9 Oatmeal Recipes for People Who Hate Oatmeal

If you want the health benefits of oatmeal, but can’t stand its texture or blandness, we have the perfect solution: bake it! Like a breakfast casserole crossed with bread pudding, baked oatmeal is a satisfying meal full of fiber and protein.

Most recipes only require one mixing bowl and the flavor combinations are endless. It can also be baked ahead of time and reheated throughout the week, which makes it a perfect option for meal-preppers and busy families.

Substitutions are easy, too, so feel free to swap out the milk for a lactose-free version, or the eggs for a tablespoon of flaxseed and water. Here are some of our favorite baked oatmeal recipes.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

This popular recipe adds blueberries for brightness and toasted pecans for texture. The oats, nuts, and fruit make is a hearty meal that will easily hold you until lunch, although it’s even more perfect served with a dollop of vanilla yogurt.

Frozen blueberries are fine to use, but fresh ones will give a slightly firmer texture. This recipe is relatively simple and easy to change up if you’d prefer a different fruit, nut, or milk. Just keep the portions the same, and you shouldn’t have any issues when baking.

Get the Recipe: Cookie + Kate

Zucchini Bread Baked Oatmeal

Remember the loaves of zucchini bread your grandma used to make in the summer? This oatmeal recipe is reminiscent of that dish, adding all the flavor into a good-for-you breakfast.

Like the bread version, you won’t be able to taste the veggies that are sneaked in—great for parents with picky eaters in the family. Walnuts, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla add tons of flavor and sweetness that make this breakfast dish feel more like dessert. Eat it plain or drizzle some peanut butter on top for extra richness.

Get the Recipe: Eating Bird Food

Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal

This recipe adds raisins and walnuts for a satisfying breakfast or snack. It also calls for a simple custard to add richness and depth of flavor. A hearty layer of chopped apples on the bottom of the dish gives the whole thing a pop of brightness.

It’s fantastic warm with a spritz of whipped cream, but just as good (if not more so) cold out of the refrigerator the next day. Feel free to swap out any fruits or nuts if you’re not a fan of the original version.

Get the Recipe: Once Upon a Chef

Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Okay, nothing quite beats a fresh cinnamon roll. But if you’re looking for a healthier version of your favorite treat, this oatmeal recipe comes pretty close. It’s packed with all the sweet cinnamon flavor of this dessert but with a hefty portion of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied for hours.

Feel free to top it with icing or make your own cream cheese frosting if you can’t go without that flavor combination. Just wait until the oatmeal has completely cooled before drizzling or the topping will sink into the batter.

Get the Recipe: The Big Man’s World

Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Any chocolate fans out there? This decadent recipe will feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, which really is the dream. Bananas are used to sweeten it naturally, although you can swap them out for maple syrup or honey if you don’t like the flavor.

This recipe doesn’t call for chocolate chips but … add chocolate chips. (You can thank us later.) Serve with a drizzle of peanut butter, fruit, or whipped cream.

Get the Recipe: The Salty Marshmallow

Funfetti Cake Batter Baked Oatmeal

Put all the fun flavors of cake batter and sprinkles in this healthy breakfast bake. Almond extract is the secret ingredient here, adding that subtle cake flavor you recognize everywhere but can never quite place. Vanilla protein powder increases the richness and adds a good dose of protein.

Save a handful of the colored sprinkles to add on top after baking for a fun presentation. Top with icing for an extra sweet dish or fresh berries for extra nutrients.

Get the Recipe: Secretly Healthy Home

Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Breakfast

The pop of lemon in this recipe makes oats taste better than you ever thought they would. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch on a sunny spring morning. Add some greek yogurt and (*chef’s kiss*), you’ve got a perfect meal.

Room temperature liquids will blend together better, so set them out an hour or two before you plan on assembling the ingredients. Frozen berries are fine to substitute for fresh ones, and there’s no need to defrost them ahead of time.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Fitness Meals

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal

Peanut butter and bananas were born to be mixed with oats. This vegan recipe calls for overripe bananas to give the richest flavor. If you want some texture to the dish, sprinkle crushed almonds or walnuts on top during the last few minutes of baking for a toasty crunch.

This recipe freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for up to three months after baking. Top it with peanut butter, sliced bananas, or some caramel sauce for an extra-rich treat.

Get the Recipe: Feel Good Foodie

Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal

This recipe is reminiscent of your favorite strawberry-banana smoothie but much more filling. A good helping of chocolate chips is also added here, which is a decision we couldn’t agree with more. The final product is sweet, tart, and creamy for a beautiful balance of flavors.

Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for healthy breakfasts all week long. It’s great on its own or served warm in a bowl of cold milk.

Get the Recipe: Eating Bird Food