Savory Oatmeal Snack Bars
Chewy, herb-infused oatmeal bars packed with protein and fiber, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Simple six-ingredient recipe requiring minimal prep and bake time. Versatile for meal prep and suitable for all-day eating, served warm or cold.
Equipment
- 1 — 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan
- 1 Whisk
- 2 — Measuring cups (for dry and liquid ingredients)
- 2 Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- 1 — Vegetable oil spray
Ingredients
- 2 cups 245 g rolled oats
- 1 cup 240 ml room temperature water
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup 60 ml finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic about 1 large clove
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil spray to ensure the bars don’t stick during baking.
- Soak the Oats: Place the rolled oats in a small mixing bowl. Pour in the room temperature water and stir briefly to combine. Let the oats soak for about one hour, allowing them to absorb the water fully and soften.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until they are just blended. Add the chopped parsley (or cilantro), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning throughout the egg mixture.
- Combine Oats with Egg Mixture: After the oats have softened, add them into the bowl with the egg and herb mixture. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the oats are fully coated and the mixture is evenly blended.
- Bake the Oatmeal Bars: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly across the pan’s surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the bars feel firm when lightly pressed.
- Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the oatmeal bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the bars set properly. After cooling, cut them into bars of your preferred size.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the bars warm or at room temperature. For later use, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They also reheat well in an oven or microwave.
Notes
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh herbs — oregano, thyme, chives, rosemary, or sage all work beautifully. Use about ¼ cup total, mixing or substituting as desired.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with dips such as ketchup, chipotle mayonnaise, or tartar sauce to add an extra flavor kick.
- Temperature Tips: The bars are delicious served cold, warm, or at room temperature, offering flexibility depending on your preference or time of day.
- Storage: Keep the bars covered and refrigerated. They stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a convenient meal-prep option.
- Soaking Time: Don’t skip soaking the oats; this step softens them, ensuring a tender, chewy texture in the final bars.
