Quinoa Breakfast Bowl: Recipe and Cooking Tips

A quinoa breakfast bowl is a twist on oatmeal made with dried quinoa and various sweet and savory additions. Quinoa, a whole grain in the amaranth family, is naturally gluten-free and high in protein, antioxidants, potassium, calcium, and essential amino acids, making it a nutrient-rich alternative to oats. Bacon, eggs, and cheese are common savory additions to quinoa breakfast bowls, but you can also use sweet ingredients like maple syrup, chocolate, and bananas.

Whether you’re a savory breakfast fan or prefer something sweet to start your day, there’s a quinoa breakfast bowl for you. Some popular quinoa breakfast ideas include:

1. 1. Bacon, egg, and cheese: For a healthful twist on a classic breakfast sandwich, stir some shredded cheese into your cooked quinoa and top with a fried egg and bacon bits.
2. 2. Chocolate: Make a chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl with cocoa powder or melted chocolate chips for an early-morning (or anytime) treat.
3. 3. Everything bagel: For a healthier alternative to your favorite bagel, stir some light cream cheese into the cooked quinoa and top with everything bagel seasoning and chopped chives.
4. 4. Maple cinnamon: Make this oatmeal-like quinoa breakfast porridge by simmering the grain with milk, warm spices, and maple syrup.
5. 5. Mediterranean: Add lemon juice and chopped oregano to your quinoa and top with feta cheese, chopped veggies, and a fried egg for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dish.
6. 6. Mexican: Make a Mexican-inspired bowl by adding spices like chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper into the cooked quinoa. Top the dish with a fried egg, avocado, black beans, cotija cheese, hot sauce, and cilantro.
7. 7. Peanut butter banana: Add smooth peanut butter to your quinoa porridge and top it with sliced bananas for a classic flavor combo.
8. 8. Pumpkin spice: Incorporate puréed pumpkin, allspice, and chopped pecans or walnuts into your quinoa bowl for a fall-friendly morning treat. Learn how to make pumpkin purée.
9. 9. Triple berry: This summery take on a quinoa breakfast bowl incorporates a swirl of berry purée and fresh berry topping. Use a medley of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for this recipe.

Follow these tips to make the best breakfast quinoa bowl possible:

1. 1. Switch up the cooking liquid. Adjust the quinoa cooking liquid type or amount to alter the flavor and texture of the dish. Swap the unsweetened oat milk for whole milk, coconut milk, or sweetened non-dairy milk. For savory bowls, use vegetable broth or chicken stock instead of milk. For a more porridge-like consistency, use a larger amount of liquid. Reduce the liquid for a fluffier quinoa texture.
2. 2. Experiment with additions. Once you’ve mastered the quinoa breakfast bowl basics, incorporate the spices, extracts, fruits, vegetables, sauces, and toppings of your choice. Typical breakfast bowl toppings include blueberries, raspberries, cashews, coconut flakes, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and granola.
3. 3. Store properly. Store your leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy leftover quinoa hot or cold.