If you’re searching for a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy blueberries with the wholesome goodness of bread and oats, all soaked in a luscious custard, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a cozy morning treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a special weekday breakfast, this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe promises a delicious start to your day that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a breeze because it calls for straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the soft cubes of bread that create the perfect texture to the fresh blueberries that burst with flavor, every element is essential to achieving that perfect balance of taste and comfort.
- 6 cups cubed bread (brioche, challah, or French bread): Choose a sturdy yet tender bread to soak up the custard without getting mushy.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Adds sweetness and a gorgeous splash of color.
- 4 large eggs: The binding agent that helps set the oatmeal mixture firmly.
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free alternative): Provides a creamy base for the custard.
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream): Makes the bake rich and velvety.
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetener that infuses warmth and depth.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic hint to brighten the flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings cozy spice notes that complement the blueberries.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without being overpowering.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional): Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional): A light dusting for a pretty and sweet finish.
How to Make Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a gentle grease. This ensures your baked oatmeal will come out cleanly and develop a golden crust without sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Blueberries
Spread your cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Then, scatter the blueberries on top, making sure they are distributed well so every bite has a juicy pop of fruit.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is what will soak into the bread and blueberries, creating that rich baked oatmeal texture we love.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the custard over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to make sure every piece of bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to soak in all the goodness. For an even more flavorful experience, cover it and refrigerate the mixture overnight.
Step 5: Add Nuts and Bake
If you’re using nuts for added crunch and flavor, sprinkle them evenly on top now. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the oatmeal is golden brown on top and set nicely in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the oatmeal to cool slightly before dusting with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. This step elevates the dish’s look and adds a hint of delicate sweetness.
How to Serve Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by adding fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a spoonful of creamy yogurt. These garnishes offer brightness and contrast that complement the warm Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe beautifully.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or buttery toasted muffins for those who want a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad is another lovely option to keep breakfast bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving it straight from the baking dish, cut the oatmeal into squares and place them on colorful plates topped with a dollop of whipped cream or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Presentation can truly make this dish feel like a special occasion treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe tastes just as good chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This way, you can enjoy the comfort of this recipe whenever you want, by simply thawing them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help restore that freshly baked creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully and make this recipe easy to enjoy year-round. Just make sure to scatter them directly onto the bread without thawing first.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk alternatives. Using coconut cream instead of heavy cream also gives it a lovely richness while keeping it dairy-free.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Definitely! Preparing the dish the night before and letting it soak overnight in the fridge actually enhances the flavors and texture, making the Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe even more flavorful.
What types of bread work best?
Sturdy, slightly sweet breads like brioche, challah, or French bread offer the best texture and flavor. They soak up the custard well without turning soggy.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Feel free to experiment by adding sliced bananas, diced apples, or even a handful of chocolate chips. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch too.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a heartfelt way to start your morning with comfort, flavor, and a touch of sweetness. It’s simple to make, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Trust me, once you try it, this cozy baked oatmeal will become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation. So why not gather your ingredients today and treat yourself to something truly warm and wonderful?
Print
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and wholesome breakfast dish featuring cubed brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard with fresh blueberries and warming cinnamon. Baked until golden and set, it delivers a perfect blend of sweet and fruity flavors with a soft, pudding-like texture. Ideal for a cozy morning or make-ahead brunch, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with nuts or dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients
Base
- 6 cups cubed bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Toppings
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the correct temperature for even baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease serving.
- Arrange Bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly across the prepared baking dish to create the base of the oatmeal.
- Add Blueberries: Sprinkle the fresh or frozen blueberries evenly over the bread layer for bursts of fruity flavor.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure all bread pieces absorb the custard.
- Rest Mixture: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard. For richer flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Add Nuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the oatmeal is golden brown and set firmly in the center.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with extra maple syrup or fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Substitute dairy with almond, soy, or oat milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Blueberries can be fresh or frozen; no need to thaw if using frozen.
- For extra richness, soak overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest for extra flavor variations.
- Chopped nuts can be walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on preference.
- Powdered sugar is optional and can be omitted to reduce sugar content.
