Baked Oatmeal

Don't let the name of the dish put you off. It's not boring, or even the same as stovetop or microwaved oatmeal. In fact, baked oatmeal is a breakfast game changer. Seriously. It's that good.

I often eat oatmeal for breakfast - instant oats cooked microwave or granola. Often referred to as a "superfood", the whole grains are satisfying and hold me until lunch. However the texture can sometimes turn out too gooey and just plain unappealing.

This baked recipe keeps the grains separate and toothy. The addition of eggs and baking powder adds protein and a bit of lift that provides a unique texture somewhere between a loose cake and a moist granola. Best of all, I can whip it up on weekends and refrigerate for a fast, satisfying weekday breakfast.

You can alter the recipe to your tastes: adding more/less sugar, omitting the spice or adding others seasonings like nutmeg, citrus peel or vanilla. You could also make a savory dish by omitting the sugar and adding grated cheese and chives to the mix. Since my husband and I both enjoy this dish, I keep it pretty simple so we can customize with our own toppings, including fresh & dried fruits, our homemade fruit sauce, nuts, or even a fried egg.

Combine oil, eggs, sugar and cinnamon.

Mix in oats,  milk, baking powder and salt. Pour mixture
into a 9"x9" and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven. Golden and toasty. All the grains are separated.

Good enough to eat plain but I like it with a
splash of cream and a few pecans. 

Baked Oatmeal

Adapted from Around the Table
Serves 6-9

½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup milk
2 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oil, eggs and brown sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix well. Mix in oats, milk, baking powder and salt.

Coat a 9×9 pan with cooking spray. Pour out mixture in pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve immediately, pouring milk or cream on top of each serving. Add fresh or dried fruit and nuts if desired.

Refrigerate leftovers. Reheat briefly in microwave before serving.