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Do you want to know how to to make oatmeal taste good? Create the most delicious bowl of oatmeal with these tips and tricks, plus some healthy and nutritious add-ins! Oatmeal will quickly become your breakfast meal of choice!When I was growing up, I pretty much had the same thing for breakfast from the time I was 5 to the time I was 18. And what was this wonderful dish that was the star of my breakfast for almost 15 years?
Oatmeal.
Yes, hot oatmeal.
And to this day, I have never gotten tired of it. I absolutely adore oatmeal. It's delicious and creamy, hearty and satisfying. It's also amazingly good for you: with 130-150 calories, 5g fiber and 5g protein for 1/2 cup of rolled oats (which makes up to 2 cups of cooked oatmeal).
The problem is most people don't have the same affinity for oatmeal as I do. But because I've made oatmeal nearly everyday for almost my entire life, I know everything about how to make oatmeal taste good!
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It's the perfect healthy breakfast, and I'm sure it will soon become a favorite of yours as well!
What Are The Different Types Of Oats?
When preparing your morning oatmeal there are many different varieties of oats to choose from. Choosing the type of oats that you prefer will go a long way in making your bowl absolutely perfect! All oats begin as oat groats, but the way that they are processed make them slightly different.
Steel-Cut Oats: Steel Cut oats are processed by chopping the whole oat groat into several pieces, rather than rolling it oat. The grain resembles rice. They are often referred to as Irish or Scottish oats. They take the longest to prepare, and should be cooked stove-top for best results.
Rolled Oats: Also referred to as old-fashioned oats, rolled oats are steamed to make them softer, then rolled out to look flat. They cook more quickly than steel cut oats, and hold their shape well during the cooking process.
Quick Oats or Instant Oats: Quick-cooking oats are the most processed. They are pre-cooked, dried, then rolled out so that they are thinner than whole oats. They cook even more quickly than rolled oats, but they don't hold their shape as well, and have a somewhat mushy texture.
If you are giving oats a try again after a long hiatus I recommend using steel-cut or rolled oats. Rolled oats are always my default because they are versatile, have a nice texture, and don't take too long to prepare.
Favorite Toppings for a Healthy and Delicious Bowl of Oatmeal
You don't have to settle for plain oatmeal! There are so many different ways you can dress it up - the possibilities are endless.
- Milk: 1% organic cow's milk, unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened soy milk, coconut milk
- Nuts: Walnuts and Almonds (two of my favorites)
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh Berries, Apples, Pears, Bananas
- Seeds: Chia seeds, Flax seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Spices like: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Unsweetened cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice
- Nut butters: Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter
- Refined Free Added Sweeteners: Agave, Honey, Maple Syrup
- Decadent Toppings: Dark chocolate chips, granola, brown sugar, shredded coconut, fruit butters
But there's one combination of ingredients that I think really makes the perfect bowl of oatmeal. So here is my recipe for the perfect breakfast: Oatmeal with Berries, Walnuts, Spices, and Creamy Milk.
My Favorite Ways to Prepare Oatmeal
Once you've chosen the type of oats to use for your oatmeal it's time to choose the best method of preparation.
Creamy Stove Top Oats: The most traditional way to prepare oats is on the stovetop. For one serving you'll use 1/2 a cup of old fashioned oats, and 1 cup of water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until most of the water has been absorbed. This can take about 5-8 minutes.
Microwave: If you're pressed for time, you can easily prepare your oats in the microwave. Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats and 3/4 cups of water to a microwave safe bowl. Cover with paper towel, and microwave on high for two minutes. Carefully take it out (the bowl will be hot) stir, and microwave an additional minute if necessary.
Overnight Oats: Another favorite way to prepare oats, cold overnight oats doesn't require any cooking! Combine 1/2 a cup of rolled oats with 3/4 cup of your favorite milk. Add any other toppings you like. Stir together and refrigerate overnight. In the morning you'll have a ready to go breakfast!
Instant Pot Oats: Making oatmeal for a large crowd? Using the instant pot is the way to go!
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Oatmeal?
- High in Protein: One serving of oats alone has 5 grams of protein. When you add in some protein rich foods, you get an extra protein boost. I suggest nut butters, seeds, chopped nuts, or even a tablespoon of protein powder to really amp up the protein content!
- Healthy Fats: Oatmeal is low in cholesterol but does have a few grams of healthy fats. Add in your favorite nuts, seeds, or nut butters, and you've got yourself a well rounded meal.
- High in Fiber: Oats are a great way to add some extra fiber to your diet, with 4 grams per 1/2 cup dry serving.
Top Tips for How to Make Oatmeal Taste Good
- Choose an oat with good texture. Quick oats don't take long to cook, but they become mushy in the process. If you prefer a chewier texture, choose steel-cut oats, if you prefer a creamy texture choose rolled oats.
- The cooking method matters! I have found that microwaving my oats creates the fluffiest texture, whereas stovetop helps them retain their shape better. Choose the cooking method that will result in your taste preference.
- Have fun adding your favorite toppings! While the foods you add to your oatmeal will really make them delicious, be careful not to go overboard! Don't take a healthy bowl of oatmeal and turn it into a dessert! Add a touch of natural sweetener if you prefer, play with different spices, and add lots of fresh fruit. Topping your oats with chopped nuts gives it a nice texture, while stirring in a touch of nut butter makes it creamy and nutty.
My Perfect Bowl of Oatmeal
While we all have our tastes and preferences, I wanted to share with you my favorite combination of flavors for what I call "my perfect bowl of oats."
Recipe Ingredients and Notes
Rolled Oats: I opt for rolled oats because I like the way they retain their shape and texture, and take less than 10 minutes to cook.
Frozen Blueberries: I like using frozen, organic, wild blueberries: they're a little smaller than regular blueberries, they're a superfood, and I've heard they have more antioxidants than regular blueberries. Why do I buy them frozen? Because: 1) They're fresh year-round 2) They become all melty and warm in the oatmeal and 3) They never go bad!
Walnuts: Walnuts are another great superfood because they have tons of Omega 3 healthy fats, and they add a nice texture to the oatmeal too.
Flax Seeds: This adds a bit of texture to the oats, a nutty flavor, and is a great source of Omega 3 healthy fats!
Cinnamon: It's a calorie free way to add some warmth and flavor.
1% Organic Milk: I love creamy oats, so adding a bit of milk is a must! Plus I get a bit of extra protein and calcium. If you're vegan, just use your favorite plant based milk.
Pinch of Salt: This brings out the natural sweetness in the rest of the ingredients and helps to balance all the flavors.
Honey: Last but not least, a little drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that brings all the flavors together. For a vegan option, use agave or coconut sugar.
This whole recipe is about 350 calories, with about 9g fiber and 13g protein. It truly is the perfect morning breakfast.
Tools and Equipment
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the oats with the water in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir, and cook again in the microwave for 1-2 minutes more until all the water is absorbed.
Step 2: Stir in the blueberries, cinnamon, flax seed, and walnuts.
Step 3: Stir in the the milk and agave/stevia/honey until the oatmeal is creamy and the consistency you like. Reheat the oatmeal as needed until it's at a desired temperature.
Recipe FAQs
Is oatmeal gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, if you have a sensitivity to gluten it is a good idea to buy certified gluten free oats, as many brands are cross contaminated.
Is oatmeal vegan?
Depending on what you choose to put in your oatmeal, yes, it is vegan. When making a creamy oatmeal use non-dairy milks and yogurts to make it vegan.
Can I use fresh fruit?
Yes! Of course you can add fresh fruit instead of frozen!
