Baked Oatmeal Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

Are baked oats actually healthy? ›

Nutritious — Oats are full of vitamins and minerals, and the complex carbohydrates help you stay full longer. Time-Saver — Baked oatmeal can be made ahead and then cut into individual portions for meal-prep or grab-and-go snacks on the way to work or school.

Cook your oats in something creamy instead of just water.

"Don't use just water," Weir said. "Using milk or almond milk, soy milk, etc., for part of the liquid makes oatmeal richer and creamier." He continued, "Try using half milk and half water to start, then adjust to taste."

If the center is soggy, the oats likely need a little more time in the oven. Be sure to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Eating oatmeal regularly can have weight management benefits as a half-cup of rolled oats cooked in a cup of water has 165 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The fiber and protein content contribute to feeling full longer and a slower blood glucose release.

Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables.

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Dried fruit like mulberries, goji berries, jujube, and dates lend chewy texture in addition to fruity flavor. Top with nuts and seeds for an extra crunchy, extra hearty bowl of oats. We like hemp seeds, toasted sesame seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, and toasted coconut.

A cup of cooked oatmeal (1/2 cup of dried oats) contains approximately 30 grams of carbs, which can fit into a nutritious meal plan for people with diabetes. Oatmeal is high in fiber and nutrients but low in saturated and trans fats and sugar and can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

If bananas aren't your fruit of choice, Ramsay also enjoys oatmeal with dates and apples and spices the recipe with nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.

McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal recipe feature two full servings of whole-grain oats with a touch of cream and brown sugar. Loaded with red and green apples, cranberries, and two varieties of raisins, our oatmeal makes for a hearty, wholesome breakfast of whole grains and fruit.

Why soak oats before baking? ›

By soaking your oats you neutralize the phytic acid. This soaking allows the beneficial enzymes to work and increases the number of vitamins and minerals present that your body will absorb. On the plus side, the process of rolling oats removes at least part of the bran, where a large portion of the phytic acid resides.

Soaking not only softens the oats, but it also makes them more tender, quicker to cook, and easier to digest. In a side-by-side comparison, we found that unsoaked oats lacked that fluffy, creamy texture soaked oats provide. So, from here on out, we'll be soaking. Once they're soaked, it's time to cook.

if you want to double the recipe, make it in a 9×13-inch pan and double the ingredients. Feel free to add nuts or use fresh or frozen fruit instead of the dried fruit. Store the baked oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

"Baked oats are similar to standard oats," says Rachel Fine, RRD and owner of To The Pointe Nutrition. Fine points out that because oats are a naturally gluten-free whole grain, they have plenty of health benefits that won't bake-off. Oats are a "fabulous source of carbohydrates and soluble fiber," says Fine.

The difference between baked oatmeal and baked oats is all in the texture. And getting that cake-like texture comes from adding the egg, but also blending the ingredients well.

A big scoop of warm baked oats with a glass of milk is a satisfying breakfast, and a cooled slice of baked oats can be a tasty snack later in the day. Since baked oats are so soft and easy to digest, many people like baking them in mini muffin tins to turn them into a healthy homemade baby food or toddler snacks.

Is it better to eat cooked or raw oats? Cooked oats might be easier to digest for some, as cooking helps break down the starch they contain. However, neither way to eat oats is better or worse. How you choose to eat them—either raw or cooked—comes down to personal preference.