18 Best Oatmeal Recipes to Keep in Your Breakfast Rotation
They're good for you, too!
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Oatmeal doesn't always get the credit it deserves, but the truth is that it's one of the best ways to start the day. Not only are oats packed with fiber and wholesome carbs, but they're also the base for so many creative and flavorful breakfast ideas. The best oatmeal recipes prove that a simple bowl can turn into something fun, filling, and family-friendly. Whether you're craving a healthy breakfast that fuels your morning or a sweet treat that doubles as dessert, you'll find plenty of inspiration here.
Take your pick from cozy baked oatmeal, make-ahead overnight oats, or even an Instant Pot version that makes cooking steel-cut oats a breeze. There's no shortage of flavor options, either. Try tropical oatmeal for a taste of summer, carrot cake oatmeal for a veggie-packed twist, or a chocolate-peanut butter version that rivals any indulgent breakfast pastry. For kids (or kids at heart!), recipes like strawberries and cream oatmeal or fudgy brownie baked oatmeal are sure to be hits.
When the weather cools down, nothing beats a steaming bowl of apple-cinnamon oatmeal, but pumpkin oatmeal baked ahead of time is just as comforting. You'll even spot slow cooker recipes for those busy mornings. However you choose to make it, these oatmeal recipes are proof that breakfast can be as exciting as it is nourishing. Just don't forget the cup of coffee on the side!
Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal
This recipe has all the fudgy flavors of a brownie but it's perfectly acceptable to eat for breakfast. Best of all, it can be made ahead, portioned out, and stored in the fridge or freezer for busy mornings.
Get the Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
There's something about apples and cinnamon that just feels like fall in a bowl. This oatmeal simmers until the apples are tender and the oats are creamy, with just enough sweetness to make it taste like dessert for breakfast.
Get the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe.
Overnight Oats
Letting the oats sit overnight with milk, chia seeds, and maple syrup (for sweetness) helps to soften the oats without turning on your stove. Top it off with your favorite fruit or nut butter and breakfast is served!
Get the Overnight Oats recipe.
Baked Oatmeal With Berries
Juicy berries bake right into this hearty oatmeal, giving you bursts of sweetness in every slice. It's part breakfast, part casserole, and totally perfect for weekends when you want to feed the whole family at once. Serve it warm with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top.
Get the Baked Oatmeal With Berries recipe.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Who's really going to stop you from eating cookies for breakfast? These oatmeal raisin ones are chewy with just the right touch of sweetness—and they taste just as good with coffee in the morning as they do after dinner.
Get Ree's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe.
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
The only that can make oatmeal cozier is oatmeal that's been seasoned with a ton of warm spices. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and even pumpkin puree make this baked oatmeal the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe.
Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
To give this oatmeal its true strawberries and cream flavor, the milk is blended with the strawberries before it cooks with the oats. This ensures you'll get sweet berries in every bite.
Get the Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal recipe at Live Eat Learn.
Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal
If you love the chewy, nutty flavor of steel-cut oats, this recipe is for you! Unlike rolled oats, steel-cut oats can take a long time to cook. Luckily, this Instant Pot version will make it quick and easy.
Get the Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal recipe at Well Plated..
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
With ingredients like almond butter, chia seeds, oats, and Greek yogurt, this might just be the healthiest version of "cookie dough" we've ever seen! It's a sweet treat for breakfast.
Get the Cookie Dough Overnight Oats recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is so decadent that you can eat this oatmeal for breakfast or dessert! Add a few chopped peanuts on top for a nice crunch.
Peach Oatmeal
In just under 10 minutes, you can have a bowl of healthy oatmeal that tastes just like a peach crisp! It's bright, sweet, and perfect for peach lovers!
Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
The smell of this apple-cinnamon oatmeal alone will make your morning better. It tastes just as good, too. Plus, it'll stay warm in your slow cooker so it's perfect for brunch!
Get the Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe at Fantabulosity.
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
This baked oatmeal is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and bananas. Not to mention there are little bursts of blueberries sprinkled throughout. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries depending on the season.
Get the Blueberry Baked Oatmeal recipe at Eating Bird Food..
Raspberry Cheesecake Oatmeal
A swirl of cheesecake filling made from Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla gives this warm oatmeal a sweet flavor. It pairs perfectly with raspberries but you can also use other berries if you prefer.
Get the Raspberry Cheesecake Oatmeal recipe at Recipe Runner.
Vanilla-Almond Steel-Cut Oatmeal
These steel-cut oats might take a little longer to cook than rolled or instant oats, but it's worth the wait! They have a hint of vanilla, the crunch of almonds, and a slight sweetness from brown sugar.
Get the Vanilla-Almond Steel-Cut Oatmeal recipe at A Beautiful Plate.
Tropical Oatmeal
On even the chilliest days of the year, this tropical oatmeal will make you feel like you're on a sunny beach. It has a ton of coconut flavor.
Quinoa Oatmeal
While most oatmeal is made with oats (hence the name), you can also make it with other grains or seeds, like this gluten-free quinoa. It's high in protein and gets surprisingly creamy.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
This is a great way to sneak some veggies into your morning meal. The oats are cooked with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, raisins, and warm spices for that classic carrot cake flavor.
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