This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty way to kickstart your day. It’s packed with oats, fresh blueberries, and hidden zucchini for extra goodness!
Honestly, who knew veggies could play hide and seek so well in breakfast? I love having this for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the week—it warms up perfectly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture for baked oatmeal. If you have steel-cut oats, just know they’ll take longer to cook. Instant oats are not recommended as they absorb too much moisture.
Zucchini: Grating zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, you can substitute it with shredded carrots or even mashed bananas, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but using frozen is perfectly fine, especially if they’re not thawed first. If you don’t have blueberries, any berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries work well too.
Maple Syrup or Honey: They both work great as sweeteners; I prefer maple syrup for its unique flavor. You can also use agave syrup or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer, including almond, soy, or oat milk. Each type will slightly affect the flavor, so pick one that you enjoy!
How Do You Ensure the Oats Bake Perfectly?
Baking oatmeal can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. Mixing wet and dry ingredients separately helps with even baking. Make sure you fold in the zucchini and blueberries gently so you don’t crush the fruit—a light touch goes a long way!
- Preheating the oven is key, so it’s ready when you put the dish in. Use an oven thermometer if you want to be sure your oven is accurate.
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking; this allows it to set up better. It’ll slice nicely when you serve it.
- If you want a bit of a crust, leave it in a couple of minutes longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Hope these tips help make your baked oatmeal amazing! Enjoy!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, unpeeled)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (can use frozen, no need to thaw)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or seeds for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, making it a quick and wholesome dish. Plan for an additional 5-10 minutes of cooling before serving, so you can enjoy it warm and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven & Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This is where the magic will happen!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together nicely—this helps the baking powder distribute evenly so your baked oatmeal rises properly.
3. Whisking the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This is where the flavor comes to life!
4. Combining Wet and Dry:
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry oats mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just blend them until everything is incorporated.
5. Adding Zucchini and Blueberries:
Now, it’s time to add the grated zucchini and blueberries. Fold them in gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture without smashing the blueberries.
6. Pouring into the Baking Dish:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with the spatula. If you’re using nuts or seeds, sprinkle them on top now for an extra crunch!
7. Baking:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, take the baking dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set. Serve it warm, optionally with a splash of milk or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness!
Enjoy your healthy and delicious zucchini blueberry baked oatmeal! It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack all week long!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Substitute the Eggs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make this dish egg-free, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the wet ingredients!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat a portion in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It makes for a great quick breakfast!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Baked Oatmeal?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits, like chopped apples or pears, or even nuts and seeds for extra crunch. Chia seeds or shredded coconut can also add a nice twist to the flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy This Baked Oatmeal?
This baked oatmeal is delicious on its own, but you can also top it with a splash of milk, yogurt, or a dollop of nut butter for added creaminess. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup are great finishing touches, too!
