This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a yummy breakfast that’s both good for you and easy to prepare! Packed with fiber from oats and veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
The sweet blueberries and hidden zucchini make each bite so tasty—you may forget you’re eating something healthy! I love serving it warm with a splash of milk on top. It feels like a cozy hug in a bowl! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give this baked oatmeal a hearty texture. If you’re in a pinch, quick oats can work too, but your dish will be softer. I love using rolled oats for the chewiness!
Zucchini: Shredded zucchini adds moisture and nutrition without altering the flavor. You can use yellow squash if you want a different color. Just remember to squeeze out the excess water to avoid a soggy result!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries bring sweetness and bursts of flavor. Frozen blueberries are a perfect substitute—just toss them in without thawing them first to prevent mushiness.
Milk: I like using almond milk for a nutty flavor, but any milk works, including oat or soy milk. If you’re avoiding dairy, plant-based options are great here!
Sweetener: Maple syrup offers a lovely flavor, but honey or agave syrup can be used instead. If you want to reduce sugar, try using mashed bananas or applesauce.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bake for Oatmeal?
The key to perfectly baked oatmeal is ensuring that it cooks evenly. Start by mixing your wet and dry ingredients well to prevent clumps. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the pan to guarantee that it cooks thoroughly.
- Preheating your oven is crucial—do this while you prepare the ingredients.
- A baking time of 40-45 minutes is generally perfect but keep an eye on it. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes it easier to cut into squares.
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Rolled Oats: 2 cups (old-fashioned)
- Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Milk: 1 ½ cups (dairy or plant-based)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Maple Syrup or Honey: ⅓ cup (for sweetness)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Shredded Zucchini: 1 ½ cups (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- Blueberries: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Chopped Nuts: ¼ cup (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- Coconut Oil or Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (for drizzling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 40-45 minutes of baking time. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a hearty snack, and you can even make it ahead for busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. This helps prevent the oatmeal from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is well combined for even sweetness.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until combined—you want it to be nice and uniform.
5. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini, blueberries, and nuts (if you’re using them). This is where the fun comes in—lots of flavors and textures!
6. Pour and Drizzle:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the coconut oil or melted butter on top for a rich finish.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, either plain or with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top.
Enjoy your healthy, nutrient-packed zucchini blueberry baked oatmeal! Perfect for any time of day!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can result in a mushy texture. If you’re in a pinch, use quick oats but note that the bake time may need to be reduced.
Can I Substitute the Eggs to Make It Vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let sit until gel-like). This will keep the recipe vegan while maintaining moisture!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or even grated carrots. Just make sure to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients for the best texture!
