Baked Oatmeal Recipe

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prepare the Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt (if using). Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.

3. **Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
– In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together evenly.

4. **Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients Together:**
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The oats should be fully coated in the wet mixture.

5. **Add the Mix-ins:**
– Gently fold in your fruit, nuts, and any other add-ins you like. You can use fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas, or frozen fruit if that’s what you have on hand. Chocolate chips are also a delicious option if you’re craving something sweeter.

6. **Bake the Oatmeal:**
– Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick—it should come out clean.

7. **Cool and Serve:**
– Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm straight from the dish or let it cool completely before cutting it into squares for easy portioning.

8. **Optional Toppings:**
– For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon before serving.

### Variations and Customizations

Baked oatmeal is incredibly versatile, so feel free to play around with different ingredients. Here are some ideas to customize your oatmeal to suit your tastes:

1. **Fruit Variations:** Swap out the fruit to match the season or your preferences. Apples, pears, raspberries, or strawberries work wonderfully, or you can combine several fruits for a colorful medley. You can also use dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture.

2. **Nut Butter:** Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to the wet ingredients for a rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor. This is a great way to increase the protein content of your baked oatmeal.

3. **Spices and Flavorings:** Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also add a touch of almond extract or orange zest for a unique twist.

4. **Chocolate Lovers:** Stir in mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey version. This is a great option if you want a sweet breakfast that feels like a treat.

5. **Make it Vegan:** To make the recipe vegan-friendly, use plant-based milk, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and use maple syrup or agave for sweetness.

6. **Add Protein:** For a protein boost, mix in some protein powder, hemp seeds, or chia seeds. Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can also be added for creaminess and extra protein.

### Tips for Success

– **Don’t Overmix:** When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to stir gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so a few folds are all you need to combine the ingredients.

– **Oats:** Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant or quick oats. Rolled oats have the right texture for baking, and they absorb the liquid beautifully.

– **Storing and Reheating:** You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave a portion for 30-45 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

– **Freezing:** Baked oatmeal also freezes well! Slice it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then microwave or bake until warmed through.

### Final Thoughts

Baked oatmeal is a wonderful, wholesome breakfast option that you can easily make your own. With its flexibility, it’s easy to adapt this recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast on a chilly morning or a simple meal prep solution for the week, baked oatmeal is a delicious choice that the whole family will enjoy.

So, the next time you’re craving a warm, filling breakfast, try this baked oatmeal recipe. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a wholesome note, and you can enjoy it throughout the week with minimal effort. Happy baking!