Baked Oatmeal is a warm and comforting breakfast dish that’s perfect for starting your day on a healthy note. It’s made with wholesome oats, milk, and a variety of mix-ins like fruits, nuts, and spices. The result is a deliciously soft and slightly chewy oatmeal bake that’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. This dish is not only nutritious but also versatile, making it a great option for meal prep or a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- Fresh fruits (such as berries or sliced bananas) for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter (or coconut oil) until well combined.
- Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well mixed and the oats are fully coated with the liquid.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. If desired, arrange fresh fruits on top of the mixture for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake the oatmeal: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can cut it into squares or scoop it out with a spoon. Serve warm, topped with additional fresh fruits, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Tips
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.
- You can customize the mix-ins to your liking. Try adding chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or different types of dried fruits and nuts.
- Baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
- This dish is also freezer-friendly. Cut the baked oatmeal into squares and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the squares to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the microwave or oven as needed.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Baked Oatmeal! 🥣🍓🍯
Feel free to let me know if you have any other requests or need further assistance.