This healthy blueberry baked oatmeal is the perfect easy make-ahead breakfast, and it all comes together in one bowl. It is full of fibre and protein and will keep you feeling full all morning. Add this recipe to your next meal prep day so you are set for busy mornings.
Baked oatmeal is a delicious breakfast, easy to prepare and comes together quickly. Rather than cooking it on the stove, baked oatmeal combines all the ingredients into a baking dish and the ingredients can be adjusted based on your flavour preferences and what you have on hand. The result is a hearty breakfast casserole type dish that will stick to your ribs and give you lasting energy. It is also perfect for kids and will give them lasting energy at school.
What do you need to make Healthy Blueberry Baked Oatmeal:
Oats: rolled oats or old-fashioned oats work best in this recipe. If needed, use certified gluten-free for a gluten-free breakfast option. Oats are so economical and are a good source of fibre. Be sure not to use quick oats in this recipe. While they cook faster, the texture of the oatmeal will change and become too dry.
Cinnamon: cinnamon and oats go together perfectly and add flavour and a hint of sweetness
Blueberries: a good source of fibre and antioxidants; use fresh or frozen (no need to thaw first or your whole recipe will turn purple). Frozen blueberries are a great year-round choice and tend to be more economical than fresh blueberries, especially when blueberries are not in season. Berries are typically frozen at their peak ripeness and right after they are picked and retain all the nutrition blueberries are known for.
Milk: I use dairy milk in this recipe because it contains protein which adds to satiety, but you can use plant-based milk as well (soy milk contains about the amount of protein as dairy milk but other plant-based milks are not protein sources
Brown sugar- the combination of brown sugar and oats is classic but you can use any type of sweetener you prefer – maple syrup or honey both work well
Egg – an egg helps bind the recipe and adds a bit of protein. You could also substitute a flax-egg if there are egg allergies or if you want to make the recipe vegan.
Walnuts – walnuts add healthy fat and contain the plant-based form of omega-3 known as ALA. Pecans or almonds also work well.
Optional add-ins: feel free to add a couple tablespoons of hemp hearts, chia seeds, or ground flax for added nutrients – these contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (chia and flax also contain good amounts of fibre) which are good for heart and overall health. A couple tablespoons of wheat bran or wheat germ also can be added for more fibre – most people don’t get enough fibre so adding in some bran to recipes is an easy way to increase your fibre intake.
Substitutions and variations:
Fruit: Baked oatmeal is a good way to use up any fruit that you have had for a while in the fridge that needs to be used up before spoiling like apples or pears. Any type of frozen or fresh berry works to or a combination of berries. Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries or even dried blueberries are delicious although not as widely available and slightly more expensive than other dried fruits.
Nuts – use your favourite nuts or whatever you have in the pantry or freezer. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds could also be used.
Sweeteners: use the sweetener of your choice and vary the amount based on your taste preferences. The recipe calls for two tablespoons so it is not overly sweet but you can use more/less. A mashed ripe banana also works as a sweetener without added sugars.
Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?
No, all you need is a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons and a baking dish.
Can you make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute a flax egg instead of a regular egg and use non-dairy milk. Soy milk is my non-dairy milk of preference because it contains protein (~8g/cup) whereas nut based, or oat milks are not a source of protein.
How to serve blueberry baked oatmeal?
You can top the oatmeal with some plain Greek yogurt for more protein and a tangy flavour as well as some additional fresh blueberries.
How to make healthy blueberry baked oatmeal?
1. Combine the oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, walnuts, and hemp hearts (if using).
2. Then add the milk and egg and mix well.
3. Fold in the blueberries gently to incorporate without breaking them up.
4. Next you are ready to bake it. Grease a casserole dish lightly. This recipe takes about 35 minutes in the oven but check it after 25-30 minutes. It is done when the oats are set and it is lightly browned on top and on the edges.
How long does healthy blueberry baked oatmeal last in the fridge?
This recipe will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cover it with plastic wrap and slice it in the morning. Add a bit of extra milk to it and microwave it for ~45 seconds until warm. It is also delicious topped with Greek yogurt and more fresh blueberries.
Can you freeze the oatmeal?
Yes! You can freeze the whole recipe if you make it in a freezer safe dish or you can portion it out and freeze individual portions for 3 months. Be sure to let the oatmeal cool completely before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge the night before serving.
Is this recipe family friendly?
Yes, kids love blueberries and you can totally substitute the blueberries for any type of fruit your family loves. If you children don’t like nuts, add in additional hemp hearts or chia seeds to give them an extra nutrition boost. This healthy blueberry baked oatmeal is the perfect make-ahead breakfast to give kids before school to give them lasting energy. If you don’t want to add sugar for kids, use a mashed bananas since kids always love that flavour.
How many does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 4-6 servings depending on your appetite.
Looking for more recipes make with oats?
Pumpkin Cranberry Baked Oatmeal – Christina Iaboni
Date and Walnut Baked Oatmeal – Christina Iaboni – Healthy Living
California Prune, Apple, and Walnut Baked Oatmeal – Christina Iaboni – Healthy Living
Overnight Oats | Giadzy I make these all the time!
Healthy Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 cups milk (regular milk, almond, soy or oat all work well)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tbsp hemp hearts, chia seeds, ground flax, wheat germ or bran (optional add-ins)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 (or similar size) baking dish.
- Mix the oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans in a bowl as well as the option add-ins if you are using them.
- Add the milk and egg and mix to combine.
- Gently fold in the blueberries to incorporate them without breaking them up.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for ~35 minutes until lightly brown and set.
- Cool slightly before serving and top with additional milk or a dollop of yogurt and more fresh blueberries.
- If making ahead, cool completely and refrigerate. To serve, add more milk and microwave for ~45 seconds or until warm. Then add yogurt and more blueberries if you like.
2 Responses
I have made this breakfast meal on repeat! Delicious, healthy and filling. I cut it into 4 portions and freeze 3 of them. Then I alternate with the pumpkin oatmeal recipe from your blog for some variety. I love it, thank you!