This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty and nutritious breakfast! Packed with oats, fresh blueberries, and shredded zucchini, it’s perfect for starting your day right.
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love making it ahead of time and just warming up a slice in the morning. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add veggies to breakfast—who knew? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats give the best texture in baked oatmeal. If you only have quick oats, you can use those, but the result might be a bit mushier.
Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the oatmeal rise and become fluffy. You can use baking soda instead if you’re out, just remember to add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for balance.
Shredded Zucchini: Zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If you can’t find zucchini, you can substitute with finely grated carrots for a slightly different flavor that still keeps things healthy!
Fresh Blueberries: Berries are packed with antioxidants. You can switch to any berry you like—raspberries or chopped strawberries work well too! If using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain them.
Milk: Use any type of milk, including almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. If you’re looking for extra creaminess, coconut milk is a delicious choice.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work great. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a ripe banana mashed up for natural sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Baked Oatmeal Comes Out Perfectly Set?
The key to perfect baked oatmeal is baking just long enough. Here are some tips:
- Make sure you squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. Too much water can make it soggy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Aim for a golden top, and remember a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, with just a few bits clinging to it.
- Letting it cool for a bit helps it set further and makes it easier to slice.
These small steps can help ensure that your oatmeal turns out to be the perfect balance of flavor and texture! Enjoy your meal prep!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Once it’s done, let it cool for 10 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy a warm, wholesome breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked oatmeal will cook evenly. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and either grease it with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy serving later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together so the baking powder and spices are evenly mixed throughout the oats. This helps ensure every bite is flavorful!
3. Add in Zucchini and Blueberries:
Now it’s time to add the shredded zucchini and fresh (or thawed) blueberries to the dry ingredients. Gently mix them in, being careful not to squish the blueberries. This will keep their juicy sweetness intact when you bake!
4. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until it’s smooth. Making sure there are no lumps will help keep the texture nice and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the oats. Stir until everything is just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; you don’t want to overmix it.
6. Spread the Mixture:
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so you have a nice, uniform layer. This will help it bake evenly.
7. Bake the Oatmeal:
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the top to be golden brown and set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the dish out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it set a bit more and make slicing easier. Serve warm and feel free to add a drizzle of milk or a dollop of yogurt if you like!
Enjoy your wholesome, veggie-packed blueberry baked oatmeal! It’s a delicious way to start the day! 😊
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While blueberries are delicious, you can substitute them with raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even chopped apples for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness may vary slightly based on the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or pop them back in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk, like almond or soy. The baked oatmeal will still turn out delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Baked Oatmeal?
Serve your baked oatmeal warm, topped with a splash of milk, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. You can also enjoy it plain or add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness!
