Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bake (Printable)

A warm, wholesome breakfast featuring nutty quinoa and juicy mixed berries, lightly sweetened and nutritious.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed

→ Dairy & Alternatives

02 - 2 cups milk or non-dairy milk
03 - 2 large eggs

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

04 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Fruit

08 - 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; e.g., blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)

→ Toppings (optional)

09 - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
10 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
02 - Spread the rinsed quinoa evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
03 - Scatter half of the mixed berries evenly over the quinoa layer.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
05 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the quinoa and berries in the dish.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining berries on top, then add chopped nuts and shredded coconut if desired.
07 - Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
08 - Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with extra milk or yogurt.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It bakes hands-free while you shower or fold laundry, filling the house with the scent of vanilla and berries.
  • One dish feeds the whole week, reheating beautifully and tasting just as good cold from the fridge at midnight.
  • Quinoa sneaks in protein and fiber without tasting like health food, just cozy sweetness with a satisfying chew.
02 -
  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly or the natural coating called saponin will make everything taste like dish soap, I learned this the hard way in front of guests.
  • Don't overbake or the edges will dry out and the custard will turn rubbery, pull it when the center still has a slight wobble.
  • If using frozen berries, expect extra liquid, the bake might need 5 more minutes to set properly.
03 -
  • Use a glass baking dish if you have one, it heats evenly and you can see when the edges are turning golden without opening the oven.
  • Let the quinoa cool slightly after rinsing so the eggs don't scramble when you pour the custard over hot grains.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half, future you will thank you on a chaotic Tuesday morning.
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