🥒 Zucchini and Cheese Oat Bakes
📋 Description:
These Zucchini and Cheese Oat Bakes are savory, wholesome bites packed with shredded zucchini, cheese, oats, and eggs — baked to golden perfection. Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a light lunch, they’re gluten-free, high in fiber, and rich in protein. Great for kids and adults alike!
🍽️ Servings:
Makes: 12 muffin-sized bakes
Serving Size: 1 bake
🧀 Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated and drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped spring onions or parsley
🍳 Instructions:
- Prep oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.
- Grate and drain zucchini: Place grated zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, cheese, zucchini, and optional herbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until fully mixed.
- Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and firm.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy warm or store for later.
💡 Notes:
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture.
- If using instant oats, reduce quantity slightly (1 ⅓ cup).
- Squeeze zucchini well to avoid soggy bakes.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy top.
- These can be frozen and reheated in the microwave or oven.
✅ Tips:
- Want extra protein? Add chopped cooked chicken or turkey.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
- Kid-friendly: Use mild cheddar or mozzarella and skip strong herbs.
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Bake – Approximate):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Zucchini: Low-calorie, rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Oats: High in fiber (especially beta-glucan), supports heart and digestive health.
- Cheese: Provides protein, calcium, and vitamin B12.
- Eggs: A complete protein with essential amino acids and nutrients.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! These store well in the fridge for 4–5 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats?
A: No, steel-cut oats won’t soften enough. Stick to rolled or quick oats.
Q: My mixture seems too dry/wet. What do I do?
A: If too dry, add a splash more milk. If too wet, add a spoon of oats or drain zucchini more thoroughly.
Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Absolutely. Try grated carrot, finely chopped spinach, or bell peppers—just keep moisture in check.