Easy breakfast zoats (zucchini oats) are a fun way to get veggies in for breakfast. With just 7 simple ingredients you can whip up this tasty bowl of oats. Zucchini is a great veggie to work with as it is pretty neutral in taste and smell.
Zoats zucchini oats
If you’re looking to get some veggies added into your meals, this zucchini oatmeal is is a great way to get in hidden veggies. Breakfast can be a little tricky when it comes to vegetables and they can be a little harder to work in. These zucchini oats make it super easy! It’s also a great way to switch up your breakfast and try something new.
Zucchini is mild in taste so you don’t even notice it in this recipe! It’s neutral in taste and adds texture, moisture and nutrients. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover or extra zucchini (especially if you have a garden and have tons of zucchini on hand).
Ingredients in zoats
These zoats require simple and wholesome ingredients. Let’s take a minute to break down the ingredients we are working with.
Oats are the main event. For this recipe you can use whole oats, quick oats or gluten free oats. Depending which oats you choose will depend on the cooking time.
Shredded zucchini is necessary for zoats! Simply peel and shred your zucchini as we will be adding it directly into the oatmeal.
Milk is a must! You must use milk in order to get creamy oats. See substitutes and variations below for more milk options.
For a hint of sweetness we will be using pure maple syrup.
Chia seeds add texture they also add flavor and nutritional value.
Flaxseed meal also adds tons of nutrients and you don’t even taste it!
Lastly, cinnamon for enhanced flavor. Also cinnamon pairs really well with oats!
Why you’ll love zoats zucchini oats
Veggies for breakfast is a great way to start the day with a wholesome and balanced meal. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love zucchini oatmeal.
- It’s wholesome and filling
- These oats can be made gluten free.
- They are a great base for a wide variety of toppings.
- Also it’s a great way to use up leftover zucchini’s.
- This recipe is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal.
- Zoats are a great way to get in hidden veggies.
- Additionally, try this Chia Seed Oatmeal for some more oatmeal inspiration.
Toppings for zoats zucchini oatmeal
Toppings on oatmeal are a must! What’s great about oatmeal is that it’s so versatile and can accompany so many different toppings. Making a great oatmeal base and adding the toppings of your choice is the best as it will please everyone. Find some topping ideas below.
Firstly, sliced banana. Banana pairs so nicely with oatmeal. Add some freshly sliced or diced banana.
Secondly, berries. A mix of berries is delicious on oatmeal. Blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries all work well. Also, feel free to use frozen berries as well! The hot oatmeal will slowly melt the frozen berries as you eat them.
Nut butter. Any creamy or chunky nut butter will do! Make sure to use natural nut butters as they have no added chemicals or sugars. Natural nut butters will only have the nut and salt as the ingredients. Also, natural nut butter can be very oily when you first open them so make sure it give it a good stir!
Nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and cashews are all delicious options. Nuts add a salty crunch!
Chopped dates make another tasty topping as they add an all natural sweetness.
Lastly, chocolate chips. Where are all my chocolate lovers? Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for delicious chocolate flavor. Plus, they will slowly melt as you’re eating your oatmeal making it smooth and creamy.
The toppings are really endless when it comes to this zucchini oatmeal. If you try any other topping variations please let me know down in the comments! I love hearing from you.
Frequently asked questions
What are zoats?
Zoats are a fun name for oatmeal with zucchini. You take the Z from zucchini and add it in front of the word oats and you get zoats! Zoats are a combination of oats and zucchini cooked with other tasty ingredients.
Is zucchini healthy?
Yes! Zucchini is a very nutritious vegetable. It is high in fiber, low in calorie, and loaded with many important vitamins and minerals.
What are zucchini oats?
Zucchini oats are simply zucchini and oatmeal cooked together on the stove with a few other ingredients. This recipe uses chia seeds, flax seed meal, maple syrup and cinnamon to make delicious tasting oatmeal.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Store these oats in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat these oats, add them back on the stove with more milk. Mix frequently until smooth and heated through. Add as much milk as you need to reach the consistency of your liking.
What type of milk can I use?
If you are able to eat dairy I recommend using cows milk. If not, use almond milk or oat milk. All of these milk options will result in creamy oatmeal.
Can I use gluten free oats?
Yes! Make sure to use certified gluten free oats.
Substitutes and variations
Oats: you can use rolled oats, quick oats, or gluten free oats.
Cinnamon adds a ton of flavor. Feel free to add in more cinnamon for enhanced flavor. You can use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Milk makes these oats super creamy. Feel free to use cows milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy free milk of choice.
Maple syrup OR honey will add an all natural sweetness.
Other oatmeal recipes you’ll love
If you love oatmeal, certainly give these other recipes a try! There is an oatmeal recipe here for everyone. If you love peanut butter, nutella, or fruit, I’ve got you covered with some of these other oatmeal recipes below.
Chocolate Baked Oats with Peanut Butter
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Did you make this recipe
If you give this zucchini oatmeal recipe a try, please let me know! Please leave a comment with a star rating below. Your reviews and comments help support Brae’s Bites and allows me to continue to make delicious recipes! For some more recipe inspiration, you can also find and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
Zoats Zucchini Oats
Ingredients
- ¾-1 cup milk or almond milk
- ⅓ cup oats rolled oats, quick oats, gluten free oats
- ¼ cup shredded zucchini
- 1 tsp flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- toppings of your choice peanut butter, banana, nuts, seeds, berries
Instructions
- Grab a small saucepan and all your ingredients.
- Add the ingredients to the pan: milk, oats, zucchini, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Turn on the stove to medium/low heat.
- If you're using quick oats, these oats will be ready in under 5 minutes. Simply bring the mixture to a boil and mix frequently until the oats reach the consistency you like. About 4-5 minutes.
- If you're using whole rolled oats you may need to add a little more milk and cook longer. Cook until the oats reach the consistency of your liking. About 5-6 minutes.
- Pour the oats into a bowl and add toppings: peanut butter, nuts, sliced banana, berries. Enjoy!
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