Eggnog Baked Oats

Bring the flavors of the holidays to your kitchen any time of the year with our Eggnog Baked Oats. Heart-healthy oats are baked with classic eggnog flavors—warm cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and rum extract—while eggs and whole milk add protein to this breakfast dish. Toasty pecans are also in the mix, and we add more on top for some extra crunch. And a sprinkling of dark brown sugar ensures a crispy top that complements the tender interior. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient swaps.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Eggnog Baked Oats are delicious whether you serve them warm, cold or at room temperature.
• To level up the festive flavor, we call for adding a little rum extract, which can be found in the spice aisle at grocery stores. You can substitute vanilla extract if you don’t want the rum flavor. 
• To save time, you can use packaged chopped pecans from your local supermarket or online. To toast nuts, place in a small dry skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2-4 minutes. 

Nutrition Notes

• Oats are a fiber-filled whole grain that fills you up and stabilizes your blood sugar. By regularly eating oats, you might support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. 
• Milk not only softens the oats in this dish but also brings bone-building calcium and vitamin D. The protein in milk combines with the fiber in the oats to add even more staying power. 
• Pecans complete the blood-sugar benefits of this baked oatmeal, as they are a top dietitian pick for blood sugar control. This is mostly thanks to their mix of healthy fats, fiber and protein.