This Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cottage Cheese combines the heartiness of oatmeal with the creamy richness of cottage cheese, accented by tender, flavorful apples. It’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying, making it perfect for a wholesome breakfast or even a comforting dessert. Whether you’re enjoying it warm on a chilly morning or as a cold treat, this oatmeal bake is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
This recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing for substitutions to fit dietary needs such as dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegetarian preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe and break it down step by step to ensure that you can create the perfect baked oatmeal every time.
Ingredients
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Oatmeal Base:
- 1 cup (90g) of oatmeal (rolled oats work best)
- ½ cup (150ml) warm milk (any milk will work – cow’s, almond, or oat milk)
- 2 apples (peeled and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon (20g) butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanillin)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (50g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 1 cup (80g) oat flakes
- 1 egg (for the cottage cheese mixture)
- 2-3 tablespoons sweetener (e.g., honey, maple syrup, or stevia)
- ¼ cup (30g) coconut flour
- Extra vegetable oil for greasing the baking dish
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Base
Start by soaking the oatmeal. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal with ½ cup of warm milk. Stir everything together and let it sit for 10 minutes. The warm milk will soften the oats, making the final dish tender and moist. Soaking oats helps reduce the cooking time, ensuring the oatmeal absorbs the flavors from the other ingredients more effectively.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
While the oats soak, prepare the apples. Peel and chop two apples into small chunks, removing the cores. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped apples and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they soften. This process helps caramelize the apples slightly, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing the flavor.
As the apples cook, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor that will complement the other ingredients. Let the apples cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden. If you like a bit more sweetness, you can add a touch of sweetener at this point.
Step 3: Mix the Oatmeal Batter
Once the oatmeal has soaked and the apples are cooked, it’s time to assemble the oatmeal batter. In a large mixing bowl, beat two eggs until well combined. These eggs will provide structure to the baked oatmeal and help bind everything together.
Next, stir in the soaked oatmeal, which should now be soft and slightly creamy. Add the 1 cup of oat flakes (for texture and heartiness), and then add the sautéed apples along with any remaining butter from the pan. Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of avocado oil (or another vegetable oil) to keep the oatmeal moist and tender.
At this point, you can also mix in any additional flavorings or spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, prepare the cottage cheese layer. Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that adds creaminess and a good amount of protein to this dish. Take 1 cup of cottage cheese and add 1 egg to it. The egg helps bind the cottage cheese and gives the dish its richness. Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetener, depending on your preferred level of sweetness. Honey, maple syrup, or even stevia can all work well in this dish. Stir in ¼ cup of coconut flour, which helps absorb moisture from the cottage cheese and prevents the dish from becoming too runny.
Mix everything together until the cottage cheese layer is smooth and well-combined. The coconut flour also adds a slight nutty flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). While the oven heats up, prepare the baking dish by greasing it with vegetable oil. This ensures that the oatmeal doesn’t stick and makes cleanup much easier. You can use a 9×9-inch square dish or a similarly sized oval dish.
Once the baking dish is greased, begin assembling the dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out evenly. This oatmeal layer will form the base of your baked oatmeal.
Next, spoon the cottage cheese mixture on top of the oatmeal layer. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, covering the oatmeal layer completely. The contrast of the creamy cottage cheese on top and the hearty oatmeal underneath creates a satisfying texture when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Oatmeal
Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This indicates that the dish has set and is ready to be served. If you like a crispier top, you can bake for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn it.
As the oatmeal bakes, your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma of vanilla, apples, and warm oats.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, remove the oatmeal from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into portions. This allows the dish to firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Serve the baked oatmeal warm or cold, depending on your preference. It can be enjoyed straight from the dish or plated individually. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top or a drizzle of honey for additional sweetness. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also make delicious toppings.
Serving Suggestions
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Greek Yogurt:
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess and protein. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will enhance the flavor. -
Fresh Fruit:
Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity, refreshing contrast to the warmth of the baked oatmeal. -
Nuts and Seeds:
Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top to add crunch and extra heart-healthy fats. -
Sweeteners:
If you prefer a sweeter dish, drizzle a bit of maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup on top before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
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High in Protein:
Cottage cheese and eggs provide a good source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues. This makes the dish filling and satisfying, keeping you full longer. -
Rich in Fiber:
Oats and apples are high in dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. -
Healthy Fats:
The addition of nuts and avocado oil provides healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health. -
Low in Added Sugars:
The natural sweetness of apples and the option to control the amount of sweetener used means that this dish is low in added sugars compared to many traditional baked goods.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
Storage
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Room Temperature:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving for a fresh taste. -
Refrigerator:
For longer storage, refrigerate the baked oatmeal for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven to restore its texture. -
Freezer:
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cottage Cheese is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy dessert. The combination of soft oatmeal, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet apples offers a satisfying and filling dish that provides plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you’re looking for a warm breakfast to start your day or a light and nutritious snack, this baked oatmeal will keep you satisfied and energized. Enjoy it warm or cold, and feel free to personalize it with your favorite toppings and sweeteners.