Healthy Savory Breakfast Oatmeal Bars
Savory, protein-rich oatmeal bars flavored with fresh herbs and garlic, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep. Chewy, satisfying, and easy to make with just six ingredients and minimal prep time
Equipment
- 1 9-inch baking pan
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups 245 g rolled oats
- 1 cup 240 ml water, room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup 60 ml fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced (about 1 large clove)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Take a 9×9-inch baking pan and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to coat all corners and edges to prevent sticking. This ensures your oatmeal bars will release easily after baking and keeps cleanup simple. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
- Soak Oats: Place 2 cups of rolled oats into a small mixing bowl and pour 1 cup of room-temperature water over them. Allow the oats to soak for one full hour; this softens them, creating a chewy, cohesive texture for the bars. Stir once briefly to make sure all oats are evenly hydrated.
- Mix Egg Base: In a medium bowl, crack 4 large eggs and lightly beat them using a whisk until smooth and slightly frothy. Add the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring until fully combined to infuse the eggs with savory flavor.
- Combine Oats and Eggs: Once the oats have soaked, add them to the egg-herb mixture and stir thoroughly with a spatula or spoon. Make sure every oat flake is coated with the egg mixture to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture throughout the bars.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the combined oatmeal and egg mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, smoothing the top so the bars bake uniformly and hold their shape once cut.
- Bake Oatmeal Bars: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the top is golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch; the bars should hold together when sliced.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, cut them into even squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve warm, at room temperature, or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with cilantro, chives, oregano, or a combination of herbs for different flavor profiles.
- Garlic Options: Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste, or adjust cloves according to preference.
- Oat Texture: For chewier bars, use old-fashioned rolled oats; for softer bars, briefly pulse oats in a food processor.
- Serving Temperature: Bars are delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled straight from the fridge.
- Make-Ahead Tip: These bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for busy mornings or snacks.