How to Make Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal with Easy Steps

Photo: KnowInsiders

Baked oatmeal is the kind of recipe that sounds like a contradiction when you first encounter it. It’s baked, and it’s oatmeal? Isn’t oatmeal supposed to be a quick stovetop thing? Well, yes, but hear us out. Oats stirred together with many different mix-ins allow them to soak up extra flavor, plus you can make a big batch for a crowd without manning the stove, or dishing up a toppings bar. Not to mention, the addition of eggs in the batter makes this breakfast deliciously pudding-like. Most baked oatmeals call for regular milk, but this makes use of coconut milk, instead. It’s both great for dairy-free and tasty for anyone.

What is Baked Oatmeal?

Baked oatmeal is a method of cooking oatmeal where you combine rolled oats with eggs and milk and any other flavorings and bake it to create a muffin or cake-like breakfast.

The texture is like a hearty bread or muffin and it’s so good with toppings like peanut butter, honey or fresh berries. This texture also makes it a great breakfast to take on the go.

Why Make Baked Oatmeal?

Baked oatmeal is one of our go-to ways to eat oatmeal because it’s almost like eating cake for breakfast. Baked oatmeal is also a great make-ahead breakfast idea that takes no time to reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

6–8 servings

Photo: Fit Foodie Finds

3 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter, plus more room temperature for pan

1 large egg

Zest of 1 orange

½ cup fresh orange juice

2 cups milk

⅓ cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground ginger

2 cups old-fashioned oats

½ cup steel-cut oats

1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium)

1 cup grated carrot (about 1 large)

½ cup golden or other raisins

1 tsp. baking powder

½ cup chopped pecans, plus more for serving

Heavy cream or milk

Preparation

Step 1

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Place a rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 375°. Butter an 8x8" ovenproof baking dish. Whisk egg, orange zest, orange juice, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and ginger in a large bowl to combine. Add old-fashioned oats, steel-cut oats, apple, carrot, raisins, baking powder, and ½ cup pecans and stir again to combine. Scrape into prepared baking dish and sprinkle more pecans on top.

Step 2

Bake oatmeal until the top is golden brown and has puffed up a bit, about 40 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes.

Step 3

Serve warm with a drizzle of cream on top.

Photo: The Fountain Avenue Kitchen

Do ahead: Oatmeal can be baked 5 days ahead. Cover and chill. Reheat with a splash of milk before serving.

What Are Oats and Oatmeal?

Oats are a whole-grain food, known scientifically as Avena sativa.

Oat groats, the most intact and whole form of oats, take a long time to cook. For this reason, most people prefer rolled, crushed or steel-cut oats.

Instant (quick) oats are the most highly processed variety. While they take the shortest time to cook, the texture may be mushy.

Oats are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, which is made by boiling oats in water or milk. Oatmeal is often referred to as porridge.

They’re also often included in muffins, granola bars, cookies and other baked goods.

1. Oats Can Lower Cholesterol, Stabilize Blood Sugar, and Help You 'Go'

Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber forms a viscous gel that helps to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood glucose levels. The insoluble fiber in oats helps provide a "moving" experience by curtailing constipation and improving intestinal health.

2. Oats May Protect Your Heart and Your Colon

A variety of antioxidants known as avenanthramides are found exclusively in oats. Avenanthramides have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-itching activity and may provide additional protection against coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and skin irritation. They also may play a role in controlling blood pressure.

3. Oats Make an Easy, Balanced Breakfast

One cup of cooked oatmeal contains about 150 calories, four grams of fiber (about half soluble and half insoluble), and six grams of protein. To boost protein further, my favorite way to eat oatmeal is with a swirl of almond butter nestled within. This powerful combo will keep you away from that mid-morning visit to the vending machine.

4. Oats Provide Important Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrient-rich oatmeal contains thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron.

5. Oats Are Gluten-Free

Oats are naturally gluten-free but check with manufacturers to ensure that their products are not made using the same equipment as other potentially contaminating grains. (Always purchase gluten-free products from reputable companies and read food labels carefully.)

6. Oats May Help You Control Your Weight

Oats can keep you feeling fuller longer, thereby helping you control your weight. Sadly, carbs are often shunned and feared by those looking to drop a few pounds, but whole grains can squash hunger and simultaneously provide that pleasant "ahhhh" feeling carb-lovers crave. As with any other food, be mindful of portion sizes.

7. Oats Can Be Savory, Too

Although oats are usually paired with sweet foods like brown sugar and cinnamon or fruit, oats also make a perfect savory side dish. Oats provide a texture similar to buckwheat, and their bland taste is like a blank canvas for a variety of seasonings and spices. You can combine oatmeal with your favorite veggies or last night’s leftovers, and top with an egg or a sprinkle of cheese to enjoy breakfast for dinner.

Healthy Ways to Eat Oatmeal

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If you start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal, spruce it up with healthy add-ins. Season your oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, along with anti-inflammatory cinnamon or ginger and fresh fruit. Add nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butter for healthful fat and bonus plant protein. You can even stir in finely chopped or shredded veggies. Zucchini oats, often referred to as 'zoats,' is one of my favorite breakfast trends. Just shred raw zucchini using a box grater, and fold it right in. And if you need to further boost the meal's protein content, combine plant protein powder with the dry, old-fashioned rolled oats before you add hot water. For overnight oats, refrigerate your favorite combination while you sleep, and enjoy chilled.

Oatmeal also works well with savory ingredients. Cook it plain, and then top with sautéed or oven-roasted veggies and herbs, along with an egg, beans, lentils, or tofu for protein, and sliced avocado or a drizzle of pesto for healthy fat.

Old-fashioned rolled oats can also be used as an ingredient in a number of dishes. I love to combine them with almond butter and cinnamon as a crumble-like topping for warmed up fruit. Rolled oats or oat flour are also great for energy balls, pancakes, and baked goods, including cookies, bars, banana bread, and muffins. More savory ways to use rolled oats include in veggie burger patties and as a substitute for breadcrumbs in anything from meatballs (or meatless balls) to casseroles. With all the tasty ways to enjoy oats, it's easy to take advantage of the benefits of this good-for-you carb.

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