Oats are underrated. They are an excellent grain, delicious, nutritious, full of complex carbohydrates, simple to produce, and inexpensive to buy from the grocery store. Oats are also proven to lower your cholesterol and can be a good choice for people who are gluten-free. Most of us are only aware of sweet oatmeal - that is, oatmeal topped with things like berries, nuts, and sweeteners. However, did you know that you can enjoy a savory bowl of oatmeal, too? Yes, there's a reason this phenomenon is trending! You can have it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, but savory oatmeal can expand your meal repertoire to include veggies in your breakfast recipes. And a savory breakfast means less sugar in your diet, which is usually a good thing!
Videos by Wide Open Country
10 Savory Oatmeal Recipes That Are Shockingly Tasty
If you want to get your savory oats on, keep reading to see our roundup of the best savory oatmeal recipes that we could find. You'll be surprised by how tasty these are - and all part of a healthy breakfast!
1. Cheesy Bacon Savory Oatmeal
I know we just said that savory oats were part of a healthy breakfast, but... hey, this recipe is still full of fiber, potassium, calcium, and complex carbs! But we dress it up with a little bit of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and diced onion. Add some salt and black pepper, toss an over-easy fried egg and some finely chopped chives on top, and you've got a quick cooking recipe that will keep you full and satisfied for the rest of the day.
Get the recipe here from Macheesmo.
2. Pizza Savory Oatmeal
You heard us right - pizza, but make it oatmeal. Now this is most certainly not your typical oats recipe, is it? Plus, there's a secret: you use oat flour instead of rolled oats! If you don't have oat flour, you can make your own by tossing rolled oats into a blender for a few minutes. Bake it up with some oregano, tomato sauce, olive oil, and of course, mozzarella cheese. You could probably add in green onions, Parmesan, or pepperoni if you want!
Get the recipe here from Oats Baker.
3. Turmeric Tofu Oatmeal
If you really want a healthful bowl of oatmeal, this is the oats recipe for you. Protein-packed tofu, vibrant yellow turmeric, and tons of Indian-inspired spices are added to steel cut oats along with some plain yogurt (vegan or not!) and peas and carrots to boot. After you've cooked the oats over medium heat for a while, the recipe will be almost like a pilaf! It would make an excellent lunch, and is the perfect meal for any foodie. Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for an extra boost of flavor and vitamin B.
Get the recipe here from Kiipfit.
4. Southwest Savory Oatmeal
This is the recipe that will turn your loved ones into savory oatmeal believers. These oats are made with southwestern spices and topped with cherry tomatoes, scallions, cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, avocado slices, and eggs, which means the bowls are full of both vitamin A and vitamin C on top of being filling and just plain delicious.
Get the recipe here from Recipe Runner.
5. Savory Cheddar and Sausage Oatmeal
Kids will especially love this cheddar and sausage oatmeal. You cook the oatmeal in equal parts chicken broth and milk, then add cooked sausage crumbles, cheddar cheese, sauteed spinach, and a pinch of salt on top. How could anyone say no to that? And hey, if you swap out the oats for grits for a more southern vibe, we won't tell anyone.
Get the recipe here from Dairy Carrie.
6. Chinese-Style Savory Oatmeal
This savory oatmeal recipe is truly a bougie choice of breakfast, making it ideal for a weekend treat. Rolled oats are cooked in chicken stock for a ten-minute cook time, which sounds yummy enough on its own, but the toppings are where it's at. You add a poached egg on top, drizzle it with homemade chili oil, then add crispy fried shallots, soy sauce, and green onions for the final garnishes.
Get the recipe here from Omnivore's Kitchen.
7. Savory Oatmeal with Garlicky Greens and Bacon
This is an incredible dish that balances intense flavors with hearty nutrients. Creamy oats get a boost of flavor from mushrooms, greens (kale or spinach!), and garlic sauteed in olive oil... with a few pieces of perfectly crispy bacon on the side. This one would taste REALLY good with sriracha on top, as well... but the recipe calls for adding the bacon grease back into the oatmeal for perfect savory oatmeal bowls. It all sounds divine.
Get the recipe here from Heartbeet Kitchen.
8. Masala Oats
Toasted spices and sauteed veggies are flavored with red pepper and added to oatmeal along with garam masala, all of which is cooked on a large pan or a wok on the stovetop. Sprinkle some lime juice and cilantro on top, and your mouth will thank you for the incredible flavor profile and nutrients of this healthy breakfast. For extra protein, you can add chickpeas on top!
Get the recipe here from My Weekend Kitchen.
9. Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins
If you're the sort of person who prefers overnight oats and a well thought-out meal plan, you'll almost certainly love these savory oatmeal breakfast MUFFINS! You can prepare the ingredients the night before to cut down on prep time, or even make the whole recipe in advance, pop them in the freezer, and take them out and microwave them when you're ready to eat. It's a great, healthy breakfast-on-the-go!
Get the recipe here from The Foodie Physician.
10. Savory Parmesan Oats with Poached Egg
This recipe is quick and easy, but delivers on flavor. Rolled oats are cooked in veggie or chicken stock, and then topped with a poached egg, finely grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and herbs... proving once and for all that savory oatmeal recipes are just as simple and just as satisfying as sweet oatmeal recipes.
Get the recipe here from The Kitchen Paper.
READ MORE: 5 Must-Eat Buc-ee's Breakfast Items To Grab on the Road
