Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a warm and comforting dish that combines the heartiness of oats with a variety of delicious toppings. It’s an ideal meal for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch. This dish not only pleases the palate but also provides a nutritious start to your day. Customize it with fruits, nuts, and spices to suit your tastes. Get ready to enjoy a wholesome breakfast that can be made ahead of time!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
– 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 5g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Gently fold in blueberries and nuts.
6. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
7. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until set and golden.
9. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats, but the texture may differ slightly. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk. Maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar for a different sweetness.
Serving and Pairings
Baked oatmeal pairs beautifully with yogurt for added creaminess or fresh fruit for a burst of flavor. Serve it warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup or topped with nut butter.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Baked oatmeal can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using instant oats instead of rolled oats can result in a mushy texture.
- Not greasing the baking dish properly may cause sticking.
- Overbaking can dry out the oatmeal, so keep an eye on it.
- Forgetting to whisk the wet ingredients can lead to uneven sweetness.
- Adding too many mix-ins may affect cooking time.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different fruits like bananas or apples for variety.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking; taste the mixture before baking.
- For a crunchier top, sprinkle additional nuts before baking.
- Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
- Consider making a double batch for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I make baked oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast option.
What other toppings can I use?
You can use various toppings such as sliced bananas, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to customize your baked oatmeal.
Is baked oatmeal gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, baked oatmeal can be a gluten-free dish.
Can I use frozen fruit in baked oatmeal?
Yes, frozen fruit works well, but it may release more moisture during baking, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
How can I make baked oatmeal vegan?
To make it vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk alternative. Maple syrup is already vegan-friendly!
Conclusion
Baked oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious breakfast that can be customized to your taste. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekends. Enjoy this delightful dish as a wholesome start to your day, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients for unique variations!
Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts e.g., walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Gently fold in blueberries and nuts.
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until set and golden.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
