This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty way to start your day! It’s packed with oats, fresh blueberries, and shredded zucchini, making it both nutritious and delicious.
I love how it fills my kitchen with a sweet aroma while baking. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack—just bake, slice, and enjoy! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in those veggies! 🥒💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this recipe. They’re easy to find and give a great texture. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats for safety.
Zucchini: The shredded zucchini keeps the oatmeal moist. You could use yellow squash instead. If zucchini isn’t in season, grated carrots also work well!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries bring a burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen blueberries—just skip thawing them to prevent a soggy mix.
Milk: Dairy milk gives a creamy texture, but almond, oat, or soy milk are great dairy-free alternatives. Choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of your dish.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor. Feel free to use honey if you prefer. For a lower sugar option, try a sugar substitute like stevia, but check the package for conversion ratios.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Baked Oatmeal?
The secret to great baked oatmeal is in the mixing and baking process. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix dry ingredients separately from wet to ensure even combining and fluffy texture.
- Gently fold in your zucchini and blueberries to avoid breaking them apart for a better final product.
- Don’t skip greasing your baking dish! This prevents sticking.
- Test doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing for easier serving.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and healthy breakfast ready to go! Enjoy your baked oatmeal warm or as leftovers throughout the week!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Wet Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Add-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, lightly packed)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (can substitute frozen, do not thaw)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
For Greasing:
- Cooking spray or a little coconut oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation plus 40 to 45 minutes for baking. You’ll have a delicious, healthy breakfast ready in about 1 hour total. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weekend breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar) and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little coconut oil. This helps the oatmeal come out easily later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they’re well mixed. This will give your oatmeal a great flavor and texture!
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until it’s all combined nicely. This is where the sweetness comes in and makes everything so tasty!
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them together until everything is nicely mixed. This is the base of your yummy baked oatmeal!
5. Add in the Zucchini and Blueberries:
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and blueberries. Be careful not to mash the blueberries as you want them to keep their juicy shape.
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it bake evenly.
7. Top with Nuts (Optional):
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor!
8. Bake Your Oatmeal:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and it’ll be hard to wait!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This makes it easier to slice into squares. Patience pays off!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your healthy baked oatmeal warm or at room temperature. You can even top it with a drizzle of yogurt, honey, or more fresh blueberries for an extra treat!
Enjoy your healthy, hearty breakfast!
FAQ for Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use quick oats, the texture will differ. Rolled oats provide a chewier, heartier texture, while quick oats will result in a softer baked oatmeal. If using quick oats, reduce the baking time slightly as they cook faster!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Oatmeal?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, sliced portions can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Zucchini?
Yes! If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute it with finely grated carrots or even applesauce for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and moisture of the baked oatmeal.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, replace the eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture will still turn out great!
