Baked oatmeal is a delicious way to start your day with a wholesome breakfast. It’s different than eating a bowl of regular oatmeal because it’s baked, which gives it a slightly different texture. I would describe it as more like a soft and warm oatmeal cookie. You can add all sorts of fruits (fresh, canned or even dried fruits) and/or nuts for virtually endless flavor varieties.

I used canned peaches and crushed almonds for this baked oatmeal casserole. Other combinations you may want to try: apples and walnuts; bananas, raisins and almonds; raspberries and pecans. If you like big pieces of nuts, you can chop them. My kids like it better when the nuts are small (pretty much pulverized to dust) in my food processor. The flavors all bake in together either way, it’s really good!

I think baked oatmeal recipes are good as make ahead breakfast casseroles. I can make a big batch of it for my family for us to eat one day. We then reheat leftovers in the microwave and eat them throughout the course of a few days. You can add small amounts of milk when you reheat the oatmeal if it needs a little bit of moisture to keep it from being dry.

Peach Almond Baked Oatmeal 

Makes about 9 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can peaches, drained and diced
• 3 cups Old-Fashioned Oats (*not Quick Oats)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1 egg
• 1 and 1/4 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (*measure solid and melt in microwave if necessary)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup almonds, chopped fine (*I used my food processor)

Directions:

1. Combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg whites, egg, milk, oil and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir well. All mixture to stand for 5 minutes. Stir in peaches.

2. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until top starts to brown slightly.

Have you ever made baked oatmeal? What are your favorite fruit and nut combinations?