This baked breakfast oatmeal is a warm and hearty way to start your day! With oats, fruits, and a hint of sweetness, it fills you up and keeps you smiling.
It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but way healthier! 😄 I love making a big batch and enjoying it all week. Just warm it up, and you’re good to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this dish as they become creamy when baked. Quick oats can also work in a pinch, but they may create a softer texture. Avoid instant oats, as they won’t hold up well.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup adds a delicious flavor, but honey is a great substitute if you prefer. You can also use agave syrup or brown sugar, just adjust the amount to taste, as they are sweeter.
Milk: Use any milk you like! Almond, soy, or oat milk give it a nice flavor, while whole or skim dairy milk can work too. Play around based on your dairy preferences.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together. For a vegan option, replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), or use unsweetened applesauce.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries give a burst of flavor. Frozen berries work well too; just don’t thaw them beforehand. Feel free to swap for other fruits like chopped apples or bananas!
How Do I Bake the Perfect Breakfast Oatmeal?
The key to a great baked oatmeal lies in the mixing and baking process. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out fantastic:
- Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing. This helps ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Be gentle when folding in the blueberries and pecans; you want to keep them whole for better texture.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Baked Breakfast Oatmeal with Blueberries and Pecans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, plus extra for topping
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped, plus extra whole pecans for topping
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds for extra nutrition
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked breakfast oatmeal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Total time is around 50 minutes, but it’s worth the wait! You’ll be enjoying a warm, wholesome breakfast that can last for days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your oatmeal. While the oven heats up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional chia or flax seeds. Stir everything together until well mixed. This step is essential to ensure the leavening agent (baking powder) is evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until fully blended. Mixing these ingredients separately helps create a smooth and creamy mixture when combined with the dry ingredients.
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure there are no dry oats left sticking to the bottom of the bowl!
5. Add Blueberries and Pecans:
Gently fold in the blueberries and chopped pecans. Be careful not to crush the blueberries; you want them to pop beautifully in the baked oatmeal!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. This will help it bake evenly and create a nice top crust.
7. Top with Extras:
Scatter a handful of whole pecans and a few additional blueberries on top for a lovely garnish that enhances the presentation and flavor of the finished dish.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
10. Enjoy!
Serve warm, and if you like, add a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top. This baked breakfast oatmeal is a comforting and nutritious way to kick-start your day!
Enjoy your delicious creation and the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Can I Substitute the Eggs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to make this oatmeal vegan or are out of eggs, you can use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce as a substitute!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold or at room temperature!
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like diced apples, chopped peaches, raspberries, or even mashed bananas. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly with different fruits.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Baked Oatmeal?
This dish is delicious served warm, topped with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of nuts for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or a comforting snack!