This Savory Oatmeal Bake is a unique and nutritious take on the traditional oatmeal breakfast. Packed with flavor, cheese, vegetables, and a perfect blend of spices, it can easily serve as a wholesome breakfast, brunch, or light dinner. The combination of rolled oats, vegetables, and cheese makes it both filling and satisfying, providing you with a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This savory twist on oatmeal is sure to surprise and delight anyone who enjoys creative, comforting dishes.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: International, Savory
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (180g)
- 1/4 cup ground oats or oat flour (25g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk (240ml)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated gouda or cheddar cheese (50g)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (20g)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small zucchini (130g), grated
- 1/3 cup frozen peas (50g)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (80g)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with a little oil or butter.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of water. Crack in the 2 eggs and whisk together until fully blended.
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Season the Mixture: Add the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning into the wet ingredients. Stir to combine.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of ground oats or oat flour, and 1 tsp of baking powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
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Grate the Vegetables: Grate the zucchini and dice the onion. Mince the garlic.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well incorporated.
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Add the Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in the grated zucchini, diced onion, minced garlic, frozen peas, and diced tomatoes. Add the gouda or cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese into the mixture, and mix until everything is well distributed.
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Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oats have absorbed the liquid.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can slice it into squares or serve it directly from the dish.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/8 of the total recipe)
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
While oatmeal is typically associated with a sweet breakfast, savory oatmeal dishes are growing in popularity worldwide. Savory oat dishes are particularly common in some European and Asian cuisines, where they are often prepared with vegetables, herbs, and even meats. The versatility of oats, combined with the flavor-packed nature of savory spices and ingredients, has made this style of dish an increasing favorite for those looking for healthy, hearty, and filling meals. This recipe adapts the traditional oatmeal by incorporating vegetables, cheese, and herbs, making it a more diverse meal option for breakfast or lunch.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Filling: This oatmeal bake is packed with vegetables, cheese, and protein, making it a complete, satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare.
- Versatile: The oatmeal bake is highly customizable—feel free to add or replace vegetables based on what you have at home.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes for great leftovers, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish because of its mild flavors and cheesy goodness.
Health Benefits
- High in Fiber: The rolled oats provide a good amount of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Rich in Protein: Eggs and cheese provide a solid protein boost, supporting muscle health and satiety.
- Packed with Vegetables: The zucchini, peas, and tomatoes contribute to your daily vegetable intake, offering important vitamins and minerals.
- Good Source of Healthy Fats: The gouda and parmesan cheese add healthy fats, which are important for heart health.
- Low in Sugar: With minimal added sugar, this recipe is a great option for those following low-sugar or low-carb diets.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair the oatmeal bake with a simple green salad for a light, nutritious meal.
- Top with Avocado: Add sliced avocado on top for a creamy texture and extra healthy fats.
- With a Poached Egg: A poached or fried egg on top of the oatmeal bake adds extra protein and richness.
- Serve with a Light Soup: This oatmeal bake can be served with a vegetable or tomato soup for a complete meal.
- For a Brunch Spread: Serve this oatmeal bake as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a variety of pastries.
Cooking Tips
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Use Full-Fat Cheese for Extra Creaminess: For a richer flavor, opt for full-fat cheeses, which will melt better and add more creaminess to the bake.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat if you enjoy a spicier dish.
- Do Not Overmix: When adding the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Version: Swap the eggs and dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese and a flax egg or chia egg as a binder.
- Meat Lovers’ Oatmeal Bake: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or turkey for a meatier version of this dish.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour if you need a gluten-free option.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil, for a flavor twist.
- Bacon and Cheddar: Add crispy bacon bits and extra cheddar cheese for a smoky, savory flavor.
Conclusion
This Savory Oatmeal Bake is the perfect savory meal for those looking to enjoy a hearty, nutritious dish with a creative twist on traditional oatmeal. With a wonderful combination of oats, vegetables, cheese, and seasoning, this dish is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packs a healthy punch, making it an excellent choice for any meal of the day.
FAQ Section
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different, as rolled oats provide a chewier consistency.
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Can I prepare this oatmeal bake the night before? Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it the next morning for a quick breakfast.
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Can I make this recipe without cheese? Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version. You can also use a plant-based cheese alternative.
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas? Yes, fresh peas or other vegetables like spinach or kale can be used instead of frozen peas.
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Is this recipe gluten-free? If you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
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Can I make this oatmeal bake in muffin tins? Yes, you can divide the mixture into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.
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Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this oatmeal bake freezes well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes, cooked bacon, sausage, or ground turkey can be added for a heartier dish.
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Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, feel free to add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
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How can I make this recipe lower in fat? Use low-fat cheese and substitute the milk with a low-fat version to reduce the fat content.