Baked Oatmeal

I loved hearing your thoughts on traditions versus ruts. You all made me feel better about serving the same meals to my family - as long as it is done in love and received with joy!

For the past year or so, we have been having baked oatmeal on Sunday mornings. Unlike regular cooked oatmeal, which is eaten reluctantly, everyone at our house loves baked oatmeal. I like to choose a Sunday morning menu that is eaten quickly and also has quick clean up. Boxed cereal, the Sunday morning breakfast that I grew up with, is super simple. But it doesn't last long in my children's tummy. Oatmeal has staying power and helps ward off the cranky hunger pangs, at least until we get home from church.

I'm going to share two slightly different recipes. They are almost identical, but I'm separating them to keep from being confusing. The first is mixed in the morning and baked immediately. The second recipe has the oatmeal soaked overnight in milk and an acid ingredient. If you are familiar with Nourishing Traditions, you'll recognize this method as one that some prefer to increase the digestibility of grains. I usually soak the oats, because it is simple, tastes good, and has become part of my Saturday routine. I have no idea if it is actually healthier. Try both and see which your family likes best.

And yes, I'm picky about my oatmeal. Sometimes I prefer quick oats, and other times the old fashioned rolled oats. I hate to keep both on hand, so I only buy rolled oats (in 25 lb bags) and if I want quick oats, give it a light chop in my hand chopper.

 Baked Oatmeal


3 cups quick oats
1/2 cup honey
1 cup milk
1/4 cup  butter
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups raisins - optional
2 cups chopped apples - optional

Mix all ingredients together and stir well. Spread in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Serve with milk.


Soaked  Baked Oatmeal


3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cup milk
1 T yogurt, kefir, vinegar, or lemon juice
1/2 cup honey 
1/4 cup  butter
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups raisins - optional

2 cups chopped apples - optional

In the evening, mix oats, milk and whatever acid ingredient you prefer. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature overnight.

In the morning, mix all ingredients together and stir well. Spread in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Serve with milk.