If you are looking for recipes using oats, you've come to the right place. Included is 30 oat recipes that go beyond standard oatmeal, including sweet and savory options. It's time to use this cheap pantry staple to its full potential.
Oats are a pantry staple that I always have on hand. You may think that oats are only good for making oatmeal, but they are actually an incredibly versatile grain.
Not only are oats full of nutrients and health benefits, they are also inexpensive. Unless you can't tolerate oats or are on a special diet that excludes them, I would encourage everyone to get friendly with this lovely grain.
As part of our pantry highlight challenge, I'm sharing with you thirty recipes using oats to spark your creativity. Let's start using oats to their fullest potential.
30 Recipes Using Oats
Stovetop Oatmeal
Yes, stovetop oatmeal is a basic recipe, but if you are still buying oatmeal packets, you need a good basic stovetop recipe in your life. Making oatmeal on the stove couldn't be easier, is super cheap, and can be customized in so many different ways to jazz up your plain oatmeal.
Variations:
Oat pancakes
These simple oat pancakes are naturally whole grain and gluten free. Using basic pantry ingredients, they can be whipped up easily in the blender and on the skillet in no time.
Easy Granola
Granola is great to make for meal prep or for gifts. Sprinkle it on yogurt, fruit, smoothie bowls, or just snack on it by itself.
4. Baked apple oatmeal
This baked apple oatmeal is a winner for fall and perfect for breakfast meal prep.
Pumpkin oat muffins
Healthy pumpkin oat muffins are awesome in the fall for breakfast or snacks. I love that they don't use flour, but just blended oats.
No flour banana oatmeal muffins
These healthy oatmeal muffins sweetened with bananas are a staple snack in our house. Every time I have over ripe bananas that I need to use, I whip up a batch.
Breakfast cookies
Breakfast cookies are a great grab and go breakfast option to make in advance. I bet you could make a bunch and put in the freezer too.
Peanut butter oatmeal balls
3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls have been a favorite snack at my house for years. My kids loved helping me make them when they were young, and now they make them on their own.
Strawberry banana oat bars
These strawberry banana oat bars are just calling out to me. Don't they look awesome? I love that they use simple ingredients too. Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Meatloaf
Oats also make a great binder. You can use them in any way you would breadcrumbs like in this meatloaf. I use them frequently this way for a gluten-free alternative.
Meatballs
Turkey meatballs also use oats as a binder and they look super tasty.
Oat crusted chicken strips
Oat crusted chicken strips are a brilliant way to bread chicken. Kid friendly and fiber rich.
Icelandic Vegetable and Oat Soup
Oats are also excellent at thickening soups. This Icelandic vegetable and oat soup looks incredibly hearty and comforting for the cold fall and winter months.
Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms
Oats can even be used as a delicious stuffing as showcased in these Mediterranean stuffed mushrooms. Yum!
Savory oatmeal
Most people are familiar with sweet oatmeal, but they can also be savory. Here are five savory oatmeal recipes that look delicious.
Oat flour dinner rolls
Oats can even be used to make oat flour dinner rolls. Who knew?
Oat stuffed baked pears
If you have pears, oats, nuts, and sweetener, you are on your way to a deliciously simple dessert. These oat stuffed baked pears look delish!
Oatmeal pie crust
Oats can also be made into an oatmeal pie crust, which is somewhat similar to a cookie crust.
Oatmeal Smoothie
If you are trying to bump up your fiber intake, try this oatmeal smoothie recipe. Oats add a creaminess and slightly sweet flavor that I love in a smoothie.
Oat milk
Oat milk is a great milk alternative that is gaining popularity in the dairy-free world. It's actually very easy to make your own at home too.
Oatmeal raisin cookie dough "ice cream"
Oatmeal raisin cookie dough "ice cream" is a creative way to enjoy a healthy dairy-free dessert.
More delicious oat recipes:
Helpful tools when cooking with oats
A high speed blender is needed when breaking down oats into a powder. There are many blenders out there, but I own and love the Ninja. It's a middle of the road blender that has served us well.
What is your favorite way to use oats?
FAQs
Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
- Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
- Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
- Chocolate chips or other candy.
- Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
- Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
- Sweetened coconut flakes.
- Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
What is the healthiest fruit to add to oatmeal? ›
Blueberries
Blueberries are a nutrient-rich fruit packed with antioxidants that support heart health and cognitive function. 10 They're low in calories and high in fiber, which supports satiety while improving gut health.
How to make oatmeal a full meal? ›
I'll be the first to admit that plain oatmeal usually isn't filling enough for a meal unless you pair it with a little protein and some healthy fats. For added protein, I like making one of my protein oatmeal recipes, savory oats (with an egg on top) or serving it with a couple hardboiled eggs on the side.
Should I put butter in oatmeal? ›
Adding butter to finished oatmeal gives it a silky smooth texture, and the fat helps carry the flavors we've added to our oatmeal to our taste receptors. Adding just a little bit of fat also allows flavors to bloom, making our oatmeal anything but boring.
Why is it not good to eat oatmeal everyday? ›
Oatmeal is likely safe for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, when consumed as food. However, it may cause gas and bloating in some.
When should you not eat oatmeal? ›
Disorders of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines: Avoid eating oat products. Digestive problems that could extend the length of time it takes for your food to be digested could allow oats to block your intestine.
Which is better banana or oatmeal? ›
Banana has signficantly more Vitamin C than oat. Oat has more thiamin, pantothenic acid and folate, however, banana contains more Vitamin B6. Both oats and banana are high in dietary fiber and potassium. Banana has 9.8 times less saturated fat than oat.
What is a good fat to add to oatmeal? ›
To make oatmeal more balanced, add sources of protein and fat like eggs, Greek yogurt, or peanut butter.
How to sweeten oatmeal without fruit? ›
Syrups and Nectars. The closest you can come to adding sugar to your oatmeal is plant-based nectar or syrup. These sweeteners are not as refined, and contain more vitamins and minerals in them than your average processed white sugar.
Why did I stop eating oatmeal? ›
Oats, despite being a complex carbohydrate, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in large quantities. This can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Oatmeal is lacking in two macronutrients that help you stave off hunger for hours. Fat and protein are key ingredients to add to your oatmeal to keep you fuller, longer. And while it does have some protein, it's not enough to keep hunger at bay. Fat does the best job keeping you fuller, longer.
What to put in oatmeal to make it taste better? ›
Try any of these topping combinations:
- Tamari + Toasted Sesame Oil + Chopped Scallion. ...
- Chopped Pistachios + Dates + Flaky Salt. ...
- Sautéed Apples + Cinnamon Butter + Toasted Walnuts. ...
- Shaved White Chocolate + Macadamia Nuts + Dried Cranberries. ...
- Maple Syrup + Fried Egg. ...
- Pumpkin Purée + Curry Paste.
Is adding peanut butter to oatmeal healthy? ›
In terms of getting a shot of potassium, the peanut butter in the oats provides you with that. Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein. For those trying to build muscle and enjoy faster recovery sessions post-workout, this is good news. The outer bran layer of oats is rich in fibre.
Should I add honey to oatmeal? ›
According to Healthline.com, oats are a good source of carbs and fiber and are even filled with "important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds." When combined with the natural energy found in pure honey, there is no doubt that honey and oats pack a powerful punch when enjoyed together.
What should not be eaten with oats? ›
Refined sugar
"The worst ingredient to add to overnight oats if your goal is to lose weight is sugar," Macpherson confirms, explaining that this sweet ingredient "contributes no nutrients." And if you're trying to slim down or just maintain a healthy diet, providing your body with ample nutrients is essential.
What should I mix my oatmeal with? ›
Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, apples, peaches, mango, or pears. Spices: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg. Natural sweeteners: a dash of maple syrup or honey. Unsweetened or lightly sweetened chocolate: shaved dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of 70% or more)
What is the healthiest thing to put on oatmeal? ›
Fresh fruit will add fiber, vitamins, minerals and some sweetness to your oatmeal. Fruit's fat-soluble vitamins like A, E and K will best absorb if you add in a fat source like nuts, which will also add extra fiber and protein.
Is adding honey to oatmeal bad? ›
According to Healthline.com, oats are a good source of carbs and fiber and are even filled with "important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds." When combined with the natural energy found in pure honey, there is no doubt that honey and oats pack a powerful punch when enjoyed together.