This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a warm and cozy dish that’s packed with fruits and vegetables! It’s made with oats, grated zucchini, and juicy blueberries for a tasty breakfast.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a slice that feels like a hug in the morning. I love having it with a dollop of yogurt on top! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats provide a hearty texture that’s perfect for baked oatmeal. If you don’t have them, you can use quick oats, but they may result in a softer texture. Steel-cut oats won’t work here as they require longer cooking.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk keeps this dish light and healthy, but feel free to use any milk you like—cow’s milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work great too!
Zucchini: This vegetable adds moisture without flavor. If you’re short on zucchini, try using grated carrots or even mashed bananas for a different taste and texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries burst with flavor. If they aren’t in season, frozen blueberries can be used just as well. Just toss them in frozen to avoid them getting mushy.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both provide natural sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could use a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in a similar quantity.
How Do I Make Sure the Oatmeal Holds Together?
The secret to a well-set baked oatmeal lies in mixing your wet and dry ingredients properly. Here’s how to avoid a mushy result:
- Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This helps the oatmeal cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the egg—it acts as a binder. If you need a vegan option, substitute with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flax stirred into 2.5 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes).
- Avoid overmixing once you add in the wet ingredients. Just combine until everything is moistened.
Following these tips will help you get that perfect baked oatmeal texture! Enjoy your cozy breakfast! 🌞
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, additional blueberries, Greek yogurt or nut butter for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to enjoy this healthy and delicious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is blended together evenly.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them together gently. Then, fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries until just combined. Try not to overmix!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This helps ensure it bakes uniformly.
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional toppings like Greek yogurt, nut butter, or more fresh blueberries. Enjoy your healthy and delicious baked oatmeal!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly—quick oats will yield a softer baked oatmeal. Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they require a longer cooking time and won’t bake properly in this recipe.
How Can I Store Leftover Baked Oatmeal?
Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap them tightly or use freezer-safe containers!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and use maple syrup as your sweetener. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly!
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, you can use grated carrots or mashed bananas. Both options will alter the flavor slightly but will still add moisture and nutrients to your baked oatmeal.
