Quinoa is known as one of the healthiest grains (or technically seed) available. This super food is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index. It is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, is a rich source of protein and is high in fibre.
For these reasons I love cooking with quinoa and because it is so versatile I use it in many ways. The boys love it for breakfast (like in this raspberry breakfast quinoa) in snacks (like these fruit and nut quinoa bars) and served as part of a main meal.
As mac and cheese seems to be a firm favourite of kids I thought a cheesy quinoa would be a great way to introduce quinoa to your kids (if you haven’t already.) Mix some of their favourite vegetables through the quinoa, before baking, to add extra nutrients.
I sometimes roll the mixture into balls and then bake them so that I can throw a couple into a packed lunch box the next day. If you like this idea then you must try these tomato and cheese quinoa balls.
Cheesy Quinoa for Kids
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 pack) cream cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella
- 50 g (1/2 cup) grated cheddar (plus 1/2 cup extra for sprinkling on top)
- 3 cups cooked quinoa (I cup uncooked quinoa yields just over 3 cups cooked quinoa)
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 180c / 350f / gas 4
- Add the cream cheese, mozzarella and cheddar to a pan and gently stir over a medium/low heat until warmed through and cheese is melted. Add the quinoa and stir through.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish (approx. 8 inches) or several mini dishes.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for approx. 15 mins (until cheese has melted and starting to crisp)
Recipe Notes
Why not try forming the mixture into balls and add them to your kid's lunch box. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat and bake for approx. 10 mins.
What a fab idea. I resisted trying quinoa as I thought I wouldn’t like it but I loved it. So I am always looking for new recipes with quinoa and this cheesy quinoa sounds perfect for a mid-week meal for all. Thanks for sharing.
It is so smart to hide quinoa under cheese! I am sure the kids will love it!
Most kids love anything covered in cheese 🙂
This is a great idea. I only really use Quinoa for salads so its nice to have a way to use it in the winter. I will definitely give it a go- it looks delicious!
Thanks Kate! Love quinoa salads!
Perfect! I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate and introduce quinoa to my kids
Thanks Abigail, I hope they enjoy 🙂
Are you able to tell me what 1 cup of uncooked quinoa equates to in grams please? Thank you. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes on your website – they look wonderful
Hi, thanks for your kind comment! I’ve just measured it and 1 cup is 175g. Enjoy!
This was a congealed, disgusting mess. And not st all healthy for children with the amount of cheese.
Hi Liz, I’m sorry this recipe didn’t work for you. My kids love this!
I agree, too much of this wouldn’t be healthy due to the high cheese content. I wouldn’t serve a whole plate of this to my kids, I serve it along side salad or vegetables.
Loved this! Chose this recipe to convince my quinoa-hating partner that it’s actually amazing and it worked! Put a little white wine and some herbs in with the cheese sauce to make a grown-ups’ version and it went down a treat =)
Yeah to converting a quinoa hater! I’m loving the sound of your more grown-up version, thanks for letting me know it was a success 🙂