This healthy zucchini blueberry baked oatmeal is a tasty and easy breakfast option! It’s packed with nutritious zucchini, juicy blueberries, and oats that keep you full and happy.
Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some veggies! Honestly, I can’t get enough of the sweet berry flavor mixed with the light, fluffy oats. Enjoy it warm or cold, it’s all good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: The base of this recipe is rolled oats, which provide texture and nutrition. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats work too, but avoid instant oats as they might turn mushy.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If zucchini isn’t available, finely grated carrots work nicely as a substitute, providing a slightly different taste but still healthy!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries give bursts of flavor. You can replace them with raspberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits like cranberries if you’re looking for a different twist.
Maple Syrup or Honey: I prefer maple syrup for its rich flavor, but honey can be used too. For a sugar-free option, try using mashed ripe banana or a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.
How Do You Properly Grate Zucchini for Baking?
Grating zucchini is an essential step for this recipe. To ensure the right texture and flavor, here’s how to do it right:
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Use a box grater or a food processor to grate it quickly.
- Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out extra moisture. This prevents your baked oatmeal from becoming too soggy.
Taking this extra step will make a noticeable difference in the final dish!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, extra blueberries, a drizzle of maple syrup or yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it bakes for about 35-40 minutes. So, you can have a wholesome breakfast ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your delicious baked oatmeal when you’re done prepping. Don’t forget to grease or lightly oil an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together well so that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the oats.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly. This mix adds moisture and sweetness to your baked oatmeal!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. You want all the oats to be moistened but don’t overmix!
5. Add Zucchini and Blueberries:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries. This step is nice and easy—just be gentle to keep the blueberries from bursting!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, so it cooks uniformly.
7. Bake:
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when it’s done.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your oatmeal from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold!
9. Add Toppings:
Serve your zucchini blueberry baked oatmeal with optional toppings like chopped nuts, extra blueberries, or a delightful drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of yogurt for added flavor!
Enjoy your healthy, nutrient-packed zucchini blueberry baked oatmeal! It’s a perfect way to kickstart your day!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time and won’t absorb liquid the same way. If you want to use steel-cut oats, consider soaking them overnight or cooking them briefly before adding them to the mixture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this baked oatmeal vegan, simply substitute the eggs with ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken) and use plant-based milk along with maple syrup.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries or chopped apples. You can also add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and nutrition. Just be mindful of the overall balance of wet and dry ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk before reheating!
