Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt (if using). Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together evenly.
4. Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients Together:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The oats should be fully coated in the wet mixture.
5. Add the Mix-ins:
   • Gently fold in your fruit, nuts, and any other add-ins you like. You can use fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas, or frozen fruit if that’s what you have on hand. Chocolate chips are also a delicious option if you’re craving something sweeter.
6. Bake the Oatmeal:
   • Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick—it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm straight from the dish or let it cool completely before cutting it into squares for easy portioning.
8. Optional Toppings:
   • For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Baked oatmeal is incredibly versatile, so feel free to play around with different ingredients. Here are some ideas to customize your oatmeal to suit your tastes:

1. Fruit Variations: Swap out the fruit to match the season or your preferences. Apples, pears, raspberries, or strawberries work wonderfully, or you can combine several fruits for a colorful medley. You can also use dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture.
2. Nut Butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to the wet ingredients for a rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor. This is a great way to increase the protein content of your baked oatmeal.
3. Spices and Flavorings: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also add a touch of almond extract or orange zest for a unique twist.
4. Chocolate Lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey version. This is a great option if you want a sweet breakfast that feels like a treat.
5. Make it Vegan: To make the recipe vegan-friendly, use plant-based milk, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and use maple syrup or agave for sweetness.
6. Add Protein: For a protein boost, mix in some protein powder, hemp seeds, or chia seeds. Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can also be added for creaminess and extra protein.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to stir gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so a few folds are all you need to combine the ingredients.
• Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant or quick oats. Rolled oats have the right texture for baking, and they absorb the liquid beautifully.
• Storing and Reheating: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave a portion for 30-45 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: Baked oatmeal also freezes well! Slice it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then microwave or bake until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

Baked oatmeal is a wonderful, wholesome breakfast option that you can easily make your own. With its flexibility, it’s easy to adapt this recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast on a chilly morning or a simple meal prep solution for the week, baked oatmeal is a delicious choice that the whole family will enjoy.

So, the next time you’re craving a warm, filling breakfast, try this baked oatmeal recipe. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a wholesome note, and you can enjoy it throughout the week with minimal effort. Happy baking!