Oatmeal has become something of a breakfast staple in our house of late. I’m not quite sure how it happened… we used to be more of an “eggs for breakfast” household. And we do still eat eggs (usually with some veggies mixed in). Sometimes even a fried egg over arugula to go with our oatmeal! Maybe it was simply because we started trying to incorporate more whole grains back into our diet (we were on a super low-carb trend for a while). But whatever the reason, oatmeal has been taking center stage many mornings around here. It is simple, easy, tasty, and can be made up in so many different ways!
We’ve gotten creative with our flavor combinations, so I wanted to share some of them with you here, in case you are in need of some oatmeal or breakfast inspiration!
The Basics
Make the oatmeal
First step, make the oatmeal! We do this quick and easy in the microwave:
- 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats
- Just under 1 cup of water
- Microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds
- **You may need to modify these proportions/times depending on the brand of oatmeal you have, and also your microwave. This is what we use for Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats.
What goes into every bowl
Next, to every bowl we typically add the same core ingredients. These are really optional – if you have them use them, if not, no problem! Although I would say the cinnamon is a must in our house ๐ The sweetener is optional, especially if you are adding in some other fruit. But I do find that just a bit enhances the flavor overall. These core ingredients include:
- Hemp hearts
- Walnuts
- Sweetener – usually honey or maple syrup
- Cinnamon
Hemp hearts add a nice bit of extra protein, as well as boost your omega-3 intake. Walnuts are also packed full of your healthy omega-3’s, have a bit of protein and fiber, and are also high in antioxidants as well as other vitamins & minerals. If you are particularly looking to boost your omega-3 intake, walnuts are the best choice from the nut family. Other nuts also have a high nutritional value (healthy fats, fiber, vitamins & minerals), so substitute what you prefer or have on hand. All in moderation of course!
Oatmeal Flavor Variations
Now for the fun part! The flavor variations! These are just suggestions to get your own creative juices flowing! I highly recommend tweaking these combos, and experimenting to find what YOU enjoy most!
For each of these variations:
- Make the basic oatmeal recipe (including cooking)
- Add the core ingredients
- Top with your flavor additions
- Mix and enjoy!
Suggested amounts are included in the recipe at the end!
Jump to Recipe
Honey-Nut Cinnamon
This is a good basic oatmeal! Full of flavor, but super simple ingredients (really just boosting the core ingredients I already recommended!) You can stick to just the walnuts, or add in a second nut, or maybe some seeds (pumpkin seeds are a good option).
Blueberry Cinnamon
Take your oatmeal up a notch by adding in some blueberries. We keep a bag of blueberries in the freezer, so they are always handy. Frozen blueberries are picked at their prime, and are always sweet and plump. You might even find you can skip the sweetener in this version!
Peanut Butter Banana
I am the first to admit peanut butter is one of my biggest food weaknesses. Mixed into my morning bowl of oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon, it’s like a little piece of flavor heaven ๐
Pumpkin Spice
When fall rolls around and you are craving all the pumpkin-y goodness, this is a great breakfast go-to! I would take it one step further though – why wait til fall to enjoy a bit of pumpkin flavor? Pureed pumpkin has a lot of really good nutrients in it, adds a nice fiber boost, and makes your oatmeal a little extra creamy. I like to make my own pumpkin puree when they are available in the fall, and then freeze some extra (after making pies, of course!) to pull out and use in recipes like this throughout the year.
Never made your own pumpkin puree? I walk you through in 3 easy steps here:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Boost
You know those mornings when you have a craving for something sweet? Like pancakes or waffles drizzled in butter and maple syrup? (I’m not the only one with cravings like that right?!?) OK, so THIS oatmeal combo really does something to satisfy that craving. I know it’s not the same as fluffy buttery syrupy pancakes. BUT it’s pretty delicious, much healthier, and definitely takes a swing at any sweet cravings. Next time your sweet tooth strikes in the morning, take me up on it and give this one a try!
For an extra protein boost, use chocolate protein powder for the chocolate portion. Or, try splitting half and half protein powder and cocoa powder.
Oatmeal Recipe Roundup
Looking for other ways to use oatmeal? We love incorporating this healthy whole grain into other recipes as well! Check out a few of them here:
Ingredients
Basic Oatmeal
- ยฝ cup rolled old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup water (just under 1 cup)
- 1ยฝ tbsp hemp hearts
- ยฝ oz walnut pieces
- ยฝ tsp cinnamon (more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice; add more or less to taste)
- pinch of salt
Honey-Nut Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey (instead of 1 tsp)
- 1 oz nuts or seeds (instead of ยฝ oz walnuts – pick your favorite combo or just double up on walnuts!)
- extra cinnamon if desired
Blueberry Cinnamon
- ยผ cup frozen blueberries (small wild bluberries from Maine are my favorite!)
- extra cinnamon if desired
Peanut Butter Banana
- 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- ยฝ ripe banana (sliced, and slices cut in halves or quarters)
Pumpkin Spice
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (raw or roasted)
- ยผ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ยผ tsp cinnamon (instead of ยฝ tsp cinnamon; or just use ยฝ tsp pumpkin pie spice. I like mine a little extra cinnamony :))
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Boost
- 1 tbsp chocolate protein powder (or split with protein powder and cocoa or cacao powder)
- 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- splash of milk or half and half if needed for consistency
Instructions
- Combine oatmeal, water, and pinch of salt into a microwave safe cereal bowl or small mixing bowl.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes 30 seconds. You may need to adjust the time depending on your microwave and type of oatmeal. Also keep an eye on it! Depending on your bowl size, you may need to pause it to keep from overflowing. Once you've made this a few times you will know the right bowl to use to avoid any overflowing ๐
- Oatmeal will still appear a little watery immediately after cooking – that's ok! It will thicken up as it sits, and also with the extras you are about to add…
- Add the remaining core ingredients – hemp hearts, walnuts, cinnamon, sweetener.
- Add extras for the variation of your choice.
- Mix and eat!
Notes
- Nutrition listed is for the basic oatmeal recipe with honey.
- If you are adding frozen blueberries, mix them in immediately after taking the oatmeal out of the microwave. They will thaw out quickly!
- You might find you don’t need to add the extra sweetener – especially if you are adding blueberries or bananas. Experiment and see what you like!
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