Baked Oatmeal

Cinnamon-laced baked oatmeal is a deeply comforting way to break your fast. Baked oatmeal recipes strike the perfect balance between chewy and moist, with a hint of richness thanks to additions like milk, butter and eggs. This top-rated breakfast recipe is everything you could possibly want to help you start the day: Delicious. Hearty. Endlessly customizable.

And, above all, this easy-breezy baked oatmeal recipe is exceptionally simple to throw together. It preps in only 10 minutes, and you can toss it in the oven while you get ready to greet the day. If you’re more of a meal prepper, it’s a great make-ahead breakfast recipe to have in your arsenal for the next time you host a brunch or have out-of-town guests.

What is baked oatmeal?

Baked oatmeal lands somewhere between chewy oatmeal cookies, stovetop oatmeal and traditional British flapjacks (I’m talking about the chewy, creamy, buttery British cousin of granola bars rather than griddled pancakes). It is an exciting upgrade to your traditional bowl of porridge and is great for meal prep because it can be made in advance.

The recipe can be tinkered with and tailored to suit your tastes too. Oats are the ideal canvas for adding all sorts of flavors, like fruits, nuts, syrups and spice. Our version of this wholesome breakfast dish combines oats, milk, eggs and butter, along with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to sweeten the deal.

Baked Oatmeal Ingredients

• Oats: Which type of oats are best for baked oatmeal recipes? It depends on who you ask. Quick-cooking oats effortlessly soak up the liquid, but steel-cut oats have a satisfying chewiness. It all comes down to preference.
• Sugar: Molasses-rich brown sugar complements the oats’ nuttiness and fragrant cinnamon spice in the most gorgeous, taste-bud-pleasing way.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent gives baked oats a lighter texture.
• Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to your oatmeal is not just a good idea but is an unskippable step! Oats can be a bit bitter, and salt reduces that bitterness. This indispensable seasoning also enhances the oats’ nutty flavor, which is very much a good thing.
• Cinnamon: Oatmeal and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. Look for ground Ceylon cinnamon, a type of cinnamon that boasts a bolder, spicier flavor than cassia cinnamon.
• Eggs: Two large eggs bind the other ingredients together.
• Milk: For the best flavor and texture, we prefer whole milk for this baked oatmeal recipe. That said, skim, plant-based or even water all work as cooking liquids.
• Butter: A little butter makes everything better, and here it adds a subtle richness that really makes this baked oatmeal recipe shine. Need a dairy-free option? Try coconut oil.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

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In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and butter. Stir the egg mixture into the oat mixture until blended.

Step 2: Bake the oatmeal

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Grease a 9-inch square baking pan, and spoon the oats into the pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until set.

Serve warm with milk.

Editor’s Tip: Try serving baked oatmeal recipes with cream or yogurt for a more decadent experience.

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Baked Oatmeal Variations

• Add fruit: Fresh or dried, fruit will give the baked oatmeal recipe a kiss of sweetness. Try apples, blueberries, strawberries, bananas or raisins.
• Use more spices: This baked oatmeal recipe calls for cinnamon, but why limit yourself to a single spice? Sprinkle in a dash of allspice, clove, ginger or freshly grated nutmeg.
• Give it some crunch: Seeds and chopped nuts add a marvelous crunchy texture to baked oatmeal, especially when used as a topping. Pecans, almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, pepitas and chia seeds are a few stellar options.
• Swap the sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar and golden syrup each add a unique flavor when used to sweeten baked oatmeal recipes. While it’s technically not a sweetener, a teaspoon of vanilla extract is another good option.
• Mix in nut butter: Swirl in a dollop of your favorite healthy nut butter before spooning the oat mixture into the baking pan. This tasty addition also helps keep the oatmeal moist.

How to Store Baked Oatmeal

Let the baked oatmeal recipe cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Baked oatmeal can also be frozen if you need a long-term storage solution. Once it’s cooled completely, freeze the oatmeal in a freezer-safe container.

How long does baked oatmeal last?

Homemade baked oatmeal will last three to four days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let the oatmeal thaw in the fridge overnight.

How do you reheat baked oatmeal?

Transfer the oatmeal to a microwave-safe bowl and zap it on high until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a 350° oven for 15 to 20 minutes. If the oatmeal looks dry, add a splash of water or milk to rehydrate it.

Can you make baked oatmeal ahead of time?

This baked oatmeal recipe is a great make-ahead option if you’re not much of a morning person or you need a knockout overnight breakfast recipe for the holidays. You can bake the oatmeal ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

Or, prep the oatmeal mixture and store the unbaked oatmeal in the baking pan in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, remove the dish from the fridge 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed.

Baked Oatmeal Tips

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Why is my baked oatmeal soggy?

There are two main culprits responsible for soggy or gummy baked oatmeal recipes: The first offender is taking the oatmeal out of the oven before it’s finished cooking. A few extra minutes in the oven will fix this. The second most common cause of soggy baked oatmeal is using too much liquid. Before you combine the ingredients, it’s good practice to double-check your measurements.

Why is my baked oatmeal dry?

If your baked oatmeal recipe turns out dry, it’s usually due to insufficient liquid or being heavy-handed when pouring out the oats. Checking your measurements before combining the ingredients is the best way to avoid dry baked oatmeal. If you’re still struggling with dry baked oatmeal, stirring in a spoonful of applesauce, nut butter or ripe mashed bananas is a delicious fix.

What else can you serve with baked oatmeal?

Serve a baked oatmeal recipe with a fresh fruit salad as a side dish, or serve it as a stand-alone dish and top it with a spoonful of your favorite jams, jellies or fruity spreads. Savory dishes like prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with raspberry sauce, crispy bacon, egg muffins or breakfast sausage links also make tempting sides with baked oatmeal recipes.