Go Back
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated The main ingredients in this Caprese Quinoa Bake create a tasty dish. Quinoa serves as the base. It is high in protein and gluten-free. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh basil gives a bright, herbaceous flavor. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds depth. Together, they create a cheesy, hearty meal. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Pantry staples help enhance the flavor of the dish. Olive oil adds richness and helps in cooking. Garlic brings a warm, savory taste. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. Salt and pepper are crucial for balancing flavors. Keep these ingredients handy for this recipe and more. - Recommended servings: 4 - Measurement conversions: 1 cup = 8 ounces, 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons This recipe serves four people, making it great for sharing. Each serving is filling, thanks to quinoa and cheese. If you need to adjust the recipe, use the measurement conversions. You can double it for a larger crowd or halve it for a smaller meal. Enjoy this dish as a main course or a side! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step removes any bitter taste. Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. You will know the quinoa is done when it is fluffy, and all the water is absorbed. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until all ingredients are combined. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish with a little olive oil. Transfer the quinoa mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. If you like extra cheese, sprinkle some leftover cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The bake is ready when the cheese is melted and golden brown. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To ensure even cooking, spread the quinoa mixture evenly in the dish. This helps all parts cook at the same rate. You want each bite to be just as good as the last. For crispy cheese, try adding a layer of cheese on top before baking. This gives a nice golden crust. Adding herbs and spices boosts the flavor. Fresh basil brings brightness. Dried oregano adds a nice depth. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. For toppings, consider sliced olives or pine nuts. These add texture and flavor. A crisp side salad pairs well with the bake. The freshness of the salad balances the rich flavors. For presentation, serve directly from the casserole dish. Garnish with more fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes your dish look inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes. They will elevate the dish with vibrant taste and aroma. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor twist. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it before serving for a quick meal. Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor variety. {{image_2}} Gluten-free options: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. If you use gluten-free veggie broth, you keep this dish safe for those avoiding gluten. Vegan substitutions: To make this dish vegan, swap mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor too. You can also use vegetable broth for added taste. Alternative cheeses: If you don’t have mozzarella, try cheddar or feta. Each cheese brings its own taste. For a creamier texture, use ricotta or cream cheese. Vegetable additions: You can add bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Zucchini or mushrooms also work well. Mix in any favorite veggies to boost flavor and color. Mediterranean twist: For a Mediterranean flair, add olives and artichokes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. This gives the dish extra depth and brightness. Spicy Caprese: To spice things up, mix in red pepper flakes or jalapeños. You can also use spicy cheese for an added kick. This version will awaken your taste buds! To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. I recommend glass containers for easy reheating and a clear view of your tasty meal. If you use plastic, ensure it’s BPA-free to stay healthy. For best results, freeze the bake in portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. In the fridge, Caprese Quinoa Bake lasts about 3-5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s best to toss it. Freshness is key to enjoying this dish! Making Caprese Quinoa Bake takes about 45 minutes in total. You will spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the quinoa takes about 15 minutes. Then, baking the dish takes 25 to 30 minutes. It is best to rinse quinoa before cooking. Rinsing removes a bitter coating called saponin. This makes your dish taste much better. If you skip this step, your bake may have an off flavor. You can serve Caprese Quinoa Bake with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad pairs well. You might also enjoy it with roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken or shrimp. In this article, we explored the delicious Caprese Quinoa Bake. We started with the key ingredients, like quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Then, we covered step-by-step instructions for preparing, mixing, and baking. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and suggested fun variations. Lastly, we discussed storage and answered common questions. Now, you can enjoy this dish with family and friends. It's healthy, filling, and easy to make. Dive in and enjoy your cooking journey!

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, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium casserole dish with olive oil.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, add oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer the quinoa mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Serve directly from the casserole dish, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword bake, caprese, quinoa, vegetarian