Here are a few oatmeal topping ideas that will make your mouth water! Oatmeal is not just a breakfast food. It is hardy and packed with protein and fiber- a healthy food option anytime! It is great with all sorts of different toppings from dark chocolate to veggies. First, I will tell you how to cook oatmeal on a stove and then give you ideas for delicious toppings. There are endless oatmeal combinations but I listed some of my all time favorite healthy oatmeal toppings below. I hope you enjoy!
How To Cook Oatmeal On A Stove
Tips For Cooking Oatmeal:
I highly recommend skipping the instant oats and getting steel cut or rolled oats. Rolled oats or steel cut oats both provide more fiber and nutrients than instant oats.
Gluten free oatmeal must be labeled as such or it may not be pure oats and may have a bit of wheat in it.
Rolled oats can be cooked on the stove in as little as 5 minutes or you can try baked oatmeal recipes if you prefer to use the oven. Or you can even make oatmeal in the refrigerator with overnight oat recipes.
How To Cook Rolled Oats On The Stove:
If you are using rolled oats, you do not need to soak them prior to cooking. Use 1/2 cup of oats for each 1 cup of water or milk. In a pan or a pot, bring your water or milk to a boil. Then slowly stir in the oats along with a small pinch of salt. Cook the oats on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until liquid is soaked in to your liking and the oats are tender.
How To Cook Steel Cut Oats
If you are using steel cut oats, I recommend soaking them the night before. Boil 4 cups of water, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of steel oats. Cover the saucepan and let this sit over night. Then in the morning, cook for 10-12 minutes on low heat. Now you can serve and add your toppings.
If you prefer the no soaking method. Boil 3 cups of water and then add 1 cup of steel oats and a pinch of salt. Stir and cover. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until liquid is soaked in to your liking and the oats are tender.
Healthy Oatmeal Topping Ideas
Now that you have cooked the oatmeal, it is time to serve the oatmeal into a bowl and add your favorite toppings.
For breakfast, you will likely want to work with a sweeter palate of fruits sweet syrups, and baking spices.
For lunch of dinner, you can work with a more savory palate of cooked veggies, saltier sauces, and herbs.
Best Oatmeal Toppings List:
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Milk or heavy cream
- Yogurt
- Almond Milk
- Cashew Milk
- Espresso shot
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon and other baking spices
- Chia seeds
- Fresh fruit and berries
- Dried fruits
- Coconut flakes
- Dark chocolate
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Roasted veggies
- Savory spices
- Soy sauce
- Fried egg
My Favorite Oatmeal Combinations:
For Peanut Butter Maple Oatmeal above, I used 1 tbsp of peanut butter, 1 tbsp of maple syrup, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and chia seeds as my oatmeal toppings. I personally love adding chia seeds to my oatmeal or smoothies. They are a great source of energy, especially if you are making this for breakfast.
Prepare oatmeal as directed and add the toppings below. The spices can be cooked in with the oatmeal if you prefer a more blended flavor. Here are more of my favorite oatmeal combos.
- Peanut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, chia seeds
- Almond Milk, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Banana Slices
- Fresh raspberries, blueberries, and banana slices
- Brown sugar (first so it melts a bit), cinnamon, heavy cream
- Maple Almond Butter, 1 Banana, Cinnamon, Chia Seeds
- Nut Butter, 1/2 Banana, Sliced Strawberries, Blackberries, Pinch of Salt
- Peanut Butter, Dates, Diced Apples, Pomegranate Seeds, Dark Chocolate Flakes
- Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Cranberries, Cinnamon
- Nut Butter, Sliced Figs, Blueberries, Cinnamon
- Apple Slices, Yogurt, Pecans, Dark Chocolate Chips
- Pumpkin puree, plain yogurt, honey
- Lemon Pepper, Chipotle Pepper, Cooked Diced Carrots and Corn
- Fried egg, kimchi, sauteed greens
Do you like to cook and use oats? Would you try any of these oatmeal recipes? If you do or if you have your own best oatmeal recipe, let us know what it is!
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