Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bake (Printable Version)

A warm, wholesome breakfast bake with quinoa, mixed berries, and subtle spices for a nourishing start.

# Components:

→ 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

# Preparation steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
02 - Spread rinsed quinoa evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
03 - Scatter half of the mixed berries over the quinoa.
04 - Whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth.
05 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the quinoa and berries in the baking dish.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining berries on top, followed by 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 warm; optionally serve with extra milk or yogurt.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels like dessert but fuels you through the morning without the sugar crash.
  • You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh while your coffee brews.
  • Leftovers taste just as good cold from the fridge, like a berry quinoa bar.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the quinoa or you'll taste the saponin coating, which is unpleasantly bitter and soapy.
  • If using frozen berries, toss them in straight from the freezer, thawing them first makes the bake too watery.
  • The center should still be slightly soft when you pull it out, it firms up as it cools.
03 -
  • Use a glass baking dish so you can see when the edges start to brown and pull it out at the perfect moment.
  • If you want a crispier top, broil it for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn't burn.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half, it thaws beautifully and saves you on rushed weekday mornings.
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