• Cheese grater
• Mixing bowl
• 8" X 8" baking dish or 9" pie plate (optional if making this as a tart)

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⏰ Tips to Simplify and Save Time

Broccoli

To make quick work of prepping broccoli for this recipe, start with the stalk. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice off the bottom of the stalk, including parts that are split and browned. Discard.

Slice the remaining stalk into ½" thick disks. Next slice the head of broccoli into quarters. Chop each quarter into bite sized pieces.

Quinoa

I often have either a jar of quinoa I've already cooked up or have a package of frozen quinoa in the freezer. This allows me to add quinoa to salads, soups, and casseroles very easily for some additional protein.  If you make your own, here's a post on the best way to cook up a pot of quinoa. 

Cheddar Cheese

To save time, you can purchase cheese pre-grated, but I think it’s well worth the extra 3 – 4 minutes to grate your own. Pre-grated cheese typically is coated with cellulose to keep it from sticking together, which dulls the flavor.

To grate it, use the largest holes on a flat or box grater.  

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🥩 For the Meat Eaters at the Table

Add 1 cup chopped cooked chicken to the casserole. You may need to increase other ingredients for the sauce, depending on the amount of sauce you like.

🍽 Side Dish Ideas

Tomatoes and broccoli are a great combination, so either balsamic roasted tomatoes or small bowls of Roasted Tomato Soup served on the side works great. Or keep it simple with sliced tomatoes, drizzled with a little olive oil, and lightly salt and pepperd.

Air Fryer Potatoes are a great side for so many main dishes, and are a favorite in our house. If you don't have an air fryer, just roast in a 400˚F oven until tender.

Freshly baked bread is always a hit. If you're interested in making a yeasted bread, these Parmesan and Garlic Rolls are irresistible, as is this Aglio e Olio Pizza Bread.

Citrus Roasted Carrots are easy to make and can either roast in the oven with the casserole, or be pan roasted on the stovetop.

📇 More Casseroles You Might Like

Butternut Squash Casserole with Apples

Curried Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Creamy Feta and Asparagus Casserole

Healthy Mexican Casserole with Quinoa

Cauliflower Tetrazzini with Poblanos