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To make the Caprese Quinoa Bake, you will need: - 1 cup quinoa, well-rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the dish's rich flavors. Quinoa serves as a great base, soaking up all the goodness. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. The cheeses melt beautifully, creating a creamy texture. If you need to adjust measurements, here are some quick conversions: - 1 cup = 240 milliliters - 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters - 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters These conversions help you use the right amounts, no matter where you're cooking. You can easily modify this recipe to fit different diets: - Quinoa: Try brown rice or farro for a different grain. - Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. - Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth for less salt. - Garlic: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not handy. These swaps keep the dish tasty and friendly for everyone at your table. Enjoy the cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a medium-sized casserole dish and lightly grease it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking later. Then, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitterness. Place the rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. This broth brings a rich flavor to the quinoa. Bring the pot to a rolling boil. Once it boils, turn the heat down low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa should become fluffy and absorb all the liquid. While the quinoa cooks, prepare a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of finely chopped fresh basil leaves. These will add freshness and color to your bake. Next, mix in 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. This step brings a delicious aroma. Now, add both 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses create a creamy texture. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well until combined. Transfer the cheesy quinoa mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly for even baking. If you like, reserve a bit of mozzarella to sprinkle on top. This makes a nice, cheesy crust. Now, place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn golden brown. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve it warm and enjoy every bite! To make the best Caprese quinoa bake, start with rinsed quinoa. Rinsing removes bitterness. Use vegetable broth for more flavor. The broth enhances each bite. Cook the quinoa until it is fluffy. This means all the liquid should be absorbed. Mix the ingredients well in a large bowl. Make sure every grain of quinoa is coated with cheese and oil. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. When baking, keep an eye on the cheese. You want it golden brown, not burnt. Cheese makes this dish special. While mozzarella is classic, you can try others. Goat cheese adds a tangy kick. Feta cheese gives a salty taste. For a richer flavor, use aged cheddar. You can also mix different cheeses for depth. Just be sure to keep the total amount around 1.5 cups. This keeps the texture creamy and delicious. Avoid overcooking the quinoa. If it turns mushy, the dish will not taste right. Make sure to use fresh basil. Dried basil can work, but it won't have the same bright flavor. Do not skip the olive oil. It adds moisture and helps the bake cook evenly. Lastly, let the bake rest a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Pro Tips Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, organic cherry tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor and texture. Perfect Quinoa: To ensure fluffy quinoa, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter taste from the saponins. Customize Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme alongside basil for added complexity. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in your Caprese quinoa bake. Adding cooked chicken or turkey works well. Just shred the meat and mix it in with the other ingredients. You could also use canned beans, like chickpeas or black beans. They add great flavor and texture. If you prefer seafood, try adding shrimp. Just cook them lightly, chop them, and stir them in. Want more veggies? It's simple! You can mix in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them small and sauté them first. This helps to soften them and bring out their flavors. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy taste. Experiment with other vegetables you love. The more, the merrier! Just keep in mind to keep the moisture balanced. This dish is naturally gluten-free since it uses quinoa. However, always check your cheese and broth. Some brands may add gluten. If you want to keep it entirely gluten-free, use a gluten-free broth. This ensures that everyone can enjoy your delicious bake without worries. You can also try using wild rice instead of quinoa for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. After enjoying your Caprese Quinoa Bake, let it cool. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze your bake, first, let it cool completely. Cut the dish into single servings for easy use later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the bake for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime. When you’re ready to eat, take a piece from the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few minutes. Make sure it heats evenly. To keep the cheese nice and melty, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your warm and cheesy dish! You can use rice or couscous instead of quinoa. Both options work well. Rice will give a different texture but will still taste great. Couscous cooks fast and adds a nice fluffiness. You can also try farro or barley for a hearty twist. Each substitute will change the flavor slightly, but they all fit nicely in this dish. Yes, you can make the Caprese Quinoa Bake ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. This makes it easy to pop in the oven later. You can also bake it and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just make sure to cover the dish to keep it fresh. Absolutely! Caprese Quinoa Bake is great for meal prep. You can divide it into portions and store them in containers. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can even freeze portions for a quick meal later. Just reheat in the oven or microwave for a tasty, easy dinner. This blog covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for your quinoa bake. I shared how to add flavor, avoid common mistakes, and customize the dish. From storage ideas to FAQs, you now have a full guide. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Use this information to create a dish that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Caprese Quinoa Bake

A delicious and healthy bake combining quinoa, fresh tomatoes, basil, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, well-rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa is ready when it appears fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, prepare a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and both the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
  • Drizzle the mixture with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle in the dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well incorporated.
  • Transfer the quinoa and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, reserve a bit of the shredded mozzarella to sprinkle on top for an extra cheesy and appealing crust.
  • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is delightfully melted and turns a golden brown.
  • Once done, remove the bake from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. For a vibrant touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve straight from the casserole dish for a rustic feel. Garnish with fresh basil and olive oil.
Keyword bake, caprese, quinoa, vegetarian