Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal

Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal is a great way to start any day. It's a hearty breakfast that will stick with you well into the day, and it tastes delicious!!

Inspired by the iconic sandwich, this peanut butter, and jelly oatmeal can be tailored to your tastes and preferences when it comes to using your favorite brand of peanut butter and the type of berries you like best.

Ingredient information:

OLD-FASHIONED ROLLED OATS - I like to use the old-fashioned rolled oats for the wonderful texture and chew they provide.

Since old-fashioned rolled oats are thicker than a quick-cooking oat, they have a bit more bite, more eating satisfaction (to me), even though they take a tad longer to cook.

KOSHER SALT - I always use kosher salt. I love the grain-size and I appreciate the taste of kosher salt.

However, if you choose to use table salt (which has a smaller grain and is typically an iodized salt), please cut back to half of the amount called for in this recipe.

MILK - I used a 2% cow's milk, but you can use any type of milk you like and have in your fridge. See below for substitution options and/or suggestions.

PEANUT BUTTER - I used "Skippy" peanut butter because that's the kind I have in my pantry.

I've been a Skippy girl for my whole life, even though there are sure healthier options available. Use what you like, and what you have available to you.

BROWN SUGAR - You can use either light or dark brown sugar. I tend to always use dark brown sugar because I love the extra depth of flavor it provides, but not everyone does. Use the brown sugar you prefer.

MAPLE EXTRACT - I didn't want to add pure maple syrup because I find that the extract has more concentrated flavor without adding too much additional liquid.

I urge you not to use imitation maple syrup as it's mostly corn syrup with maple extract flavoring and the finished oatmeal will be WAY too sweet with all that added corn syrup.

EGG - The egg acts as a binder and keeps the oatmeal from being runny. I always use large eggs. Did you know that an egg is easier to whisk into a batter if it has been brought to room temperature?

GROUND CINNAMON - This ingredient is optional, but I like the extra warmth the cinnamon provides. I only used a ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon because I didn't want the cinnamon to overtake the peanut butter flavor.

Feel free to use more if you like, or as I mentioned, leave it out entirely.

FRESH BLUEBERRIES - I've always adored blueberries and I think fresh work best in this recipe because they won't turn the oatmeal purple like frozen blueberries likely would.

That said, if you'd like to use frozen blueberries, make sure they're still frozen when you add them to the top of the oatmeal before baking. Thawed blueberries would definitely bleed and discolor the oatmeal.

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• 9 x 13 CASSEROLE DISH - I chose to use this size casserole dish and that's how the recipe's bake time is written. That said, you can use another size dish, but please be aware that bake time will different than what is written in the recipe card. A round casserole dish will take longer to bake because the oatmeal within will be deeper.

• MICROWAVE SAFE BOWL - I used this to warm the milk before whisking in the peanut butter. You can also use a saucepan to heat the milk if you prefer but it only needs to warm, and not boil. Just enough heat for the peanut butter to soften and to be easier to whisk into the milk.

• WHISK - Recommended as the best tool for combining the liquid ingredients.

• MEASURING CUPS AND SPOONS - For easier cleanup when measuring the peanut butter, spray the measuring cup with baking spray before adding the peanut butter.

• BAKING SPRAY - Baking spray is recommended, but buttering the casserole dish is a fine alternative.

How did this recipe come to be?

I frequently used to add peanut butter and blueberries to my packets of quick cooking oats as a treat in the morning.

Recently when we booked a vacation rental home with friends, I decided to make an oatmeal breakfast casserole for them that had the same flavor profile.

This recipe is the result of that trip and since it was a big hit, I knew I wanted to share with you!

Add-in and substitution suggestions:

Feel free to use whatever type of nut butter you like. I think they'd all be equally delicious.

If you prefer using a non-dairy almond or coconut milk, go for it. Again, I'm sure any type of milk you choose will make a delicious baked oatmeal situation.

I chose blueberries for this recipe post because they're what I originally used when we were with our friends, and I first made this breakfast casserole. However, any berries you choose, or even a mix of berries, will work wonderfully well.

As far as add-ins, if you're a banana lover why not add some slices bananas to the top right before serving? Or, what about topping your oatmeal with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, pineapple chunks, or even coconut flakes, to really take things over the top!

Is oatmeal good for you?

Yes. Oatmeal is a high fiber food that can help to reduce or maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Oats are a gluten-free food that are also full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

What is the difference between quick-cooking oats and old-fashioned rolled oats?

Old-Fashioned rolled oats are whole oats that are thicker than quick cooking oats. Quick cooking oats are thinner and also cut into smaller pieces making them faster to cook.

Can quick-cooking oats be used instead?

Yes, they are interchangeable, and they are both equally nutritious.

If using quick cooking oats how long will this oatmeal breakfast casserole take to bake?

You can cut the baking time to 30-35 minutes if you use quick cooking oats. Everything else in the recipe remains the same.

Can baked oatmeal be made in advance?

Yes. Before baking, place it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature and then bake it for 50 minutes as called for in the recipe.

What are some of the health benefits of blueberries?

Blueberries are considered a superfood. They are low in calories and high in antioxidants and nutrients.

Blueberries may help protect against aging and cancer and they're also linked in reducing the bad cholesterol in your body.

Can almond milk be used as a replacement for the milk?

It sure can. Continue with the recipe as written using almond milk as a replacement for cow's milk.

What is the best way to serve PB&J baked oatmeal?

Of course, you can eat it plain, right out of the oven, but I think it's best with a little heavy cream poured over top.

You can also use half and half, and even almond milk. The choice is yours.

How to store blueberries for long-lasting freshness:

I learned this hack a few months back and I'm always amazed with how well it works: Store freshly washed and dried berries in glass mason jars with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.

You'll get weeks of freshness out of berries that would have otherwise spoiled within days. Try it for yourself!

Renee's top tips and tricks for recipe success:

Make sure to heat the milk (I used the microwave) before incorporating the peanut butter. The heat from the milk will *melt* the peanut butter hence making it easier to combine it with the milk.

Add the egg into the milk and peanut butter mixture last so the mixture has had a chance to cool down and it won't scramble the egg when added.

I find that maple extract has a more intense flavor than pure maple syrup. A little maple extract goes a long in flavoring this oatmeal casserole whereas you'd need a lot more of pure maple syrup to give it any maple flavor.

I do not recommend using imitation maple syrup for this recipe as that will make the oatmeal way too sweet.

Can this be frozen after baking?

Yes!

Cool the baked oatmeal completely before adding it to an airtight freezer container and then you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Thaw the peanut butter and jelly oatmeal the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave (covered) or on the stovetop with a few tablespoons of water (to thin), if desired.

Can other nut butters be used in place of the peanut butter?

You bet! Use your favorite nut butter and have fun with this recipe.

Can jarred jelly be used in place of the fresh fruit?

I've honestly not tried it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

My suggestion would be to slightly heat the jelly to make it a little thinner in texture and then dollop or drizzle it over the top of the oatmeal before baking. If you like you can even use a knife to swirl the jelly into the peanut butter oatmeal before baking.

Naturally, you can use any flavor of jelly you prefer.

Additional breakfast recipes:

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Strata is the perfect make-ahead meal when you want to feed a hungry crowd for breakfast or brunch.

When you have a taste for some corned beef hash, but also a wonderfully eggy frittata, why not make this unexpected yet delicious Corned Beef Hash Frittata?

This easy Berry Almond Oatmeal Coffeecake will be a welcome addition to any morning with its nutty flavor and bursting with fresh berries.

Deliciously hearty and heart-healthy too! Oatmeal Pancakes with Banana and Coconut are a flavorful way to start any day!

Additional peanut butter and jelly inspired recipes:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Footballs are tasty little snackers that are super simple to make and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any tailgating or big game party!

Chicken with Peanut Butter and Strawberry Satay Sauce is my healthy and nutritious take on a p, b, and j. The flavor of these kebobs is out-of-this-world delicious! Serve them as an appetizer or main course.

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup is my riff on a PB and J sandwich, only in pancake form.

I sincerely hope you'll enjoy this heart-healthy and delicious PB&J baked oatmeal breakfast casserole as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!