This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty way to start your day! Packed with bright blueberries and fresh zucchini, it’s wholesome and oh-so-good for you!
I love making this easy dish on weekends. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a warm slice with a drizzle of honey. It’s like having dessert for breakfast—without the guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this recipe since they’ll give you that chewy texture. If you’re short on oats, quick oats can work but will yield a softer result.
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. You can also substitute with shredded carrots for a sweet twist. If you’re short on zucchini, you might try applesauce, but it will give a different flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are my favorite, but frozen ones work too! Just toss them in frozen to prevent them from getting mushy. If there are no blueberries available, try chopped apples or even cranberries for a zing.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. However, honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference!
How Do You Get the Zucchini Just Right?
Getting the moisture out of the zucchini is very important to avoid a soggy baked oatmeal. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a box grater to grate the zucchini.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Twist the towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This will help the baked oatmeal set nicely!
This simple step ensures your baked oatmeal will have a nice texture and won’t be overly wet. Give it a try!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Time Needed:
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious baked oatmeal in about 1 hour!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×9 inch (or any equivalent baking dish) with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will be the base of your oatmeal mix.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This adds sweetness and moisture to your oatmeal.
4. Mix Together:
Now, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Add Zucchini and Blueberries:
Next, fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries. If you’re adding nuts, now’s the time to toss them in too! This adds a lovely crunch and flavor.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal has set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. For extra sweetness, you can drizzle a little more maple syrup or enjoy it with a splash of milk. Slice and serve warm!
Enjoy this nutritious and delicious breakfast that so beautifully combines the mild freshness of zucchini with sweet, juicy blueberries. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy breakfast!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Steel-cut oats have a different texture and require longer cooking time. If you want to use them, you’ll need to pre-cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the recipe.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this baked oatmeal vegan, substitute the eggs with ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use plant-based milk. Maple syrup is typically vegan-friendly, but check if you wish to use honey!
Can I Freeze Baked Oatmeal?
Yes! You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
