This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty start to your day! Packed with juicy blueberries and sneaky zucchini, it’s soft, sweet, and oh-so comforting.
I love how this dish tastes like dessert but is super healthy! It’s perfect for breakfast or even a snack. Plus, if you have leftovers, they make a great grab-and-go treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base for your oatmeal. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work, but avoid steel-cut oats as they need longer cooking time.
Zucchini: This adds moisture and nutrition. If you’re looking for a change, shredded carrots also blend well here and add natural sweetness while keeping it veggie-packed.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are my favorite, but frozen ones are great too! They may bleed a bit more color, but they’re just as tasty. You can also use other fruits like raspberries or chopped apples.
Milk: Almond milk is my go-to for this recipe, but any milk will do! Coconut or oat milk can add a nice flavor twist. For a dairy option, use regular milk or buttermilk.
Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a lovely flavor. If you want to cut sugar, try using a ripe banana mashed into the mix for sweetness instead—or adjust to your taste!
How Can I Ensure My Oatmeal Sets Perfectly?
To get that perfect baked oatmeal texture, a few tips can help!
- **Squeeze out Excess Moisture:** For zucchini, make sure to squeeze out the water after shredding. This prevents the oatmeal from becoming too soggy.
- **Mix Well But Gently:** When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- **Watch Baking Time:** Check on the oatmeal at the 35-minute mark. It should be golden on top and no longer jiggly in the center. Each oven is different!
Enjoy your delicious, healthy start to the day with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Oats and Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or olive oil
- The Good Stuff:
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (packed, excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 35-40 minutes for baking. Overall, set aside about 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious baked oatmeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give them a good stir to mix everything together well.
3. Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until they are fully combined. This will create a lovely, sweet mixture.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Fold in the Zucchini and Blueberries:
Carefully fold in the shredded zucchini and blueberries. If you like, you can save a few blueberries to sprinkle on top just before baking.
6. Pour and Spread in the Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top now.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The top should turn golden, and the oatmeal should be set in the middle.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help it firm up as well.
9. Enjoy:
Serve warm, and if you want, drizzle a little more maple syrup or add a dollop of yogurt on top. Enjoy your healthy, fiber-packed breakfast!
This recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies into your morning meal!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! While unsweetened almond milk is my go-to, you can substitute it with any milk you prefer, such as oat milk, coconut milk, or even traditional dairy milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly based on your choice.
How Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. For this recipe, that would mean using 1/2 cup of applesauce. This will keep the baked oatmeal moist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the baked oatmeal cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven!
Can I Add Different Fruits or Nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits. As for nuts, walnuts, pecans, or even seeds can add a lovely crunch. Just make sure to adjust proportions as per your taste!
