If breakfast and dessert had a love child, it’d be this Cozy Breakfast Quinoa Bake. It’s warm, nutty, sweet, and has just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a comforting treat, or just want an excuse to use that quinoa sitting in your pantry, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy Quinoa Bake shines solo but loves a good topping partner. Try a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or a drizzle of extra honey for an indulgent twist.
Breakfast Quinoa Bake
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 3 cup baking dish with lid
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup 1/8" diced and peeled ripe pear
- 1 TBSP honey
- 1/4 TSP ground cinnamon
- 1/4 TSP vanilla extract
- 1/8 TSP ground ginger
- 1/8 TSP nutmeg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds or sliced almonds
- 1 TBSP butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients; transfer to a greased 3-cup baking dish. Cover and bake for 50 minutes.
- In another small bowl, combine almonds, brown sugar and butter; sprinkle over quinoa mixture after baked for 50 minutes
- Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned, 5-10 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before serving
Video
The Power of Quinoa
At the heart of this dish is quinoa, often hailed as a superfood. This tiny seed (yes, it’s technically a seed, not a grain!) is packed with protein, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to boost their protein intake. Quinoa also contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. It’s rich in fiber, supporting healthy digestion and keeping you feeling full longer. Plus, quinoa is a great source of important nutrients like magnesium, iron, and manganese, which are essential for energy production and bone health.
A Fruitful Addition
The ripe pear not only adds natural sweetness but also brings a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to the table. Pears are rich in dietary fiber, which supports gut health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They’re also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts your immune system and promotes radiant skin.
Sweet Spices and Healthy Fats
The warm spices in this recipe—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—do more than just taste amazing. Cinnamon is known for its ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels, while ginger adds anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Nutmeg offers its own array of antioxidants to support overall wellness. Meanwhile, the almonds and butter provide healthy fats that not only add richness but also support brain function and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the dish.
A Balanced Indulgence
The honey in this recipe offers a natural source of sweetness without the blood sugar spikes associated with refined sugar. It’s packed with antioxidants and has soothing, antibacterial properties. Combined with the other ingredients, the overall profile of this dish is a balanced blend of carbs, proteins, and fats—giving your body a steady source of energy while satisfying your sweet tooth.
So there you have it Breakfast Quinoa Bake: a dish that’s healthy-ish, indulgent, and totally Insta-worthy. Bonus points for the fact that it tastes as good as it smells. Now, get baking and prepare to wow your taste buds (and possibly your brunch squad).