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Baked oatmeal is a healthy, make-ahead breakfast that fuels your body with complex carbohydrates. It will keep your body running well, straight up until lunch time. Baked oatmeal makes a breakfast (or snack) that the entire family will like.
Originally published in the Greenwood Daily Journal, in February, 2011.
Like most, my home is hectic in the morning. No matter how prepared I am to start the day, we inevitably hit several speed bumps on our way out the door. Dragging the kids out of bed after 3 warnings that time is running out, searching for the elusive “other shoe”, or realizing that I need to sign something are just a few of our typical morning issues.
When we’re in the car and I think we’re ready to go, we’re not. Backpacks are on, coats zipped, and lunches are in hand. But one of them has to get out and go in for one more thing. I work hard to get everything ready the night before. But something is always missing when we are rushing to get out the door.
I breathe a sigh of relief at the conclusion of each school year. A successful year is over, and we can begin our vacation! But also, because I simply detest the morning rush. The “same old thing, but on a different day” routine.
It took a few years to fine tune the morning drill. After that, we’d get up, get ready, and be out the door quickly, without incident. Not every day works out that well, but with a little preparation, I can save myself a lot of hassle.
I make lunches the night before, and a few quick “heat and eat” breakfast items on Sunday. This really speeds things along, and gives us all a good start to our weekdays.
One of my favorite, easy to make ahead breakfasts is baked oatmeal.
Oats are nutritious and satisfying, as well as a good alternative to cold, sugary cereals. Oatmeal is also pretty economical to make, which is always nice.
This basic baked oatmeal recipe is really a blank canvas to add your own flair.
Use your family’s tastes to guide how you improvise, adding extra flavors from ingredients and toppings.
Make this recipe in an 8×8 pan for a thicker consistency oatmeal, or a 13×9 pan if you want baked oatmeal bars.
It is perfect to eat as breakfast on the go, or as an after-school snack. The baked oatmeal will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one school week. Simply reheat in the microwave, then top with your choice of accompaniments. Milk, honey, yogurt, fruit, Nutella, even peanut butter or chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless!
A favorite baked oatmeal recipe that my boys like is: 1/2 cup of peanut butter, a diced apple, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and raisins.
Here’s the basic baked oatmeal recipe. Enjoy!
Total Servings 4 servings
This is a basic baked oatmeal recipe. Add toppings and extra ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
8 minPrep (inc. refrigeration & rest time)
22 minCook Time
30 minTotal Time
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 C old fashioned rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 TB flax meal (milled flax seed)
- 1/3 C brown sugar
- 3/4 C milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla
- 1 TB melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and prepare the pan of your choice with a light coating of non-stick spray. Use an 8×8 inch pan for a thicker consistency oatmeal, or an 11×7 pan if you want oatmeal bars.
- Lightly whisk the egg, melted butter and vanilla together in a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and gently fold together. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking dish and place on middle rack in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until it is firm in the center and browned along the edges.
- Cool, cut into bars and add topping of your choice.
You will find this bountiful breakfast is a winner with adults and children alike. It warms their bellies and pleases their picky palates. This will carry them through until lunch time, thanks to the goodness of whole grains and protein.
100% satisfaction without the guilt of eating something unhealthy first thing in the morning. And the best thing is you were able to fit it into your busy morning routine.
Another oatmeal breakfast recipes for you to check out is this Brown Sugar Oatmeal.
