Savory Gruyere Butternut Squash Quinoa Bake
Indulge in a hearty casserole that combines fluffy quinoa, tender roasted butternut squash, and earthy mushrooms with a creamy blend of gruyere cheese. This flavor-packed dish, enhanced with aromatic herbs and onions, creates the perfect comfort meal while maintaining its low cholesterol benefits. Spinach and black beans add a nutritious boost, making it an ideal one-dish meal for family dinners or meal prep.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
1 (halved, seeds removed)
Quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
Water
1 1/2 cups
Salt
1 teaspoon
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (divided)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Shallots
4 (diced)
Mushroom
1 cup (sliced)
Red onion
1 (sliced)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Frozen spinach
2 cups (drained)
Gruyere cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Black beans
1 can (16 oz) (mashed or pureed)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Herbs de Provence
to taste
Instructions
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
56g
Carbs
16g
Protein
10g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Gruyere Butternut Squash Quinoa Bake?
It is a hearty, low-cholesterol casserole that combines fluffy quinoa, roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, and a creamy Gruyere cheese blend.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this quinoa bake is naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels for processed items like spices.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The squash should be halved with seeds removed, and then roasted until tender before being incorporated into the bake.
Why do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa helps remove the naturally occurring saponins which can give the grain a bitter taste.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 17g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this quinoa bake provide?
Each serving offers 16g of protein, thanks to the combination of quinoa, eggs, cheese, and black beans.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 56g of carbohydrates in one serving of this dish.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber, providing 10g per serving, which is excellent for digestive health.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
This dish contains 6g of sugar per serving, primarily from the natural sugars in the butternut squash and vegetables.
Is this dish suitable for a low-cholesterol diet?
Yes, the recipe description identifies it as a low-cholesterol benefit meal.
What role do the eggs play in this recipe?
The two beaten eggs act as a binder to help the casserole set and hold its shape.
Can I substitute the Gruyere cheese?
Yes, if you do not have Gruyere, you can use Swiss, Emmental, or a sharp white cheddar as a substitute.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You can use any variety of sliced mushrooms, such as cremini, button, or shiitake, depending on your flavor preference.
Why are the black beans mashed or pureed?
Mashing or pureeing the black beans helps create a creamier texture and acts as an additional binding agent for the quinoa.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you should sauté and drain it first to match the consistency of the two cups of drained frozen spinach.
What are Herbs de Provence?
Herbs de Provence is a traditional French dried herb blend that typically includes savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories in one serving of this quinoa bake.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal one-dish meal for meal prep as it can be easily portioned and stored for the week.
Can I use red onion instead of shallots?
The recipe calls for both shallots and red onion to provide different layers of onion flavor, but you can use more of one if the other is unavailable.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this quinoa bake?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Can I substitute sweet potato for butternut squash?
Yes, roasted sweet potato cubes are a great alternative to butternut squash in this recipe.
Is the sodium content high?
The specific sodium count is not provided, but you can control it by adjusting the added salt and using low-sodium beans.
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but the texture will be different and you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time.
What does the olive oil do in this recipe?
The olive oil is used for roasting the squash and sautéing the aromatics like garlic, shallots, and mushrooms.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, though it does include eggs and cheese.
Can I make this vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
What side dish goes well with this bake?
A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly with this hearty bake.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a robust aromatic flavor.