oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is perfect for meal prep and special occasions. Not only is it easy to make, but it also requires minimal dishes and has endless flavor combinations. Plus, it can be customized to fit various dietary needs, making it a versatile breakfast option.
Why Baked Oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal is a fantastic option for meal prep because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. It's also a great choice for brunch because it looks impressive and can be easily customized to suit any flavor preference. Moreover, all of the ingredients used in baked oatmeal recipes are wholesome and nutritious, making it a guilt-free breakfast option.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. To freeze, cut the oatmeal into portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and place the portions in a large freezer bag. To reheat, cover the pan with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until warm. For individual portions, set the oven or toaster oven to 350°F and bake for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for 1 minute.
Do I Need Baking Powder for Baked Oatmeal?
Baking powder is a rising agent that helps lighten the texture of baked oatmeal, preventing it from becoming too dense or heavy. However, if you don't have baking powder or want to skip it, you can do so without any problem.
Notes and Substitutions
To make baked oatmeal vegan, substitute a flaxseed egg for a traditional egg. If you're sensitive to dairy, use a dairy-free milk. For those who are gluten-free, check the ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also substitute melted coconut oil with another oil, melted butter (or ghee), or even applesauce or mashed banana. If you don't like bananas, try using applesauce, pumpkin, or mashed sweet potato instead.
What to Do if Your Baked Oatmeal Is Too Soggy?
All baked oatmeal recipes are soft but should not be too soggy. If your recipe calls for mashed bananas, make sure they aren't overly ripe as this could add extra liquid. If your baked oatmeal turns out gooey or soggy, it might need more cooking time.
Can You Add Protein Powder to Baked Oatmeal?
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to baked oatmeal without adding more liquid. If you add more than one scoop of protein powder, you might need to add more liquid.
Can You Swap Rolled Oats for Steel Cut Oats or Quick Oats?
You can use steel cut or quick/instant oats for baked oatmeal, but you need to follow a recipe that calls for those oats because the liquid ratio is different. If you're looking for a recipe that calls for steel cut oats, try the apple cinnamon baked steel cut oatmeal recipe.
The Perfect Ratio
The perfect ratio for baked oatmeal is one part oats to one part liquid. You can use any milk you prefer, such as unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Can You Make Baked Oatmeal Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make baked oatmeal ahead of time. One option is to bake it and then reheat it before serving. Another option is to mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl and the wet ingredients together in another bowl the night before. In the morning, mix the wet and dry ingredients together, pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish, and bake as the recipe suggests.
Baked Oatmeal: Delicious Flavor Combinations to Try Today
Baked oatmeal is a fantastic breakfast option that is both healthy and delicious. It's also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of flavors to find the perfect combination for your tastes. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best flavor combinations for baked oatmeal, and provide you with a basic recipe to get started.
Flavor Combinations to Try
One of the great things about baked oatmeal is that you can customize it to your liking by incorporating different flavors and ingredients. Here are some of our favorite flavor combinations to try:
- Blueberry Banana: Fresh or frozen blueberries, mashed ripe banana, and a touch of cinnamon.
- Peanut Butter Banana: Mashed ripe banana, natural peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin Pie: Canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and chopped pecans.
- Apple Cinnamon: Diced apple, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
- Lemon Blueberry: Fresh or frozen blueberries, lemon zest, and poppyseeds.
- Banana Nut: Mashed ripe banana, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon.
- Chocolate Banana: Mashed ripe banana, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.
- Carrot Cake: Grated carrot, raisins, and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Mixed Berry: A combination of fresh or frozen berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Almond Joy: Chopped almonds, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips.
- Maple Pecan: Chopped pecans and maple syrup.
- Cherry Almond: Fresh or frozen cherries and sliced almonds.
- Raspberry White Chocolate: Fresh or frozen raspberries and white chocolate chips.
- Coconut Mango: Diced mango and shredded coconut.
- How to Make Baked Oatmeal
Now that you have some flavor combinations to work with, let's take a look at how to make baked oatmeal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| rolled oats | 2 cups |
| baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) | 2 cups |
| maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
| egg | 1 |
| vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| optional toppings | chopped nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nut butter, or additional maple syrup |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with desired toppings.
Conclusion
Baked oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that can be customized to your liking. With minimal dishes and endless flavor combinations, it's no wonder why it's becoming a favorite among meal preppers and brunch hosts alike. Try out some of the flavor combinations we've shared here, or experiment with your own to find the perfect combination for you. Happy baking!
