Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bake (Printable)

A wholesome bake of quinoa, mixed berries, and warming spices for a nourishing start.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# 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 evenly over the quinoa.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
05 - Pour the milk 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 using.
07 - Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
08 - Let 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 set the table, no stirring or watching required.
  • The quinoa turns creamy and custard-like, nothing like the fluffy side dish you might expect.
  • Berries burst into sweet pockets that soak into every spoonful.
  • You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
02 -
  • Do not skip rinsing the quinoa or it will taste bitter and soapy, I learned this the hard way.
  • If using frozen berries, do not thaw them first or they will release too much water and make the bake soggy.
  • The center should look just barely set when you pull it out, it will continue to firm as it cools.
03 -
  • Assemble the whole dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate, then bake it fresh in the morning while you wake up.
  • Use a mix of berries for the prettiest color and the best balance of tart and sweet.
  • Let it cool for the full 10 minutes or it will fall apart when you try to scoop it, patience pays off here.
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