This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty way to start your day! Packed with nutritious zucchini and sweet blueberries, it’s both yummy and filling.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything in a bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and let the oven do its magic. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: I prefer using old-fashioned rolled oats for their texture and chewiness. If you’re in a hurry, quick oats can work, but they might change the texture a bit.
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Almond, oat, or soy milk are great options if you want a dairy-free version. Just go for unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balanced.
Zucchini: Grating zucchini adds moisture without much flavor. If you don’t have zucchini, mashed banana or applesauce could work as a substitute, but that will change the taste slightly.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are the best for this recipe, but if they’re out of season, frozen ones suffice. Just toss them in straight from the freezer!
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor, but honey or agave syrup can also be used. If you want to cut sugar, try using a ripe banana mashed into the mix.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Ready for Cooking?
Preparing zucchini properly ensures your baked oatmeal stays moist but not soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- After grating, place it in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is key for the right texture!
With the zucchini ready, it’ll blend nicely into the oatmeal without making it too wet. Happy baking!
How to Make Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 large eggs
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be looking at around 55-60 minutes from start to finish, plus a little time for cooling. Perfect for breakfast meal prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will make it easier to serve later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed together.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined. This is where the flavors start to come together!
4. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important to keep your baked oatmeal from becoming too soggy. Trust me!
5. Combine Everything:
Now, mix the grated zucchini and blueberries into the wet ingredients. Then, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry oats and stir well until everything is nicely combined. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in gently now!
6. Bake Your Oatmeal:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal has set.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm, topped with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup if you like!
Feel free to experiment and enjoy this Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal as a delicious breakfast treat or a nutritious snack!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Oats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Blueberries?
No worries! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits. Chopped apples, raspberries, or diced strawberries would all work well. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly based on the fruit you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg). Also, ensure to use plant-based milk and maple syrup for sweetness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or enjoy them cold. This baked oatmeal also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
