A make ahead, delicious, versatile breakfast – packed with nutrients! It’s even naturally gluten-free.

Why Bake Oatmeal?

It’s portable – we take it with us when we will be house guests. It is easy to add nutritious, delicious add-ins. For time crunched mornings, just pop a piece in the microwave and enjoy with a glass of milk. It is also easier to boost protein with the added eggs in this recipe.

Nutrition Benefits

Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber and blueberries add insoluble fiber.
Walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids, good for your heart, brain and to reduce inflammation.
Great source of potassium from the bananas, blueberries, milk and oatmeal to help reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
If you use regular or soy milk and eggs, it is a good source of protein. (Other “milks” are great substitutes in this recipe, but they are much lower in protein).
Good source of calcium and naturally gluten-free.
Plus don’t forget all those flavonoids and anthrocyans residing in the blueberries as well as the other whole grain benefits.

Substitutions

This is an easy recipe to modify. It is very forgiving. So . . . can’t have

dairy – Use any “milk” you wish!
nuts – walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids, but pecans and other nuts have benefits too!
no nuts at all? try seeds? Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) would be great!
eggs – many easy substitutions – omit them, or try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seed and three tablespoons water. Mix and let sit for a few minutes.)
vegan – Use a nut or oat milk and flax eggs
fruit – ! I might have a riot in my house but . . . apples and peaches would be especially good. Let me know what you try!
maple syrup – try whatever sweetener you like and can use. You will miss some of maple syrup’s distinctive flavor, but you could add some other warm baking spices (cardamom, cloves, allspice – in small amounts if you would like.)

How to Eat?

I like mine plain with a glass of milk, Many enjoy yogurt over the top. How do you like yours? Let me know below!