Recipe courtesy of Sarah Schlichter on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

Sweet Potato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a quick, nutritious, and better way to kickstart the day. It offers complex carbohydrates from oats and sweet potatoes, providing a perfect base for adding yogurt or peanut butter, or for pairing with eggs for a protein boost. Plus, anthocyanins found in blueberries pack an antioxidant punch, elevating breakfast to the next level.

Ingredients: Servings: 6; Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 30 minutes

  • Butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups uncooked rolled or old-fashioned oats
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ cups 1% milk
  • 2 large eggs 1 cup mashed sweet potato
  • 1½ tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Coat the inside of a 2-quart baking dish with butter, oil, or nonstick cooking spray
  3. Mix oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Beat in milk, eggs, sweet potato, butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  5. Mix together, saving blueberries for last to prevent staining or crushing, and spread inside dish.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the oats are tender and the moisture has been absorbed.
  7. Drizzle with maple syrup, to taste.

Did you know? Sweet potatoes are a wholesome option for children, adults, and anyone interested in a nutritional boost. They’re used in cuisines all over the world as a satisfying and versatile vegetable, and many are surprised to learn that a medium sweet potato contains about 100 calories when baked in the skin, along with 2 grams of protein and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Their carbs may have a bad reputation, but they’re made up of complex carbohydrates (which provide energy) that are released at a steady pace. Furthermore, they include a myriad of health-promoting antioxidants – like vitamins A and C – that play a role in immunity, skin health and eye health. Plus, sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, which helps you feel “full” and aids digestion, and potassium. To learn more and discover better-for-you recipes for the new year, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.