Starting your day with a warm, comforting bowl of baked porridge is like magic. I remember the first time I made this almond and oatmeal porridge. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I just wanted to snuggle up on the couch with a cozy blanket. The house smelled amazing from the almonds and oats baking in the oven, and the golden crust on top was irresistible. I couldn’t help but smile as I took my first bite—it was everything I hoped for: creamy, nutty, and a little bit indulgent. It’s like a treat for yourself, even though it’s healthy and nourishing. If you haven’t tried baked porridge before, I think you’ll be surprised by how much joy it can bring to your morning routine.
Let’s dive into the recipe so you can experience this blissful breakfast too. It’s easier than you might think—and the best part? You don’t have to stand over the stove stirring endlessly. Just pop everything in the oven and let the magic happen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Before we get into the actual cooking, let’s take a moment to talk about the ingredients. This porridge is incredibly versatile, and I’m sure you’ll find it easy to personalize to your tastes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oats: The heart of this dish. You can use regular oats or go for gluten-free oats if you prefer. If you’ve been hesitant to try gluten-free options before, you’ll be pleased to know the texture and taste are virtually the same.
- Almond powder: This adds a lovely nutty flavor, but you can substitute it with coconut flour for a different twist or even ground flaxseed for an added nutritional boost.
- Milk: I like to use dairy milk, but you can easily swap it for plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk—just pick your favorite.
- Baking powder: This is essential for giving the porridge a light, fluffy texture as it bakes.
- Sweetener: Optional, but a bit of sugar or honey can make it sweeter. I personally prefer a drizzle of maple syrup for a richer flavor.
You can play around with this base and make it your own. Try adding in a sprinkle of cinnamon, a touch of vanilla extract, or even some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. The possibilities are endless.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Alright, let’s get started! The oven is preheating, and it’s time to assemble this beautiful bowl of warmth.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Let it warm up while you prepare the ingredients.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your oats, almond powder, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and your milk. If you’re adding sugar, go ahead and stir it in here—add as much or as little as you like!
- Get that almond crunch: Pour the mixture into a baking dish that can go in the oven. I love using a small, round ceramic dish for the perfect texture and golden top. Before you pop it in, sprinkle sliced almonds generously over the top—this will create that beautiful, crunchy layer that I adore. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a light dusting of vanilla powdered sugar will give the porridge a delicate sweetness and a touch of elegance.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges start to crisp up. It will smell absolutely amazing while it’s baking—be ready to be tempted!
- Serving suggestion: Once baked, let it cool for a minute (if you can resist!), and then serve it warm. I love to add fresh fruit like berries or banana slices on top. A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey also makes for a perfect finish.
How to Get the Perfect Texture
One thing I’ve learned through making this recipe over and over is that texture is key. The beauty of this baked porridge is in the contrast between the creamy, almost custard-like interior and the crunchy, slightly caramelized top. To achieve this:
- Don’t overmix: When you stir in the oats and milk, mix just enough to combine everything. This keeps the oats from becoming mushy.
- Watch the baking time: If you’re after that perfect golden top, keep an eye on it. Ovens vary, so check at the 20-minute mark and adjust as needed.
Leftovers and Storage
Let’s be honest: sometimes the best part of breakfast is looking forward to leftovers. If you happen to have any of this porridge left, it stores beautifully. Simply cover it and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend popping it back in the oven for a few minutes at 180°C to get that crispy texture back. You can also microwave it, but I think the oven really brings out the best in this dish.
For a fun twist, you can also turn leftover porridge into a midday snack by layering it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a quick parfait. It’s a great way to use up any extra while adding a bit of indulgence to your day.
Final Thoughts
Baked porridge is like a warm hug in food form. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the whole experience. From the moment you pop it in the oven to the last bite, it’s a little self-care ritual that can set the perfect mood for your day. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weekend morning or packing it for a hectic day, this recipe is a keeper.
Enjoy the warmth, the texture, and the simple joy of knowing you’ve created something wholesome and delicious to start your day.
Baked Almond Oatmeal Porridge
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Oats You can use regular or gluten-free oats
- 2 tablespoons Almond powder Can substitute with coconut flour or ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder For light and fluffy texture
- 1 pinch Salt
- 2 cups Milk Can be substituted with plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon Sweetener (optional) Use sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste
- ¼ cup Sliced almonds For a crunchy topping
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine oats, almond powder, baking powder, salt, and milk. Stir in the sweetener if desired.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges crisp up.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, top with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins, such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, or dried fruit.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for the best texture.
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