Name: Carrot Veggie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; ¾ cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup olive oil or sunflower oil; 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella); 1 ½ cups grated carrots (freshly grated); ½ cup finely chopped zucchini (squeezed to remove moisture); ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper; ½ cup chopped spinach or kale; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional); ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or flax seeds; Pinch of chili flakes for heat

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme

Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins:

2 large eggs
¼ cup olive oil or sunflower oil
1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
1 ½ cups grated carrots (freshly grated)
½ cup finely chopped zucchini (squeezed to remove moisture)
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped spinach or kale
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or flax seeds
Pinch of chili flakes for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. This dry base will help hold your bars together while packing in texture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the yogurt and olive oil until smooth. Add in your shredded cheddar cheese and mix again until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Fold in the grated carrots, chopped zucchini, bell pepper, spinach, and green onions. Make sure your zucchini is squeezed well to prevent the batter from getting watery. Mix until the vegetables are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet-vegetable mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until you have a well-combined, slightly thick batter.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Spread Evenly

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly to all corners. Press down lightly to ensure it’s compact and will hold together when baked and sliced.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Firm

Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the center remains soft but set.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes clean cuts easier. Slice into 12 squares or bars and serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 215
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g