Simple Baked Oatmeal: The Breakfast Game Changer

Oatmeal.

Yes, it’s that breakfast food we were always told to eat but never quite wanted to. Usually boiled up into an ever-so-slightly grey mess of congealed goop, then plopped into the bowls of children just looking for some Fruit Loops to start their day.

While I’ve never really been the biggest fan of classic oatmeal, I’ve always gravitated to baked things that resemble cake. My personal memory of baked oatmeal goes back to a summer camp, where the cook was always trying to find new ways for kids to eat healthy. I remember him pulling his version of baked oatmeal out and it was absolutely delicious! Warm, homey, and perfumed with warm spices.

So when my kids were tired of eating oatmeal the old-fashioned way, I decided to take a gamble and try this recipe out. It was lifted from allrecipes.com, and I have to say it didn’t disappoint. The recipe is simple, straightforward, and if you do it correctly, uses only 2 measuring utensils!

Ingredients

serves 4

• 1 1/2 cup steel cut or rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• whatever mix-ins your heart desires (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips etc)

Method

1. Mix everything together in a bowl
2. Portion into ramekins or any ovenproof bowl
3. Bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 30 mins
4. Top with yogurt and stewed fruit (frozen berries heated up in a pan w/ orange juice and a bit of sugar)

That’s it! It’s really so simple! Don’t overthink it! It’s straightforward and absolutely delicious. Enjoy!

FAQS

What oats can I used for baked oatmeal?

Honestly, any. Of course, you’ll get a different texture with certain kinds of oats. For this recipe, I opted for steel cut and I thought it turned out brilliantly. I like the chew, it adds texture and intrigue to the meal

Can I use milk substitutes?

For sure. This recipe really lends itself to food allergies. Can’t have egg? Substitute it with apple sauce. Can’t have animal milk? Substitute it with milk substitute. The texture may change ever so slightly, but it’ll still be a tasty bite.

I don’t have ramekins. What else can I use to make baked oatmeal?

Use any baking safe dish. You could throw it all into a cast iron pan, if you have it. Glass dishes work just as fine as well. I baked them in ramekins because I have them, but use what you have. Just keep in mind that if you’re baking in a bigger dish, the heat will take longer to get to the middle. So just check on it after 5 mins. As long as your getting the warm smell of cinnamon and a golden brown exterior, you should be heading in the right direction!