This baked quinoa mac and cheese is creamy, rich and so good that even your kids will love it.

We’re trying to eat healthier. And for the most part, our little kids (and the one big kid – he knows who he is) have been pretty good about it. 

But there are some things that I just haven’t been able to mess with without causing all out preschooler rebellion in our house. And mac and cheese is one of them.

So I got sneaky. And sneaky’s name is quinoa. 

This recipe is really dead simple: an old-fashioned creamy mac and cheese (with elbow macaroni) made healthier with the addition of quinoa, that trendy superfood that’s high in protein and riboflavin.

And it’s really good. So good, in fact, that the preschooler’s didn’t complain one little bit about the new quinoa addition to their mac and cheese. Mission healthier accomplished.

Baked Quinoa Mac and Cheese

This is what you’ll need. Oh, and don’t worry – this isn’t fancy pants French milk – just regular milk classed up a little with a French label.  I’m so used to seeing bilingual labels here in Canada that I didn’t notice that I took a photo of the French side. 

To start, you’ll need to make a roux. If you don’t know what that is, don’t sweat it, you’ve probably made one before.

First, melt the butter.

Then add the flour.

Stir until it’s deliciously melted and bubbly.

Now, add the milk. Not all at once now, maybe a cup at a time.

Stir until a the milk is hot, then add the cheese.

Keep stirring, let the cheese melt.

Now, get the cooked quinoa and cooked macaroni together.

Add the melted cheese sauce, stir, sprinkle some cheddar on top and pop into the oven.

And it will come out looking like this little wonder. Mmmm… melty, cheesy goodness. You kids won’t even know the quinoa is hiding in there.

This recipe is really dead simple: an old-fashioned creamy mac and cheese (with elbow macaroni) made healthier with the addition of quinoa, that trendy superfood that’s high in protein and riboflavin.

It’s good. So good, in fact, that my preschooler didn’t complain one little bit about the new quinoa addition to their mac and cheese.

That’s it! Simple, easy homemade goodness. And your kids will never guess the quinoa’s hidden in their mac and cheese!

Love cheese? Try our hot Asiago and artichoke dip or incredible Asiago Alfredo sauce, or follow our Cheesy Goodness Pinterest board.

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Baked Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

This baked quinoa mac and cheese is creamy and rich and packed with goodness.

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Ingredients

• 6 cups pre-cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups pre-cooked quinoa
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 4 cups medium cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Precook the elbow macaroni and quinoa according to package directions.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F.

Make the cheese sauce:

1. Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir in the flour.
3. Cook until the flour and butter mixture turns a very light tan color. Do not overcook!
4. Whisk in milk.
5. Bring roux to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to simmer, whisking occasionally for about 5 minutes, until roux begins to thicken.
6. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of cheese, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Assemble the mac and cheese:

1. Put cooked macaroni and cooked quinoa into baking dish.
2. Pour the sauce over top and stir.
3. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  4 Pack Assortment Low Carb Pasta, Fettuccine, Rotini, Penne, and Elbows, Great Low Carb Bread Company
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  CorningWare French White Round and Oval Ceramic Bakeware, 12-Piece
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  Bob's Red Mill Organic White Quinoa, 13 Ounce (Resealable)

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 668mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 16g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.