This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a yummy way to start your day! It’s packed with oats, juicy blueberries, and hidden zucchini for a boost of nutrition.
What I love most? It’s like eating dessert for breakfast without the guilt! Just mix, bake, and you’ve got a warm, filling meal that keeps you happy until lunchtime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give this dish great texture. If you have steel-cut oats, they won’t work the same way but you can try quick-cooking oats as a substitute for a faster bake.
Milk: Use any milk you like, be it dairy or plant-based. Almond or oat milk add a nice flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, almond milk works perfectly without compromising the flavor.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is the star, sneaking in some veggies! You can swap in carrots if you’re in a pinch, or even use applesauce for a sweeter flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh berries are best, but frozen blueberries are a great backup! No need to thaw them; just toss them in as they are.
Maple Syrup/Honey: Both sweeten the dish nicely. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using mashed ripe bananas instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Zucchini Doesn’t Make the Baked Oatmeal Soggy?
One key to avoiding soggy oatmeal is to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. After grating, gently squeeze the grated zucchini using a clean towel or paper towel. This removes extra liquid and keeps your baked oatmeal from becoming too wet.
- Use a box grater or food processor to grate your zucchini quickly.
- After grating, squeeze gently but firmly. Don’t skip this step!
- Mix your zucchini in as the last step to maintain its structure and avoid overmixing.
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans work well)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked oatmeal will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50-60 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack you’ll love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your scrumptious baked oatmeal! Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, take a clean towel or some paper towels and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. This step keeps your baked oatmeal from getting too watery!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly mixed!
6. Fold in Zucchini and Blueberries:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini, blueberries, and nuts if you’re using them. This will add flavor and a lovely texture to your baked oatmeal.
7. Pour and Spread:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly so that it’s nice and flat.
8. Bake:
Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. It’s great warm, and you can add a drizzle of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top if you wish. Enjoy!
This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is not only hearty and nutritious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can store leftovers in the fridge for a quick breakfast during the week. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Zucchini?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can swap it for grated carrots or even use applesauce for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that using applesauce may give a slightly different texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can enjoy the baked oatmeal cold or gently reheat it in the microwave or oven for a warm breakfast treat.
Can I Freeze This Baked Oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze individual servings! After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it into portions and wrap each piece well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Other Add-Ins Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, seeds like chia or flaxseeds, or even spices such as nutmeg. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also work well for added sweetness and texture!
