A delightful and hearty dish combining quinoa and cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter an 8 x 8 baking dish.
Using butter instead of cooking spray adds a rich flavor to the crust.
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine strainer under cold water and let it drain well.
Rinsing removes the natural coating that can make quinoa taste bitter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Whisking thoroughly ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.
Add the rinsed quinoa and chopped spinach to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
Ensure the quinoa is evenly distributed for a consistent bake.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
Covering with foil helps the quinoa cook evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the mixture is just set.
Check for doneness by gently shaking the dish; it should not jiggle excessively.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven uncovered.
For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Letting the cheese brown slightly adds a delicious texture.
Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooling helps the bake set, making it easier to slice.