Cover Photo: Micheile Dot Com / Unsplash
Photo: Micheile Dot Com / Unsplash
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From a baked oatmeal recipe perfect for fans of banana bread to out-of-the-box savoury twists, here are some new ways you can elevate your oatmeal habit
Although oatmeal remains a reliable breakfast go-to, the traditional rolled oats (or worse, quick-cooking oats) can get really old, really fast. If you’re on the hunt for new ways to enjoy oatmeal, look no further. From convenient recipes that require zero cooking to unique twists that being oatmeal to the realm of savoury, here are fresh and inspired ways you can elevate your oatmeal:
See also: How to Elevate Your Instant Noodles: 9 Easy Hacks You Should Try
Overnight Oats
Above Almond Joy overnight oats (Photo: Life Made Sweeter)
Almond Joy overnight oats (Photo: Life Made Sweeter)
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Ideal for those mornings you’re short on time (or simply want to catch those extra Zs), overnight oats are a convenient and tasty way to change up your breakfast habit. Just combine all ingredients and leave your oats in the fridge to soak and soften for at least two hours—no cooking necessary, and minimal cleanup to boot.
At its core, all you really need are oats and water, milk, or your milk substitute of choice. However, the simple addition of yoghurt creates a creamier and richer mouthfeel while imparting a bit of tang, adding chia seeds invites a thicker consistency and can make your oats more filling and nutritious, and protein powder will easily boost your protein intake for the day. Similarly, sweeteners like maple syrup or honey and flavourings like vanilla extract or cinnamon will make for a more indulgent breakfast.
From there, the possibilities are endless—top it off with your choice of fruits, nuts, nut butter, or whatever else you’ve got lying around. For starters, try out this recipe for peanut butter banana overnight oats, this creative take on the delectable Almond Joy candy bar, or this effortless pairing of apple and cinnamon.
See also: Avocado Toast And More: 5 Recipes That Incorporate Yummy Avocados
Steel-Cut Oats
Above Stovetop steel-cut oats (Photo: Cookie and Kate)
Stovetop steel-cut oats (Photo: Cookie and Kate)
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If you prefer your oats warm, but you’re growing bored of the mushy, one-dimensional texture of the usual rolled or quick oats, steel-cut oats may be the one for you. Unlike rolled oats, steel-cut oats are not flattened and have a far coarser shape, similar to rice. Thus, steel-cut oats take a while longer to prepare since they require more time to soften. The result, however, is a delicious bowl of oatmeal with a more interesting, chewier texture and a nuttier flavour profile, too.
Typically, steel-cut oats can take about 30 minutes to prepare, as is the case in this stovetop recipe. Alternatively, you may opt to soak the oats in water ahead of time, which drastically reduces the active cooking time required. If you happen to have an Instant Pot or slow-cooker, both tools are also useful for a hands-off cooking alternative.
See also: Beef Wellington in an Air Fryer? 14 Recipes That Will Surprise You
Baked Oatmeal
Above Banana bread baked oats (Photo: Eating Bird Food)
Banana bread baked oats (Photo: Eating Bird Food)
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For a more unique variation of the breakfast staple, try out baked oatmeal: a chewy and comforting iteration with a consistency not unlike bread pudding. Baked in a casserole dish, it’s ideal for large-scale cooking, which means you’ve got breakfast sorted for the week ahead.
While you may still opt to enjoy your baked oats with toppings such as yoghurt or additional sweeteners, most baked oatmeal recipes will already have ingredients like nuts and fruits incorporated in the oats mixture, so you can simply scoop yourself a serving and dig in.
If you love banana bread (who doesn’t?), this recipe for banana bread baked oatmeal is sure to tickle your fancy. Otherwise, introduce some autumnal flavours to your oat routine with this pumpkin baked oatmeal or this carrot cake baked oatmeal with a maple cream cheese glaze.
Savoury Oatmeal
Above Simple savoury oatmeal (Photo: Martha Stewart)
Simple savoury oatmeal (Photo: Martha Stewart)
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Yes, you read that right! Although oats are typically used in sweet preparations, oats work just as well in savoury dishes since they act as a blank canvas that soaks up any flavour you toss in. Curious? Try out this Chinese-style oatmeal with chicken stock, soy sauce, chilli oil, and green onions, or keep things simple with this easy, cheesy recipe from Martha Stewart.
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
