Mediterranean Oat Bake

This Mediterranean oat bake brings together the heart-healthy goodness of oats with vibrant Mediterranean flavors for a versatile dish that works as breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. I created this recipe when looking for a protein-packed alternative to my usual morning routine, and it's become a weekend staple in my home.

I first made this on a Sunday morning when hosting friends for brunch, and they were amazed it wasn't from a fancy bakery. Now I make a batch almost weekly for quick breakfasts and light lunches.

Ingredients

• Rolled or porridge oats: The base of this dish, providing hearty texture and fiber
• Feta cheese: Adds tangy saltiness; use Greek feta for the most authentic flavor
• Red onion: Provides aromatic sweetness; choose a firm one with tight skin
• Courgette (zucchini): Adds moisture and nutrients without overwhelming flavor
• Roasted peppers: Bring sweet smokiness; jarred works perfectly, but roast your own when in season
• Sun dried tomatoes: Concentrated umami bombs; look for ones not packed in oil for fewer calories
• Black olives: Add briny Mediterranean flavor; Kalamata works beautifully here
• Chopped nuts: Create texture and protein; choose your favorites or what you have on hand
• Mixed seeds: Add crunch and omega fatty acids; toast them lightly for extra flavor
• Fresh herbs: Brighten the entire dish; basil and parsley complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly
• Dried herbs: Provide background notes; quality dried herbs make a difference
• Garlic: Granules or fresh garlic; essential flavor foundation; fresh will be more pungent
• Eggs: Bind everything together; use room temperature for better incorporation
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning; grass-fed butter tastes even better

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven And Tin:

Start by preheating your oven to exactly 180°C (160°C fan, 350°F). Line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. Alternatively, a 20cm square tin works perfectly too, just expect a slightly shorter baking time. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients including oats, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, grated and squeezed courgette, chopped roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, olives, nuts, seeds, fresh and dried herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients. This step ensures that each slice has a perfect balance of flavors.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Pour in your beaten eggs and melted butter over the dry ingredient mixture. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, fold everything together, ensuring there are no dry patches and the egg coats everything evenly. The mixture will seem quite wet at this stage, but the oats will absorb moisture during baking.

Transfer And Shape:

Spoon the mixture into your prepared tin, using the back of the spoon to press it down firmly. This compression is crucial for creating a loaf that holds together when sliced. Take your time smoothing the top until it's completely level, which ensures even baking and a professional-looking result.

Add Final Touch And Bake:

Drizzle approximately 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the surface, spreading it evenly with the back of your spoon. This creates a beautiful golden crust during baking. Place in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes until the top is deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

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The feta cheese is my absolute favorite component in this recipe. I discovered its magic when experimenting with Mediterranean flavors, and the way it creates pockets of tangy saltiness throughout the oat bake transforms it from good to utterly memorable. My daughter, who typically avoids anything with visible vegetables, asks for seconds every time I make this.

Make Ahead And Storage

This Mediterranean oat bake actually improves with flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooling completely, wrap individual slices in parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and rewarm gently in the microwave for 30 seconds to restore the original soft texture.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. No courgette? Try grated carrot instead. Swap feta for goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Make it dairy-free by using plant-based cheese and coconut oil instead of butter. For a protein boost, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients. Create seasonal variations by using roasted pumpkin in autumn or asparagus in spring. The Mediterranean theme can also shift to Middle Eastern by using za'atar seasoning, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios.

Serving Suggestions

For breakfast, serve a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. As a light lunch, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For dinner, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish and roasted vegetables. It makes a perfect picnic food when packed in individual portions. For entertaining, cut into small squares and serve as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables.

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This recipe brings the Mediterranean to your table in the most delicious way. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I customize the vegetables in this Mediterranean Oat Bake?

Absolutely! The recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute the courgette with grated carrot or swap the jarred peppers for fresh bell peppers. Feel free to add spinach, artichokes, or other Mediterranean vegetables you enjoy.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Mediterranean Oat Bake is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. The protein comes from eggs, feta cheese, nuts, and seeds, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can adapt this to be dairy-free by replacing the feta with a plant-based alternative and using olive oil instead of butter. The texture may be slightly different but the Mediterranean flavors will still shine through.

→ How should I serve Mediterranean Oat Bake?

This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad for a light meal. For breakfast, try it topped with a poached egg. It's delicious warm or cold and makes an excellent packed lunch option.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds to retain the soft texture. You can also warm it in the oven at 160°C/320°F for about 10 minutes. The oat bake is equally delicious eaten cold straight from the refrigerator.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix all ingredients the night before and refrigerate the mixture. The next day, bring it to room temperature before baking. You can also bake it completely, slice, and freeze individual portions for quick future meals.