This Giada de Laurentiis Baked Blueberry and Banana Oatmeal is the ultimate breakfast that you can make for yourself and your family, prepared using bananas, blueberries, oats, milk, and a few pantry staples.

To make Giada’s Baked Blueberry Banana Oatmeal, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nuts (if using), and wet ingredients. Gently fold in blueberries, top with banana slices, and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

It’s like a warm hug on a chilly morning—it’s super easy and absolutely delicious!

How Can I Make Baked Oatmeal Ahead of Time?

You can easily prepare the batter for Baked Oatmeal the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, just give it a quick stir, pour it into your baking dish, and bake as directed for a fresh and warm breakfast without the morning rush.

Giada Baked Oatmeal Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon fine table salt
• 1 very ripe large banana
• 1 cup nonfat milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup blueberries

How To Make Giada Baked Oatmeal

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the mixture fills the dish 3 to 4 inches high to keep it moist.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nuts if using. Add a pinch of salt for balance.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mash half of the banana. Whisk in nonfat milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and crack in the large egg. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combine and Fold: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully mixed. Gently fold in the blueberries using a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Thinly slice the remaining half of the banana and layer these slices evenly on top. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of dark brown sugar over the bananas.
6. Time to Bake: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the oats are tender to the touch.
7. Enjoy Your Meal: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This warm and wholesome baked oatmeal is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.

Can I Substitute Rolled Oats with Instant Oats?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Rolled oats give the baked oatmeal a hearty texture and absorb the flavors better. Instant oats tend to cook too quickly and can result in a mushy consistency, affecting the overall taste and texture of your dish.

Recipe Tips

• Experiment with Milk Choices: To switch up the flavor, try using almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk; each brings a unique taste and richness to your baked oatmeal
• .Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more pronounced its flavor will be in your baked oatmeal, making added sugars almost unnecessary!
• Oven Watching: Keep an eye on your oatmeal as oven temperatures can vary; if the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil for the remainder of baking to avoid over-browning.
• Mixing Thoroughly: Ensure you stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can lead to your oatmeal turning out more like a doorstop than a delightful breakfast.

Recipe Variations

• Add Some Zest: Toss in the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a citrusy punch that cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing twist.
• Go Nuts with Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of crushed nuts and a bit of brown sugar on top for a crunchy, caramelized texture that’s seriously addictive.
• Chocolate Chips Delight: If you’re feeling a bit decadent, mix in a handful of chocolate chips before baking; they melt into little pockets of chocolatey goodness that make every bite a treat.
• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Depending on the season, swap out blueberries for diced apples, pears, or even pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired version that’s cozy and comforting.

What To Serve With Baked Oatmeal

Serve your Baked Oatmeal with Greek yogurt, honey drizzle, fresh sliced strawberries, pecan pieces, and a scoop of peanut butter.

You can also pair it with whipped coconut cream and a dash of cinnamon for a delightful twist.

How To Store Leftover Baked Oatmeal

In The Fridge:

Wrap your Baked Oatmeal tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container. This method keeps it fresh and tasty for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it cools completely before storing to maintain quality.

In The Freezer:

Baked Oatmeal can be frozen, but ensure it’s wrapped tightly in both cling film and foil to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date, and it will stay good for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy again.

How To Reheat Leftover Baked Oatmeal

Reheat your leftover Baked Oatmeal in a microwave on medium power for about two minutes or until thoroughly warmed through, or gently warm it in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Candied Pistachios
• Giada Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
• Giada Chicken Francese