Savory Baked Oats Recipe

Calling all health-conscious foodies looking to break free from the breakfast rut! This recipe for Savory Baked Oats is here to revolutionize your dinner routine. It’s a delicious and healthy twist on the popular baked oats trend, offering a complete and satisfying meal that’s easy on your wallet.

This recipe combines the heartiness of oats with savory vegetables, protein-packed cheese, and a touch of Italian flair. It’s incredibly versatile – customize the vegetables to your liking, or add other protein sources like cooked chicken sausage or crumbled tofu. Plus, it’s all baked in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

Oat Base:

• 2 cups rolled oats (180g)
• ¼ cup ground oats or oat flour (25g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Liquid:

• 1 cup milk (240ml)
• 1 cup water (240ml)

Eggs and Seasoning:

• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheesy Goodness:

• ½ cup grated gouda cheese (50g)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (20g)

Savory Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced (about 130g)
• ⅓ cup frozen peas (50g)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (80g)

Instructions

1. Sautéing the Veggies:

• Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This forms the flavorful base for your baked oats.

2. Zucchini and Peas Join the Party:

• Add the sliced zucchini and frozen peas to the pan with the softened onions and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the zucchini is slightly tender-crisp.

3. Toasting the Oats:

• Pour the rolled oats into the pan with the cooked vegetables. Toast the oats for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly golden brown.

4. Cooling Down:

• Remove the pan from the heat and let the oat mixture cool slightly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when added later.

5. Creating the Wet Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, water, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, grated gouda cheese, ground oats, and baking powder. This mixture binds all the ingredients together.

6. Combining the Stars:

• Add the cooled oat and vegetable mixture to the wet ingredients in the bowl. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Let the combined mixture sit for 10 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb some of the liquid and soften slightly.

7. Baking Time:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

8. From Batter to Baked Delight:

• Bake the savory baked oats for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The top should be slightly golden brown.

9. Cooling and Slicing:

• Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This allows the oats to firm up slightly for easier slicing.

10. Serving Up Savory Goodness:

• Cut the baked oats into 6 equal pieces for portion control. Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy element and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 223
• Fat: 7.9g
• Carbs: 27.3g
• Protein: 11.4g

More Information

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Substitutes: Don’t have gouda or parmesan? You can use shredded mozzarella or cheddar instead.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Savory Baked Oats recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy meals can be exciting and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a new dinner idea or a unique way to enjoy oats, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s versatile, nutritious, and delicious – a perfect addition to your meal rotation!