Need a simple, healthy breakfast idea? Try this Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal! It combines old-fashioned and quick oats with milk, eggs, butter, chocolate chips and a few other pantry staples for a delicious easy recipe that the whole family will love.
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I know that overnight oats are all the rage right now. Personally, though, I’ve never been a fan. I struggle to get past the mushy texture and find them quite unappetizing.
But baked oatmeal? Now, that’s a different story! I can happily eat that every morning of the week!
Why We Love Easy Baked Oatmeal
- Simple & Quick. Just mix all the ingredients together, bake it and just like that you have a great busy morning breakfast recipe.
- Kid Friendly. Even picky eaters tend to like this recipe. I mean, there are chocolate chips after all!
- Healthier. More nutritious than many breakfast options, especially traditional breakfast cereal.
- Filling. We find a serving of this keeps us full until lunchtime.
- Stores Well. While we love eating it hot and fresh, leftovers are also delicious. Either enjoy it cold or simply reheat whatever portion you want to eat.
Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Ingredients
- Quick oats. You can use all quick oats instead of half quick oats, half rolled oats- the texture will just be a bit different.
- Rolled oats. I love the slightly crunchier texture that these give the recipe!
- Brown sugar. You can easily adjust this amount to suit your preference.
- Baking powder.
- Cinnamon.
- Salt.
- Milk. You can use both regular milk or your favorite plant-based milk.
- Butter. Salted or unsalted will work. You can also substitute for melted coconut oil if you prefer.
- Eggs.
- Chocolate chips. We love using dark chocolate but semi-sweet or milk chocolate are good too.
How to Make This Recipe
STEP 1: Add all of the ingredients except for the chocolate chips, into a large mixing stir. Stir until combined. Add chocolate chips and mix well.
STEP 2: Spoon the oats mixture into a greased 9×9 baking dish, or one that is similar in size.
STEP 3: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
STEP 4: Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Helpful Tips & Variations
- For a Double Batch: Just use a 9×13 pan and bake for a little longer.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 4-6 days.
- Freezing: Save time by making several batches at once and then freezing the extra. You can either freeze the oatmeal in the pan you baked it in, or cut it into squares and put it in a freezer safe container. If it’s more convenient, you can also cut the oatmeal into individual portions, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze that way.
Want to eat the oatmeal directly from the freezer? Simply defrost it using the microwave.
- Make Ahead: This one-bowl recipe can be mixed up the night before and baked the next morning. I don’t think this works quite as well if you are using only quick oatmeal since they will soak up the moisture more and the texture of the finished recipe tends to be a bit more mushy. But if that won’t bother you, go for it!
- Less Cleanup: For fewer dirty dishes, melt the butter directly in the mixing bowl before you add the other ingredients.
- Oatmeal Parfaits: To make oat parfaits, simply layer crumbled baked oatmeal with fruit and yogurt in a bowl.
- Additions: Serve baked oatmeal with milk or yogurt poured over it. Try topping it with some strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or peaches.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Easy Basic Homemade Granola
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Healthy Double Chocolate Muffins
- Easy Homemade Caramel Frappe
Easy Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c. quick oats (see notes below)
- 1 ½ c. rolled oats
- ½ to 1 c. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ c. butter, melted (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ c. chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add everything but the chocolate chips to a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly, then stir in chocolate chips.
- Spoon into a greased 9 in. baking dish (or any similar sized baking dish).
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and center is set.
- Enjoy plain, serve it with milk or yogurt or top it with your favorite fruit.
Notes
A reader commented on Facebook that she makes this into muffins (makes about 15), baking them for 18 to 20 minutes. They’re perfect for quick easy grab-and-go breakfasts!
- Oatmeal: You can use 3 c. quick oats instead of half quick oats, half rolled oats- the texture will just be different.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to try other add-ins such as apples, blueberries or bananas. The flavor options are quite versatile!
- Doubling: This can easily be doubled and baked in a 9 x 13 baking dish. You will just need to bake a bit longer.
- Make Ahead: This can be mixed up the night before and then baked in the morning. If using all quick oats, the texture will be a bit mushier, but it is still good. If using a mixture of quick and rolled oats, the texture will not change much.
- To Freeze: Cut the oatmeal into individual portions and either freeze them in a freezer-safe container or wrap each portion in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to enjoy, pull out the amount you need and thaw ahead of time or defrost in the microwave.
Sarah J
This looks so delicious! I have recently started finding more recipes for oatmeal that have turned out good. Like you I never thought I liked baked oatmeal but I think I’m starting to change my mind. Pinning this! 🙂
ThriftyFrugalMom
Isn’t it funny how we sometimes surprise ourselves by liking something after all? If you are going to like any oatmeal, I’d think it would be this one. I mean hey, it’s practically a dessert! 😉
Lisa Ehrman
This is such a great idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
ThriftyFrugalMom
Lisa, you are very welcome!
Nathana
I am looking for some great freezer meals post baby. I am totally going to try this! My husband is super picky about his oatmeal, but I think even he would like this! After you freeze it, do you reheat it in the oven or microwave?
ThriftyFrugalMom
Congratulations on the baby, Nathana! And kudos for planning ahead and getting some food in the freezer. In my opinion, that is one of the best ways to make your life easier post baby.
As far as how to reheat it, I always use the microwave, but I’m pretty sure you could do it in the oven too, just at a really low temp. Hope it’s a winner with the husband! 😉
Corinne
This looks delicious! I bet it makes the house smell amazing while it’s baking too.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Corinne, it totally does!
Tiffany
Ok, this looks delicious! I’ve honestly never done a baked oatmeal but I am pinning this one to try.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Well, Tiffany, up until about 1 1/2 yr. ago, I hadn’t either. But this one is definitely a keeper!
Heather
The only thing better than oatmeal is oatmeal with chocolate chips!
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. I’m pinning it. It will be the perfect potluck for our Easter Brunch at church. YUM!
ThriftyFrugalMom
Totally my sentiments, Heather! I’m sure this will be a hit at the brunch and the great thing is, it will be a cinch to make up the morning of. Win, win!