I told you last month {here} that I was recently accepted as a contributor for the fabulous group Recipe Redux.  An online recipe challenge founded by registered dietitians that is focused on creating healthy, good for you dishes that are delicious.  Sometimes this means coming up with new healthy recipes and sometimes it means recreating some of our favorite yummy dishes by making them better for you {but still tasty}.

This month’s challenge was to share a “vintage classic” side dish.   Something that has been a staple in your family for years, maybe even a dish that makes an appearance on the Thanksgiving table and flip it on its head into something healthy and yummy!  So i tossed around a few ideas, perused thru some recipe books when it hit me.  What is more classic, more vintage then Mac N Cheese!!  Especially if you are living in the South, Mac N Cheese is a MUST.  Tasty pasta noodles just covered with melty cheese.  Here in the South you can find it baked, with hot sauce, with breadcrumbs or even with 4 different kinds of cheeses!  Now while its incredibly yummy it is not really filled with lots of good for you nutrition {but it is filled with lots of calories}.  So mission excepted…find something as equally yummy and filling as Mac N Cheese and ReDux it!!  Here you have it…healthier…Gluten Free…all around yummy side dish that is super easy to make and all will enjoy!

Gather your ingredients {keep reading for all the details!} & cook quinoa as directed on the package.  If you have never tried cooking quinoa…Do it!!…its super simple and a great healthy grain to substitute in all your favorite recipes!

While the quinoa cooks, get your egg mixture ready & shred the cheese.  I always recommend shredding your own cheese.  Although the pre-shredded stuff is more convenient, guess what they put in the mix to keep the cheese from clumping together…WOOD PULP!?!?  GROSS!  So this girl tries to shred her own whenever possible.

Mix all of your goodies together and p0p it in the oven.  That simple!  A healthier, less fat, less calorie, higher protein cheesy delight!! {win win…win!}

Quinoa Mac N Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa {cooked}
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups {ish} of shredded cheese {i used a mix of sharp cheddar, montery jack & feta}
• 1 cup of milk {any milk you prefer}
• sprinkle of garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt & pepper
• optional: veggies of your choice
• optional: hot sauce {we like siracha}

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°, coat baking dish with cooking oil {this girl’s go to oil - coconut oil}
• Cook quinoa as directed on package
• If adding veggies, lightly saute.
• Whisk together eggs & milk in large bowl, add spices & fold in quinoa and cheese. {and optional veggies}
• Transfer mixture to the baking dish and bake 30 – 35 minutes

** Options: after removing from oven, stir together with a handful more cheese and hot sauce for a more creamy mixture

{Original recipe found at Around the table }

Yumm-O

~ Jillian

* Click below to check out other fabulous Recipe ReDux submissions!! Happy Turkey Day!