Jackson Reed
Oatmeal is a nutritious and versatile breakfast option that can be paired with various toppings and add-ons to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. While plain oatmeal is very healthy, it can taste bland, and adding certain toppings may contribute to or detract from its health benefits. This generates a wide range of possibilities for what to pair with oatmeal for breakfast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Oatmeal | Steel-cut oats, rolled oatmeal, overnight oats, instant oats, quick oats, oat groats, old-fashioned oats |
| Cooking Method | Baked oatmeal, slow cooker, instant pot, microwave |
| Toppings | Fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, seeds, eggs, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, dried fruits, cheese, milk, granola |
| Health Benefits | Lower cholesterol, prevent blood sugar spikes, weight loss, control blood sugar |
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Fruit and berries
If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, substitute higher-calorie fruits like bananas with lower-calorie alternatives like blueberries. You can also try adding grated carrots, which have a natural sweetness and make a beautiful bowl of carrot cake oatmeal. For a more tropical twist, pair your oatmeal with fruits like mango and pineapple.
For an extra indulgent option, try a chocolate-covered strawberry oatmeal by adding cocoa powder, vanilla, and fresh or frozen strawberries. You can even add some chocolate chips for a truly decadent breakfast.
If you're looking for a peanut butter and jelly-inspired oatmeal, try swirling together some chia jam or berries with peanut butter. You can also add peanut butter to oatmeal with bananas or frozen berries for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
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Nuts and seeds
Walnuts are a popular choice, adding a nutty sweetness to your oatmeal. Black walnuts, in particular, have a distinctive flavour that pairs well with raspberries. Almonds are another tasty option, and they go well with berries and bananas.
If you're looking for something a little different, try hemp seeds or toasted sesame seeds. Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are another great option, and they add a nice green colour to your bowl. Chia seeds are a good choice too, as they are almost flavourless and can be added to any bowl without changing the taste.
For a nuttier flavour, try peanut butter or almond butter. Peanut butter goes particularly well with bananas, while almond butter complements berries nicely. You can also add sliced nuts to your oatmeal, such as sliced almonds or hazelnuts, for a crunchy texture.
Don't be afraid to mix and match nuts and seeds to find your favourite combination. You can also vary the types of nuts and seeds you use to keep your oatmeal interesting and exciting.
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Spices and sweeteners
While plain oatmeal is nutritious, it can taste bland without toppings. Spices and sweeteners can be added to oatmeal to enhance its flavour and make it more exciting.
Cinnamon is a popular spice to add to oatmeal. It can be used in place of refined sweeteners and may help maintain low blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can be added to oatmeal with raisins, walnuts, and dates to create a cinnamon raisin swirl. Cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, and Ras al Hanout are other spices that can be stirred into oatmeal for extra flavour.
Sweeteners such as maple syrup can be added to oatmeal, but it is important to use these in moderation to avoid excess sugar. Dried fruit can also be used as a sweetener and provides a chewy texture. Dates, apricots, and diced apple can be boiled with water to create a sweet base for oatmeal. Frozen fruit can also be added straight to the oatmeal and will infuse the oats with their juice as they defrost.
Some people prefer to avoid sweeteners altogether. It is possible to get used to the taste of plain oatmeal, and then add other toppings such as nuts and seeds.
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Yogurt and milk
To make yogurt overnight oats, you can combine Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, milk, oatmeal, sea salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. You can then transfer the mixture to mason jars and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, you can enjoy your oatmeal cold or warm it up in the microwave.
If you want to make it dairy-free, you can substitute dairy milk with non-dairy milk options such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. You can also replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
To customise your yogurt overnight oats, you can add various toppings and mix-ins. Fresh berries, nuts, nut butter, honey, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract are all popular choices. Additionally, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and cloves can enhance the flavour of your oatmeal.
By adding yogurt and milk to your oatmeal, you not only increase its protein content but also create a creamy and delicious breakfast option that can be tailored to your taste preferences.
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Savory options
If you're looking for savoury options to pair with oatmeal for breakfast, there are plenty of choices to consider. Firstly, vegetables are a great way to add some savouriness to your oatmeal. Non-starchy vegetables are a healthier option than high-calorie toppings. Grated carrots, for example, add a natural sweetness and a beautiful colour to your oatmeal. You could also try braised greens, or even something like avocado.
Another way to add savoury notes to your oatmeal is to include some cheese. A teaspoon of cream cheese can make your oatmeal taste like a bagel, and smoked salmon and a soft-boiled egg will take it to the next level. You could also try crumbling some nori, dukkah, or furikake over your oatmeal for a savoury twist.
For a well-rounded breakfast, it's a good idea to include a source of protein with your oatmeal. Eggs are a great option, and you can stir in egg whites for a protein boost without altering the flavour. Greek yoghurt is another protein-rich option that will add a creamy texture to your oatmeal.
Finally, spices are a great way to add flavour to oatmeal. Everything spice, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, and Ras al Hanout are all tasty options to explore.
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Frequently asked questions
Oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option, but it can taste bland without toppings. Here are some healthy toppings to consider:
- Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, or dried fruits like mulberries, goji berries, and dates.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or pepitas.
- Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or turmeric.
- Dairy: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or skim or low-fat milk.
- Protein: Egg whites, eggs, or nut butter.
To make oatmeal taste better without adding sugar, consider using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. You can also try adding spices such as cinnamon or cardamom, which can enhance the sweetness of the oatmeal while also providing additional health benefits. Another option is to use dried fruit, which can provide a natural sweetness along with chewy texture and additional nutrients.
If you're looking for some creative oatmeal bowl combinations to elevate your breakfast experience, here are a few ideas:
- PB&J: Chia jam or berries swirled with peanut butter.
- Cinnamon Raisin Swirl: Cinnamon, ground cloves, raisins, walnuts, and dates.
- Blueberry Cheesecake: Fresh or frozen blueberries with non-dairy yogurt.
- Lemon Poppyseed: Lemon juice, lemon zest, and chia or poppy seeds.
- Cherry Garcia: Fresh or frozen cherries, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut.
