This savory baked oats dish combines the goodness of rolled oats, vegetables, and cheese into a delicious and nutritious meal. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
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)
Directions:
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.
Zucchini and Peas Join the Party: 2. 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.
Toasting the Oats: 3. 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.
Cooling Down: 4. Once toasted, remove the pan from the heat and let the oat mixture cool slightly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when added later.
Creating the Wet Mixture: 5. 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.
Combining the Stars: 6. 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.
Baking Time: 7. 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.
From Batter to Baked Delight: 8. 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.
Cooling and Slicing: 9. 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.
Serving Up Savory Goodness: 10. 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.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup for a comforting dinner.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the vegetables are finely chopped for even cooking and a better texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices.
- You can substitute the cheese with your favorite type of cheese.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oats: Rich in fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Eggs: High-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline.
- Cheese: Offers calcium and protein, beneficial for bone health.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Check all ingredient labels to confirm they are nut-free.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of oats, vegetables, and cheese makes this dish both delicious and filling.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Perfect for any meal and customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Conclusion:
This Savory Baked Oats with Vegetables and Cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and wholesome ingredients in this easy-to-make recipe, and share it with your family and friends for a meal everyone will love. Bon appétit!