Baked Oatmeal for One

Have you ever woken up on a lazy Sunday morning with a craving for something warm, filling, and utterly delicious? Yet, you’re all by yourself and don’t want to prepare a big batch of anything? Enter, baked oats for one! This warming versatile dish can be your best friend in such times. It’s healthy, it’s easy, and it’s just the right portion size for a solo breakfast.

What Is Baked Oatmeal?

Baked oats are a warming and filling breakfast dish made by baking rolled oats in the oven until they’re soft and golden. Think of it as a healthier, more nutritious version of your favorite breakfast pastry. Baked oats can be sweet or savory, depending on your preference, and you can add a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

This cinnamon sugar baked oatmeal recipe for one is perfect if you’re cooking for yourself. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and provides a satisfying meal to start your day. Plus, it’s a great way to utilize those oats sitting in your pantry that you’ve been meaning to use.

If you’re someone who’s always on the go, you’ll appreciate that baked oats are easy to prepare in advance. You can pop them in the oven the night before, and in the morning you just have to reheat the single serving and you’ll have a ready-to-eat, healthy breakfast waiting for you.

Health Benefits of Eating Oatmeal in the Morning

Starting your day with a baked oats recipe for one is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly good for you. Oats are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins that provide numerous health benefits. Typically you would make oatmeal for breakfast to get these benefits but the texture of oatmeal is not always for everyone, that’s where baked oats comes in as a great alternative.

Oats are high in dietary fiber, particularly a type called beta-glucan, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. This makes baked oats an excellent choice if you are looking for a higher protein, higher fiber breakfast with staying power.

Additionally, the fiber in oats can help lower your cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease. Oats are also a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production, making them the perfect breakfast choice to fuel your day.

Ingredients Needed

Our Baked oats recipe for one requires only a handful of simple ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is oats. Opt for rolled oats, quick cooking oats, or old-fashioned oats as they hold up well in the baking process. Avoid instant oats as they can turn mushy. You also want to avoid steel-cut oats as they take too long to soften in this recipe.

We love this recipe because it’s simple, versatile, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. It also has a good amount of protein (18 grams!) and fiber (6.5 grams!) to keep you feeling fuller for longer. 

And for those of you searching for a baked oats with no banana recipe, don’t worry – this recipe is the one!

Equipment Needed

Baking oats for one doesn’t require any fancy equipment. You’ll need:

• A small bowl to combine your ingredients. 
• A whisk or a spoon for stirring
• An oven-safe dish to bake your oats.

The main equipment you’ll need is an oven-safe dish to bake your oats in. We like using the Souper Cubes Stoneware. But you can also use oven-safe glassware, individual ramekins, or a mini baking dish. Just make sure your dish is big enough to hold your mixture and allow it to rise without spilling over.

Of course, you’ll also need an oven to bake your oats. A conventional oven works best, but a toaster oven or air fryer could also work in a pinch. Make sure you preheat the oven before you start baking for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Serving Suggestions

While single serve baked oatmeal is a satisfying meal on its own, you can also pair it with other healthy foods for a well-rounded breakfast. Here are a few ideas:

• A side of Greek yogurt will add extra protein to your meal and pairs well with any fruit you’ve added to your baked oats.
• A boiled or poached egg can provide a good balance of protein and healthy fats to this meal.
• For a lighter option, pair your baked oats with a fresh fruit salad.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about a baked oats recipe for one is how easy it is to customize with this base recipe. Here are a few variations you might like to try:

• For a tropical twist, try a combination of coconut milk instead of almond milk, pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of shredded or toasted coconut on top.
• If you’re a chocolate lover, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your oat mixture and top with mini chocolate chips before baking.
• For a warming autumnal version, add diced apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• For a protein-packed twist, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter into your oat mixture before baking. Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a breakfast that will keep you full all morning.
• For a nutty and rich flavor, top with almond butter. Add some sliced almonds and a sprinkle of chia seeds on top for a satisfying crunch.

Tips for Perfect Oats Every Time

While baking oats is pretty straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure you get perfect results every time.

1. Always preheat your oven. This ensures even baking and a perfect texture.
2. Use rolled oats, quick cooking oats, or old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Instant oats can become too mushy. We like rolled oats or quick cooking oats best as they make a better cake-like texture.
3. Don’t skimp on the liquid. Oats need enough liquid to become creamy and soft.
4. If you want a more cake-like texture you can blend your oats in a food processor into a fine powder like oat flour.
5. Feel free to experiment with flavors and mix-ins. This is your chance to get creative!
6. Let your baked oats cool for a few minutes before digging in. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.

Storing and Reheating

This is a single serving dish so you shouldn’t have any leftovers. 

If you have any leftovers or want to prepare your baked oats in advance, you can easily store them in the stoneware or glass dish to eat the next day. 

Allow your baked oats to cool completely, then cover the dish with a lid or wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To reheat, simply uncover the dish and microwave it for a minute or two until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Then drizzle with maple syrup and top with your favorite fruit and enjoy!

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