Sophia Mitchell
Oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option that can be paired with various toppings and side dishes to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. While plain oatmeal is healthy, it can taste bland, and the toppings used can either add to or detract from its health benefits. This article will explore different ways to make oatmeal more exciting and delicious while maintaining its nutritional value. From sweet to savoury options, oatmeal is a versatile dish that can be customised to one's preferences and health goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toppings | Fruit, vegetables, cinnamon, ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, maple syrup, walnuts, peanut butter, banana, berries, almond milk, chia jam, berries with peanut butter, raisins, walnuts, dates, non-dairy yoghurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, chia seeds, poppy seeds, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, chocolate, |
| Type of oats | Steel cut oats, rolled oatmeal, overnight oats, quick oats, instant oats, oat groats, old-fashioned oats |
| Cooking method | Baked oatmeal, slow cooker, instant pot, microwave, stovetop |
| Accompaniments | Quiche, smoothie bowl, potatoes, coffee creamer, coconut milk |
| Variations | Carrot cake breakfast cookies, lemon berry baked oatmeal, creamy morning millet, banana oatmeal bread, chocolate chip oatmeal muffins, spelt and oat cookies, oatmeal pancakes |
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What You'll Learn
Fruit and berries
Oatmeal with fruit and berries is a delicious, nourishing, and healthy breakfast option. It is quick to prepare and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
You can use fresh or frozen fruit and berries, and there are many options to choose from. For fresh fruit, try bananas, berries, apples, peaches, strawberries, mango, or pears. If you're using frozen fruit, mixed berries are a great option, packed with antioxidants and flavour. You can also use frozen mango or any other frozen fruit of your choice.
To prepare your oatmeal, combine the oats with water or milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook until the liquid is absorbed. You can use plant-based milk, such as almond milk, or regular milk for added creaminess. If you like, you can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to your oatmeal for extra sweetness.
Once your oatmeal is cooked, top it with your chosen fruit and berries, either fresh or frozen. You can also add a spoonful of Greek yoghurt or a scoop of protein powder for extra protein. If you're using frozen fruit, you can prepare your oatmeal the night before and let it sit in the fridge until the fruit has thawed.
Oatmeal with fruit and berries is a wholesome, nourishing breakfast option that can be easily customised to your tastes. It's a great way to start your day with a healthy, satisfying meal.
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Nuts and nut butters
Walnuts are a popular choice, and can be added to oatmeal alongside thawed frozen berries, which add a touch of sweetness without the need for added sugar. Black walnuts can be used to add a darker colour to your oatmeal, and are a good option if you're looking for a less sweet option.
Almonds are another nut that pairs well with oatmeal. They can be added to oatmeal alongside berries and almond milk for a nutty, creamy twist on a classic.
Peanut butter is a popular nut butter option, and can be added to oatmeal with sliced bananas for a sweet and indulgent breakfast. Alternatively, you could try swirling peanut butter with berries or chia jam for a PB&J-inspired oatmeal.
If you're looking for a less common option, why not try cashew butter? This can be paired with fresh or frozen cherries, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut for a decadent breakfast.
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Healthy fats and fibres
Oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option that can be made even healthier by adding healthy fats and fibres. Here are some ideas for toppings and sides that will boost the nutritional value of your oatmeal:
Nuts and Nut Butters
Nuts and nut butters are excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins. Try adding chopped walnuts, almonds, or peanut butter to your oatmeal. These toppings will not only enhance the flavour but also provide essential nutrients and make your breakfast more filling.
Seeds
Seeds, such as ground flax seeds or hemp seeds, are another great way to add healthy fats and fibres to your oatmeal. They provide omega-3 fatty acids and can be sprinkled on top or mixed into your oatmeal for a chewy texture.
Fruits
Fruits like berries, bananas, and thawed frozen fruits add natural sweetness and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also help to balance the earthy flavours of oatmeal. For an indulgent twist, you can add some dried fruits like raisins or dates.
Dairy and Non-Dairy Options
For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a drizzle of full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut milk to your oatmeal. Non-dairy yogurt is another excellent option to pair with fresh or frozen fruits. Greek yogurt is also a protein-rich choice that will keep you feeling full throughout the morning.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and can be added to oatmeal for a savoury twist. Whether you scramble them, use egg whites, or hard-boil them, they provide a nutritious boost to your breakfast.
Remember, while adding healthy fats and fibres to your oatmeal, it's important to avoid high-sugar toppings like brown sugar, candied nuts, or sweetened fruits, as they can detract from the health benefits of this versatile breakfast option.
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Sweet treats
Oatmeal is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of sweet treats for breakfast. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are a classic way to enjoy oats as a sweet treat. You can add various mix-ins to your oatmeal cookies, such as walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries. For a fun summer activity, make no-bake oatmeal cookies with kids by rolling the dough into balls and baking them in the oven. If you're feeling adventurous, try making vegan oatmeal cookies with peanut butter, mashed bananas, and maple syrup.
Oatmeal Bars
Another option for a sweet oatmeal treat is to make oatmeal bars. You can create a simple base with rolled oats and then add your favourite fillings. Try using strawberry preserves or a mix of sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips for a creamy and crunchy treat. For a tangy twist, add some lemon zest to your oatmeal bar base.
Baked Oatmeal
If you're looking for a heartier option, baked oatmeal is a great choice. You can make a simple baked oatmeal with oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, apple sauce, and maple syrup. For an extra indulgent touch, top it with a crumb topping made with cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Or, try making a coffee cake-inspired baked oatmeal with a drizzle of melted nut butter or cream cheese frosting.
Oatmeal Pancakes
For a fun breakfast treat, try making oatmeal pancakes. Simply add oatmeal to your favourite pancake recipe, along with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm and cosy flavour profile.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a convenient option for a sweet breakfast treat. You can mix in various ingredients, such as yogurt, coconut, raisins, cranberries, walnuts, or almond milk. For a chocolatey twist, add some Nutella or chocolate almond milk. To make it extra creamy, stir in an egg white or two.
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Savoury options
If you're looking for savoury options to go with oatmeal for breakfast, there are plenty of delicious combinations to try.
One option is to cook your oats with broth or chicken broth instead of water, adding ingredients like eggs, cheese, avocado, sautéed vegetables, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You could also add crispy bacon or sausage for a savoury, protein-filled twist. For a vegetarian option, season your tofu before adding it to the oats.
If you're a fan of Mexican food, you could try a Mexican oatmeal bowl. Season your oatmeal with taco seasoning, paprika powder, lime juice, and salt, then top with corn, salsa, grated cheddar, avocado, and jalapeno. You could also add an egg for a protein boost.
Another option is to create an Asian-inspired oatmeal bowl by topping your oats with mushrooms, a poached egg, soy sauce, and green onions.
For a simple, classic option, you can't go wrong with steel-cut oats topped with soft-boiled eggs, sautéed spinach or other greens, and avocado.
If you're looking for a quick and easy option, instant oats are a great choice. Top with your favourite savoury ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, black beans, cheese, avocado, and lime.
With so many savoury options to choose from, you can easily customise your oatmeal to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Some healthy toppings for oatmeal include berries, bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts, and nut butter.
Some indulgent toppings for oatmeal include chocolate chips, maple syrup, peanut butter, and shredded coconut.
Some side dishes that go well with oatmeal include quiche, a smoothie bowl, and potatoes.
