Baked Quinoa with Apples Recipe
Start your day with a warm, nourishing breakfast that balances protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and natural sweetness, without refined sugar or empty calories. This baked quinoa with apples recipe is a wholesome, satisfying dish that will support steady energy, gut health and overall wellness.
It’s gluten-free, full of fiber and provides a good dose of micronutrients. Better yet, it’s easy to make, comforting and tastes like fall in a bowl.
Key ingredients
You can’t make baked quinoa without quinoa, of course, and as you probably guessed, this recipe also calls for apples. Here are the main players in this baked quinoa with apples recipe:
Quinoa
Quinoa is the base of this recipe and brings an impressive nutritional profile. It’s considered a complete plant protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it ideal for muscle repair and energy production.
Quinoa is also high in fiber, magnesium, iron and manganese, which support digestion, heart health and healthy blood sugar balance.
Apples
Diced apples add natural sweetness, crunch and a dose of vitamin C to the dish. They’re also high in soluble fiber, particularly pectin, which supports gut health, satiety and healthy cholesterol levels.
Apples are rich in antioxidants that help combat free radical damage and support the immune system.
Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce keeps the baked quinoa moist and tender while enhancing its natural apple flavor. It’s a smart way to add sweetness without refined sugar and provides an extra boost of fiber, vitamin C and phytonutrients.
You can make your own raw homemade applesauce or or even slow cooker cinnamon applesauce.
Eggs
Eggs are the binding agent in this dish, helping the quinoa mixture hold together as it bakes. They also supply high-quality protein, healthy fats and choline, nutrients important for brain, liver and heart health.
Using pasture-raised eggs increases the omega-3 content and micronutrient density.
Cinnamon
This warm, fragrant spice not only makes the dish taste like a cozy fall dessert, but also delivers powerful antioxidants. Cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.
Pecans
Chopped pecans lend a pleasant crunch and a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats to the final dish. They also provide plant-based protein, fiber and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and satiety.
Honey
A drizzle of raw honey ties everything together with natural sweetness. Honey contains trace enzymes, phytonutrients and antioxidants, offering a more wholesome alternative to refined sugar.
A small amount goes a long way in enhancing flavor without spiking blood sugar dramatically. Plus, the beneficial effects of honey and cinnamon used together, like they are in this baked quinoa with apples recipe, are enhanced, according to research.
Also worth noting is the pinch of sea salt for mineral content and to enhance flavor, while using water to cook the quinoa allows the natural flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
How to make baked quinoa with apples
Here’s how to prepare this delicious and nutritious recipe:
- Cook the quinoa. Bring one cup of water to a boil, add ½ cup quinoa, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and most of the water is absorbed.
- Mix the base. Transfer the cooked quinoa into an oven-safe bowl. Stir in two eggs, five tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce, a pinch of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined.
- Bake. Place the bowl under the oven broiler on low for about seven minutes or until the mixture begins to set.
- Add toppings. Once baked, top with two teaspoons of chopped pecans, ¾ cup of diced apples and one teaspoon of honey for crunch, freshness and sweetness.
- Serve warm. Enjoy on its own, or pair it with yogurt or extra fruit for a more filling breakfast.
Baked Quinoa with Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This baked quinoa with apples recipe is delicious, and it’s high in protein, complex carbs and healthy fats. It’s sure to start your day off right.
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons applesauce
- pinch of sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons chopped pecans
- ¾ cup apple
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add ½ cup quinoa, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and most of the water is absorbed.
- Transfer the cooked quinoa into an oven-safe bowl. Stir in 2 eggs, 5 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce, a pinch of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined.
- Place the bowl under the oven broiler on low for about seven minutes or until the mixture begins to set.
- Once baked, top with 2 teaspoons of chopped pecans, ¾ cup of diced apples and one teaspoon of honey for crunch, freshness and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Breakfasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 293g
- Calories: 301
- Sugar: 11.1g
- Sodium: 71mg
- Fat: 10.3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41.4g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12.2g
- Cholesterol: 164mg
Comments
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I think I’ll try this with pears.
Baked Quinoa with Apples
A perfect healthy breakfast! calgaryprayertimes.com It’s like a cozy apple crumble but guilt-free. Easy to make ahead for busy mornings. Delicious and highly satisfying.
like the recipe. Could you provide the carb count for those of us on Keto Cycling and can we use honey when Keto Cycling Thanks.
Presently THOSE are some great guidelines! Can hardly wait to attempt this. A debt of gratitude is in order for tuning in to us :)
Was unclear about whether eggs were cooked or not. After it came out of the oven ( my boil is 500 degrees) it was running and still saw running egg. I put in microwave oven for 2 min awesome!! Looked just like picture then!!
I burnt my organic eggs … I missed the “low” portion of broil for 7 minutes. Argh. Eating it anyway!
What’s the carb count
You can use this site to get the nutrition facts: http://nutritiondata.self.com/mynd/myrecipes/welcome?returnto=/mynd/myrecipes
This looks great…really want to make it! Quick question, though…my oven doesn’t have a “low” function on broil, but I can adjust the broil temperature. Any idea what temp “low” might be? Thanks!
I’m not sure…I’m pretty sure around 400 degrees F
Just tried this recipe…consistency somewhat mushy but very tasty…the recipe could use some clarification as far as beaten eggs, size of bowl (shallow would have been best), etc. Thanks for helping to keep us healthy!
Thanks for the feedback!
I have never tried Quinoa but this sounds nice. Do the eggs mix in nicely or can you taste them? The reason i ask is because I hate the taste of egg
I can’t taste them and think it makes it more fluffy but you can always leave them out. It should still taste good without them.
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. Quinoa is one of my favorite foods. I really like it for breakfast. It is filling and great fiber. Keep up the great work, Dr. Axe.
Why eggs???
You can leave them out if you want.
When do you add the eggs?
I clarified the directions.
do you put the eggs in raw or cooked? Not enough instructions on how to do this part. Thanks, Bobbie
Would this work with other fruit?
Absolutely!