This yummy baked oatmeal combines fresh zucchini and juicy blueberries for a sweet and healthy breakfast. Perfect for meal prep, it’s like a warm hug in the morning!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything, bake, and enjoy. It’s great with a splash of milk or even some yogurt on top—talk about a tasty start to your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this recipe as they hold their shape and provide great texture. If you only have quick oats, that will work too, but the texture will be softer.
Zucchini: Shredded zucchini adds moisture without overpowering flavors. You can swap in shredded carrots or even applesauce for a different taste and extra sweetness.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are delightful, but feel free to use frozen ones. Just remember to thaw and drain excess water, so your dish doesn’t get too soggy.
Milk: Any milk works here—dairy or plant-based. Almond, oat, or coconut milk can give unique flavors. If you’re looking to cut calories, unsweetened almond milk is a great choice!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners add delicious flavor. If you want to cut added sugars, consider using a ripe banana to sweeten things up naturally!
How Do You Properly Prepare Zucchini for Baking?
To get the best results with zucchini in your baked oatmeal, proper preparation is key. Start by washing the zucchini and grating it with a box grater. Then, place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Squeeze the zucchini tightly to remove excess moisture. This step is important as it prevents your oatmeal from becoming watery!
- Once squeezed, you can add it directly to the batter with confidence.
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to bake a delicious and healthy breakfast! Enjoy every bite!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for extra warmth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable baked oatmeal will take approximately 10 minutes of prep time and around 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes for it to cool before slicing, making your total time just over an hour. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats, lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to make serving easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. This mixture will sweeten and enrich the bake.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Add Zucchini and Blueberries:
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking the berries.
6. Bake the Oatmeal:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. After about 10 minutes, slice into squares. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra blueberries, a splash of milk, or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess!
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to prevent the oatmeal from becoming overly watery. Add them gently into the batter to avoid breaking them apart!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this baked oatmeal vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based milk and maple syrup, which are already vegan-friendly. Your dish will remain delicious!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pour it into the baking dish and bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time on busy mornings!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before enjoying. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to wrap it tightly!
