Baked oats

25 min.
The charm of baked oats is that they can be prepared and spiced up in many ways. The basis is very simple: oatmeal is mixed with milk, banana and optional flavoring then baked in a microwave or regular oven. Topped with Puck Labneh and berries, it's a delight for both the eye and palate. Try this recipe for breakfast or a snack – even the kids can help!

Ingredients

Oats:

To Serve:

Instructions

Why are my baked oats soggy?

There are two main culprits for soggy oats. The first is too much liquid so be sure to pay special attention to your measurements and stick as close to the recipe as possible. Removing your baked oats from the oven too soon is another common mistake. For this recipe, we recommend a 15 minute bake at 175°C or 90 seconds in the microwave for a nicely cooked breakfast, every time.

Do you have to put eggs in baked oats?

Typically used as a binding agent, egg is a common ingredient in baked oats. There are, however, many alternatives like banana, peanut butter (as used in this recipe) or even chia or flax seeds.

How long does it take oats to cook in the oven?

While this largely depends on how big of a batch you are making and how deep the oven dish is, a general rule of thumb is 15-25 minutes. The most reliable method is to gently press your finger on the top of the oats. If it springs back lightly, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

How do you thicken baked oats?

The most obvious answer is to add more oats. This can be tricky for this recipe though where you may only realize the issue after removing the dish from the oven. Our first tip is to make sure you are off to the best start by following the recipe closely. Putting it back in the oven could also help the oats to absorb more moisture and thicken the dish. If all else fails, enjoy as is – this recipe is delicious at almost any consistency.

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The ideal breakfast or snack – baked oats

Who doesn’t love a delicious, versatile breakfast that is ready to serve in under 30 minutes? With rolled oats, blueberries, bananas, a hint of sweetness from honey and peanut butter, finished off with tangy cream cheese, the flavor combination is so addictive that you’ll be reaching for this recipe any time of the day.

Some delicious toppings to serve with baked oats

This recipe is one of our most versatile and you can play with the flavor combinations to your heart’s content. A sprinkling of nuts is never a bad idea and adds a welcome crunch to the soft chewiness of the oats. Any fresh fruit will also work well, and our top recommendations (other than any berry) are sliced or diced peach, mango or pear. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla are a great way to add an extra depth of flavor and keep things interesting around the breakfast table.

The fascinating history of oats

As far back as 32,000 years ago, stone-age hunter-gatherers were enjoying a bowl of oat porridge. Grinding it into flour, the grain was likely boiled, or baked into a simple flatbread. Fast forward a few thousand years, the Romans regarded it a nuisance weed that was only good for feeding horses. Ancient Greece was a bit more tolerant towards the grain, but only for medicinal purposes with Hippocrates citing it as a useful remedy for skin ailments. It wasn’t until 2500BC that oats became domesticated and gradually gained popularity, eventually establishing itself as the popular food that we know today.

Store your leftovers like this

Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and place in the coldest part the fridge for up to five days. If you have made individual portions, tightly wrap each with foil or plastic wrap. We recommend reheating in the oven for the best results (simply cover the dish with foil and place in a 175°C oven until heated through). The microwave will also work but your leftovers may heat unevenly so be sure to check before serving.

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