This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty way to start your day! With sweet blueberries and hidden zucchini, it gives you a boost of nutrients while tasting like a treat.
Honestly, it’s so easy to whip up! Just mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a dish, and let the oven do its magic. I love having it warm with a splash of almond milk on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are essential for a hearty texture. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work too, but will change the texture a bit.
Milk: You can choose any milk you love—dairy, almond, oat, or soy all work well. If you’re after a richer flavor, coconut milk is a fun choice!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using stevia or a sugar substitute in the same ratio.
Zucchini: Zucchini keeps the oatmeal moist and adds nutrients. If you’re out, grated carrot works too, giving a different flavor but still tasty!
Blueberries: Use fresh or frozen based on what you have on hand. If you’re allergic to blueberries, raspberries or chopped apples could work just as well!
How Do I Properly Grate Zucchini?
Grating zucchini seems simple, but it can make a difference in your dish. For this recipe, it’s important to remove excess moisture so your oatmeal doesn’t get soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the zucchini and trim off the ends.
- Use a box grater or food processor to grate it into fine strands.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, twist, and squeeze out the moisture.
This step may seem small, but it helps keep your baked oatmeal perfectly textured!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based, e.g., almond milk)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced almonds
- Extra blueberries
- A drizzle of nut butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 55-60 minutes to ready. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast or prep-ahead meal for the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked oatmeal cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients evenly.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Add the Good Stuff:
Now, fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if some blueberries are slightly mashed!
7. Pour and Spread:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
8. Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and the top looks lightly golden.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings like sliced almonds, extra blueberries, or a drizzle of nut butter. Enjoy this wholesome dish warm, or store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy this wholesome, comforting breakfast packed with fiber, antioxidants, and veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While rolled oats are best for this recipe, you can use steel-cut oats, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Steel-cut oats require longer to cook, so you’ll want to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time and check for doneness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this baked oatmeal vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg), and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use maple syrup as your sweetener since it’s plant-based!
Can I Prepare This Recipe the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients in advance and store the mixture in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just pour it into your baking dish and bake it as usual. This makes for a quick and easy breakfast option!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For a delicious twist, serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk when reheating!
