Of course! Here is a comprehensive guide to making Baked Oatmeal. This recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep. Think of it as a cross between a bowl of oatmeal and an oatmeal muffin—hearty, satisfying, and delicious.
Master Recipe: Easy & Customizable Baked Oatmeal
This base recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors.
Yield: 6 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Base Ingredients:
· 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant or steel-cut)
· ⅓ cup light brown sugar or maple syrup (or adjust to taste)
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1 ¾ cups milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
· 1 large egg (or 1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water for vegan)
· 3 tablespoons butter, melted (or coconut oil)
· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Add-Ins: Stir in any desired add-ins (see ideas below).
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It will firm up as it cools. Serve warm with a splash of milk, yogurt, or extra toppings.
Flavor Variation Ideas:
The possibilities are endless! Add any of these combinations to the base batter before baking.
· Berry Bliss: 1 ½ cups mixed fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries).
· Apple Cinnamon: 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apple + an extra ½ tsp cinnamon.
· Banana Nut: 2 mashed ripe bananas + ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
· Tropical: 1 cup diced mango + ½ cup shredded coconut + ¼ cup macadamia nuts (optional).
· Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter: ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter swirled into the batter + ½ cup chocolate chips.
· Pumpkin Spice: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe & Pro Tips:
· Meal Prep Champion: Make a batch on Sunday, and you have breakfast ready for the whole week. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 60-90 seconds.
· Texture: The result is soft and custard-like, not dry or crunchy like a granola bar.
· Customizable: You can control the sweetness and ingredients to suit your taste.
· Family-Friendly: Kids love it! It’s a great way to get a nutritious breakfast into them.
· Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
· Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
· Don’t Overbake: The center should be set, but it might still look a little soft. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can make it dry.
· Let it Rest: Allowing it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve:
· Warm: Like classic oatmeal, with a splash of milk or cream poured over the top.
· With Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds protein and a creamy tang.
· Like a Bar: Once cooled completely, it can be sliced into squares and eaten as a handheld snack.
· With Nut Butter: Drizzle with almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for extra protein and healthy fats.
· With Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries, banana slices, or a fruit compote right before serving.
Enjoy your warm, comforting, and easy baked oatmeal