Christmas morning is often a whirlwind of excitement and activity—gift unwrapping, family laughter, and preparations for the festive feast ahead.
With so much happening, breakfast is usually an afterthought. But what if there was a way to have a hearty, delicious breakfast ready with minimal effort? We have just the recipe!
Baked oatmeal is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast dish that will keep everyone happy and fueled without adding to the holiday chaos.
Baked oatmeal is a warm, satisfying breakfast that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavours of fruits, nuts, and spices. Imagine a soft, sliceable breakfast casserole made with ingredients like milk, eggs, honey, or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. The mixture is baked to golden perfection, delivering a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Whether served warm or cold, baked oatmeal is sure to become your Christmas morning favourite.
Why make baked oatmeal as a Christmas morning breakfast?
- It’s incredibly convenient: You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven on Christmas morning, or make it well in advance and freeze it. All that’s left to do is reheat and serve. This means you can focus on enjoying the morning festivities without being tied to the kitchen.
- Affordable and feeds a crowd: Baked oatmeal uses pantry staples like oats, milk, and eggs, making it a budget-friendly choice. Plus, it’s easy to scale up the recipe to feed a crowd—doubling or even tripling the ingredients takes a little extra effort. Perfect for serving family and friends gathered around the tree.
- Make it your own: From classic combinations like apple and cinnamon to pairings like chocolate and banana, baked oatmeal is endlessly versatile. You can tailor the recipe to fit dietary preferences or simply use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Make ahead
Baked oatmeal is freezer-friendly, which means you can prepare it well in advance:
Freeze the batter: Pour the prepared batter into a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Freeze individual portions: Bake the oatmeal, let it cool, and cut it into squares. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store it in a freezer bag. Simply reheat the squares in the microwave or oven for a quick, grab-and-go breakfast.
For a Christmas-themed baked oatmeal, try incorporating holiday flavours like cranberries, orange zest, and pecans. Drizzle with a touch of maple syrup for added sweetness and pair with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa for a festive breakfast experience.
Try this: Pear, dark chocolate and cranberry baked oatmeal
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