The classic broccoli-cheddar combo has been recreated, but with a vegan twist and turned into quinoa burgers. They're just as good as they sound.
When I was in high school, we had a Panera Bread open a few towns away. The first time I went, I ordered the broccoli cheddar soup with a big piece (sometimes two…shh!) of crusty baguette on the side. I was hooked. It was like crack in soup form. I needed to have that soup! Seriously, every time after that I always ordered the broccoli cheddar soup with baguette on the side.
Probably because it was thick, creamy and super cheesy. And like a bajillion calories and five hundred grams of fat. Totally unhealthy. But I was in high school with a speedy metabolism (or so I thought…), so that stuff didn't matter to me. I just wanted that soup!
But now that I avoid gluten and dairy, and actually pay attention to the nutritional content of my food, soups like my beloved broccoli-cheddar are so out of the picture. And as much as I try to recreate a non-dairy version, they never come out the same. There's something special about cheddar cheese. For reals. And there's no such thing as a dairy-free alternative.
So rather than try and recreate that luscious soup I fondly remember from high school – probably one of the only fond memories in fact 😉 – I wanted to show you how to bring those same flavors to one of our favorite things to make around here:
Quinoa burgers.
Quinoa burgers are such a simple meal, but what makes them so special is that there are literally one hundred million ways we can make them (and don't worry I plan to show you all one hundred million, you'll just still have to be here when I'm 80 years old). You can use:
- Ground meat – like my Cilantro-Quinoa Turkey Burgers or my Herbed Quinoa Turkey Burgers
- Beans – like this Vegan Quinoa Burger recipe
- Squash – like my recent Spaghetti Squash Quinoa Burgers
- Potato – hello, Sweet Potato Salmon Burgers
- Fish – these salmon quinoa burgers are equally as delish! We're gonna try crab next!
- And so on…
Think of each of those categories, and then the kinds of flavorings you can do with the ingredient you choose, and then the toppings you can add, and then…. Okay, you get it. We could talk about this forever.
And just know, I am seriously planning to show you a hundred million quinoa burger recipes. I hope you're excited 🙂
These particular burgers have definitely sailed into my top three of all time. And not just due to my love of the broccoli-cheese combo. It's because they have the most amazing texture, taste like the real deal and are loaded with good-for-you ingredients.
Our base is quinoa and beans, both all-star, plant-based proteins. Then we've got the antioxidant powers of broccoli, and the vegan cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast.
I know broccoli can be a touchy subject, especially in a household of kids (watch this video and you'll see what I mean – it's the typical kid reaction) Personally, I freaking love broccoli, but these burgers will convince even the pickiest of eaters.
They're tender, light and make the perfect dinner or lunch. You could also make them into little balls and use them as an appetizer at your next party. They'd be delicious dipped in my vegan alfredo sauce!
Either way, you're going to love them.
ps – would you be interested in getting a full quinoa burger tutorial? I'm thinking of putting together a post that outlines how to make the ultimate quinoa burger (kind of like this green smoothie guide). What do you think?
Cheezy Broccoli Quinoa Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup broccoli stems (or more florets)
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (dijon will also work)
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 4 – 6 tablespoons quinoa flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking (optional, see notes below)
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until tender, either using a steamer basket or just in a small pan with a little water in the bottom. Drain and let cool until cool enough to handle.
- Once cool, add broccoli to a food processor and pulse until chopped into very small pieces, 10 – 15 pulses. Add chickpeas, quinoa and mustard and pulse until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl, add in remaining ingredients (starting with 4 tablespoons quinoa flour) and knead by hand until dough can be formed into patties, adding more quinoa flour as needed.
- Form dough into patties and place on a parchment lined sheet / plate. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Cooking options:
- 1) Heat oil over medium high heat. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a little water on the pan. If water immediately sizzles, the pan is ready. Add burgers to pan, cooking until browned on both sides, 2 – 3 minutes per side. Place on wire rack to cool while finish cooking.
- 2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, add patties and bake on the center rack for 20 – 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until burgers are crispy.
by Alyssa
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 2 burgers |
| Amount Per Serving | As Served |
| Calories 153kcal Calories from fat 33 | |
| % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Transfat 0g | |
| Sodium 242mg | 10% |
| Carbohydrate 22g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 7g | 28% |
| Sugars 3g | |
| Protein 12g | |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
| Calories | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | Less than | 65g |
| Sat Fat | Less than | 25g |
| Cholesterol | Less than | 300mg |
| Sodium | Less than | 2,400mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25g | |
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Alyssa is the quinoa-obsessed girl behind Simply Quinoa. She's passionate about helping you find health, happiness and balance with wholesome recipes and lifestyle tips.
Mmmmm these sound yummy can’t wait to try. Broccoli is my fav veggie!
I used to love broccoli and Stilton soup till I realised dairy doesn’t like me!
So pleased I’ve discovered nutritional yeast flakes tho!!
I would definitely like the idea of the quinoa burger tutorial, I have become a big quinoa fan since finding your site!
Keep up the good work 🙂
Nikki
Thanks so much Nikki! That soup sounds seriously delicious. When I could eat dairy Stilton was one of my favorite cheeses. Mmmm!!! And glad you like the idea of a burger tutorial, I think I’ll start working on it 🙂
Hi
Just made them 🙂 yummy every mouthful tasted really healthy too. They will be great to have in freezer as with my numerous intolerances I struggle for tasty nice food!! I am so glad I found your site a few months ago, quinoa is amazing, just like you. I’m trying to get everyone into it now, might struggle with my fiancé tho ;p
Yes! Glad you enjoyed them. I just finished my last ones from the freezer on Monday and am already craving more. One of my newest favorite burgers!
Hi Alyssa ,
Thanks for sharing all of your great recipes! Is there anything I can sub for the nutritional yeast? How bout just plain old cheese? Im not dairy free, so that is a option for me. Thanks. God bless!
Yes, absolutely!! I think it would be delicious with parmesan or grated romano cheese. I’m sure you could also use cheddar, but I think because it will be more melty, you might have to change up some of the other proportions. Good luck! Let me know how they turn out 🙂
Have you ever tried Daiya cheese? It’s vegan and soy free and absolutely life changing. It tastes just like the real thing when it’s melted and I use it in my vegan, gluten-free baked mac and cheese with GF Italian Breadcrumbs. YUM!
I have, and while it’s great for melting, I have to admit, I really don’t like how processed it is 🙁 Just my personal opinion, but I’d rather have no cheesy anything than tapioca starch cheese
Great site.
Just started and really find it very useful. Thank you.
Particularly love these burgers, quinoa, broccoli, vegan really perfect for me.
These recipes are amzingly good and nutritious.
Thank you.
We eat lots of quinoa these days and I really love the idea turning them into the patties. They look healthy, nutritious and delicious.
Yay! Stay tuned, I’ve got lots more up my sleeve 🙂
Oh mine, these are my type of burgers. I have never tried them with broccoli! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 ela
Hope you like them Ela!
I’m not a broccoli fan, but I would eat this anytime.
😉 That’s what I like to hear!
These look awesome, I can’t wait to make them!
For the record have you tried raw cheese or better yet, raw goats milk cheddar? I don’t do great with dairy but adore cheese and think life’s too short, so I tried those out and the raw goat cheddar cheese gives me no problem! Someone to think about maybe 🙂
Yes! I love raw goat cheddar. I use it in grilled cheese and with pizzas. So yum!
These burgers look so delicious and so easy! Love the addition of quinoa.
Pinning!
Thanks Abbie. They’re seriously addicting!
I love your site and I am always looking for interesting recipes that include quinoa because of the health benefits. ALso I am gf/df which draws me to your site.
Now to my question…. Could I use a can of white beans/northern beans instead of the chickpeas. I love the white beans and keep those on hand at all times.
Next question is if I don’t have the toasted quinoa flour on hand could I use maybe a buckwheat or almond flour.
I usually keep cooked quinoa in the fridge for smoothies or I eat it like oatmeal with raisins and a dash of cinnamon sugar.
Thanks for you site and am always searching the recipe bins for new and exciting things to try.
Hi Lori! Thanks for stopping by, glad you’re enjoying the recipes we have here 🙂
To answer your questions: I do think white beans would work, but I think you might have to adjust the other ingredients a little bit. I find that white beans don’t have as strong of a structure to them, so you might want to add some more quinoa or flour. And number two, yes you can absolutely sub whatever flour you have on hand. It’s really to just help soak up some moisture and give the patties a little more bind. Enjoy them!! xo
Would you cook them before freezing for future use?
Hi I was wondering how many cups of uncooked quinoa that is? Also is the nutritional yeast powder or flakes?
so do i need to cook the quinoa first? also, can i leave them in the fridge all day or overnight even?
I’m so excited about and looking forward to trying these, only thing I’d like to know is can I use chickpea flour instead of quinoa flour? Not sure if the protein flours are interchangeable or not, or if you think it would mess with the flavor too much. The chickpea flour was bought for one disasterous recipe months ago and has been sitting in the cabinet ever since with no hope for parole, so figured if I could use it, might as well. Thanks!
This would be a great for the kiddos! My kids would love them and not even know they have broccoli in them. 😉
I really need to get my hands on some nutritional yeast. Sounds like a tasty burger addition! Especially with the garlic powder.
This looks great! What a great way to add quinoa and make it a burger 🙂
Love the idea simple yet very nutritional. I’m thinking that I can add lettuce and what ever other veggies. Who said eating healthy has to be boaring.
love what you do!
Is there something I could substitute for the mustard, or do you think it would still turn out if I just left it out? I wish I liked mustard because these sound delicious otherwise!
Made these for dinner today. I didn’t have nutritional yeast, so used goats cheese. I substituted the quinoa flour for 2 tablespoons of coconut flour. I also divided the mixture into four and froze two portions and have the other quarter for tomorrow. How’s that for organisation? They were so delicious. Thanks for the recipes and please keep them coming!
Sounds interesting, what is this yeast, will brewers yeast do?