![\"two](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/oatmeal-w-fruit-n-yogurt-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChoosing Your Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Know Your Oats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"rolled,](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/types-of-oatmeal-1024x682.jpg\")
left to right: rolled, steel cut, and cracked oats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are so many kinds of oats! Each has a slightly different texture and nutrition profile. All are whole grains and rich in fiber, so you can\u2019t really go wrong with any one that you choose. Here\u2019s some of the most common \u2014 they\u2019re arranged from slowest cooking to fastest cooking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Steel-cut oats<\/strong>: Also known as Irish oats, steel-cut oats are less processed than the following types. Like their name says, the whole groat is cut up into pieces vs. rolled. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and have a chewy texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rolled oats<\/strong>: Rolled or old fashioned oats are processed when the groat is steamed and then rolled. They typically take between 5-10 minutes to cook.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quick cook oats: <\/strong>These are processed similarly to rolled oats, but rolled even thinner, hence the faster cooking time. They\u2019re ready in under 5 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Instant oats:<\/strong> If you buy individual packets of oatmeal, they usually contain instant oats. Instant oats are pre-cooked before being dried, cut, and rolled. Because of this, they tend to have a mushier texture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Use the Right Liquid to Oat Ratio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"milk](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/milk-to-oat-ratio-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nToo much liquid and oats are soupy and too little and they\u2019re dry. If you\u2019re cooking rolled or quick cook oats, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats. When making steel cut oats, use a 4:1 ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re using the correct ratio and your oats feel too liquidy, it\u2019s likely because your oatmeal is undercooked and you haven\u2019t given the oats a chance to absorb all the liquid. Remember, this is all up to personal preference, so don\u2019t be afraid to break these rules once you have a baseline understanding of what an average bowl of oatmeal should cook like. Sometimes I\u2019ll use a 1.5:1 ratio and undercook my oats for a drier, heartier texture. It\u2019s all up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Just Add…Not Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"milk,](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/milk-options-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can<\/em> use water, but it contributes to a bland bowl of oatmeal (unless you\u2019re making savory oats, see below). Use a milk or milk alternative for creamier oatmeal \u2014 my favorite is unsweetened vanilla almond milk!<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to get more creative, try flavorful liquids like tea. I\u2019ve found that chai is a good base. You can top with some greek yogurt and a dash of cinnamon for a bowl that feels dessert-like. To make your oatmeal with tea, bring liquid to a boil in a pot. Steep your tea bag for a few minutes, and then remove the tea bag and add your oats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cooking Your Oatmeal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n4. Add a Pinch of Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"adding](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pinch-of-salt-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSalt brings out the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of oats. Adding just a pinch will make a huge difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Up the Protein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"bowl](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/yogurt-or-cottage-cheese-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNot only have oats been shown to reduce cholesterol<\/a>, they\u2019re also a great source of whole grains. However, a single serving of rolled oats only contains about 5 grams of protein. Protein will help you feel full longer, so a protein-packed breakfast is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to add protein to your oats, try adding egg whites<\/a>. You could also top your oats with a scoop of greek yogurt or cottage cheese, which are both high in protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Try Toasting Them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"raw](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/raw-v-toasted-oats-1024x682.jpg\")
left: untoasted oats, right: toasted oats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nToast oats? Yep, you heard right! Heat up a pan with a little bit of oil or butter, then throw in your oats and mix around for a few minutes. Once you\u2019re done toasting them, add them to a pot of boiling milk and cook as normal. This will create a bowl of oats with a chewier flavor and nuttier texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Cook to Perfection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"cooked](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/cooked-oatmeal-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA mushy, soupy texture is why most people hate oats \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to be that way! If possible, avoid pre-packaged oats (which are usually loaded with sugar anyways) and cook on the stovetop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When cooking on the stovetop, test different amounts of liquid and experiment with the order you put your oats in the pot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Adding oats to boiling liquid<\/strong> creates oatmeal that has more texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adding oats and liquid at the same time<\/strong> creates a more smooth, creamy bowl of oatmeal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Soak Overnight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"jars](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/overnight-oat-jars-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOvernight oats<\/a> (like carrot cake overnight oats<\/a>) are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. And they\u2019re great for hot summer mornings when you don\u2019t want to turn on the stove. Mix together \u00bd cup rolled oats and \u00be cup liquid (and anything else you desire) and then leave in the fridge overnight to wake up to a breakfast that\u2019s ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n9. Experiment with Texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"nuts](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/nuts-and-seeds-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdd some crunch to your bowl by topping it with whole nuts or mixing in ground nuts. Throw in other grains like chia seeds or quinoa. Grate zucchini and mix it into your oatmeal if you\u2019re a volume eater. The possibilities are endless!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spicing it Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n10. Master Your Oatmeal Toppings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"oatmeal](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/oat-topping-ideas-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSearch #oatmeal<\/a> on Instagram, and you\u2019ll be inspired by endless beautiful breakfast bowls. Here are some of my favorite toppings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Fruit<\/strong>: apples, strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, mangos, cherries, pineapple<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nuts and nut butter<\/strong>: walnuts, peanut butter, almonds, almond butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Other<\/strong>: cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chia seeds, flax seed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We’ve made a longer list of the best oatmeal toppings here<\/a>, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n11. Sweeten the Deal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"maple](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sweetener-options-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile I typically don\u2019t add refined sugar<\/a> to my oatmeal, there are plenty of natural ways to sweeten your bowl. My favorite way is to mash half a banana and cook it with my oatmeal. This can also be done with berries or other fruit! If you prefer sweeter oatmeal, try adding a little honey or maple syrup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n12. Go Savory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Savory oatmeal is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I suggest using water or broth for the liquid instead of milk, which creates a more neutral base for your toppings. Steel oats are preferable. Cook the oats as normal, then top with eggs, vegetables, and whatever else your heart desires. A few topping ideas are mushrooms, spinach, egg, sausage, arugula, and tomato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t know where to start choose a savory theme (like Mexican) for the bowl. A Mexican-inspired oatmeal bowl could be topped with an over easy egg, black beans, tomatoes, salsa, and avocado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Get Inspired by Your Favorite Dessert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Carrot cake? Almond joy? Pina Colada? Mocha? Yes, please! With the right ingredients oats can feel like a dessert and<\/em> be healthy. My post on overnight protein oats<\/a> has more dessert-like recipe ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n14. Plate it Pretty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"sprinkling](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/sprinkling-chia-seeds-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis may seem silly, but if it looks good it usually tastes good too. A bowl of oatmeal topped with vibrant sliced fruit and sprinkled with chia seeds looks much more appetizing than a beige pile of mush. Take a few extra minutes to build a bowl that you\u2019re excited to look at and eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"two](\"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/two-oatmeal-bowl-ideas2-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFavorite ways to use oats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oats are clearly a power breakfast, but if you get bored of eating oatmeal everyday here are other delicious oat-filled breakfast recipes you can try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are so many kinds of oats! Each has a slightly different texture and nutrition profile. All are whole grains and rich in fiber, so you can\u2019t really go wrong with any one that you choose. Here\u2019s some of the most common \u2014 they\u2019re arranged from slowest cooking to fastest cooking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Steel-cut oats<\/strong>: Also known as Irish oats, steel-cut oats are less processed than the following types. Like their name says, the whole groat is cut up into pieces vs. rolled. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and have a chewy texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rolled oats<\/strong>: Rolled or old fashioned oats are processed when the groat is steamed and then rolled. They typically take between 5-10 minutes to cook.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quick cook oats: <\/strong>These are processed similarly to rolled oats, but rolled even thinner, hence the faster cooking time. They\u2019re ready in under 5 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Instant oats:<\/strong> If you buy individual packets of oatmeal, they usually contain instant oats. Instant oats are pre-cooked before being dried, cut, and rolled. Because of this, they tend to have a mushier texture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Use the Right Liquid to Oat Ratio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nToo much liquid and oats are soupy and too little and they\u2019re dry. If you\u2019re cooking rolled or quick cook oats, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats. When making steel cut oats, use a 4:1 ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re using the correct ratio and your oats feel too liquidy, it\u2019s likely because your oatmeal is undercooked and you haven\u2019t given the oats a chance to absorb all the liquid. Remember, this is all up to personal preference, so don\u2019t be afraid to break these rules once you have a baseline understanding of what an average bowl of oatmeal should cook like. Sometimes I\u2019ll use a 1.5:1 ratio and undercook my oats for a drier, heartier texture. It\u2019s all up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Just Add…Not Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can<\/em> use water, but it contributes to a bland bowl of oatmeal (unless you\u2019re making savory oats, see below). Use a milk or milk alternative for creamier oatmeal \u2014 my favorite is unsweetened vanilla almond milk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to get more creative, try flavorful liquids like tea. I\u2019ve found that chai is a good base. You can top with some greek yogurt and a dash of cinnamon for a bowl that feels dessert-like. To make your oatmeal with tea, bring liquid to a boil in a pot. Steep your tea bag for a few minutes, and then remove the tea bag and add your oats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cooking Your Oatmeal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Add a Pinch of Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSalt brings out the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of oats. Adding just a pinch will make a huge difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Up the Protein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNot only have oats been shown to reduce cholesterol<\/a>, they\u2019re also a great source of whole grains. However, a single serving of rolled oats only contains about 5 grams of protein. Protein will help you feel full longer, so a protein-packed breakfast is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to add protein to your oats, try adding egg whites<\/a>. You could also top your oats with a scoop of greek yogurt or cottage cheese, which are both high in protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Try Toasting Them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
left: untoasted oats, right: toasted oats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Toast oats? Yep, you heard right! Heat up a pan with a little bit of oil or butter, then throw in your oats and mix around for a few minutes. Once you\u2019re done toasting them, add them to a pot of boiling milk and cook as normal. This will create a bowl of oats with a chewier flavor and nuttier texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Cook to Perfection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA mushy, soupy texture is why most people hate oats \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to be that way! If possible, avoid pre-packaged oats (which are usually loaded with sugar anyways) and cook on the stovetop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When cooking on the stovetop, test different amounts of liquid and experiment with the order you put your oats in the pot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Adding oats to boiling liquid<\/strong> creates oatmeal that has more texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adding oats and liquid at the same time<\/strong> creates a more smooth, creamy bowl of oatmeal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Soak Overnight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOvernight oats<\/a> (like carrot cake overnight oats<\/a>) are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. And they\u2019re great for hot summer mornings when you don\u2019t want to turn on the stove. Mix together \u00bd cup rolled oats and \u00be cup liquid (and anything else you desire) and then leave in the fridge overnight to wake up to a breakfast that\u2019s ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Experiment with Texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdd some crunch to your bowl by topping it with whole nuts or mixing in ground nuts. Throw in other grains like chia seeds or quinoa. Grate zucchini and mix it into your oatmeal if you\u2019re a volume eater. The possibilities are endless!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spicing it Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Master Your Oatmeal Toppings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSearch #oatmeal<\/a> on Instagram, and you\u2019ll be inspired by endless beautiful breakfast bowls. Here are some of my favorite toppings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Fruit<\/strong>: apples, strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, mangos, cherries, pineapple<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nuts and nut butter<\/strong>: walnuts, peanut butter, almonds, almond butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Other<\/strong>: cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chia seeds, flax seed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We’ve made a longer list of the best oatmeal toppings here<\/a>, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Sweeten the Deal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile I typically don\u2019t add refined sugar<\/a> to my oatmeal, there are plenty of natural ways to sweeten your bowl. My favorite way is to mash half a banana and cook it with my oatmeal. This can also be done with berries or other fruit! If you prefer sweeter oatmeal, try adding a little honey or maple syrup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Go Savory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Savory oatmeal is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I suggest using water or broth for the liquid instead of milk, which creates a more neutral base for your toppings. Steel oats are preferable. Cook the oats as normal, then top with eggs, vegetables, and whatever else your heart desires. A few topping ideas are mushrooms, spinach, egg, sausage, arugula, and tomato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t know where to start choose a savory theme (like Mexican) for the bowl. A Mexican-inspired oatmeal bowl could be topped with an over easy egg, black beans, tomatoes, salsa, and avocado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Get Inspired by Your Favorite Dessert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Carrot cake? Almond joy? Pina Colada? Mocha? Yes, please! With the right ingredients oats can feel like a dessert and<\/em> be healthy. My post on overnight protein oats<\/a> has more dessert-like recipe ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Plate it Pretty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis may seem silly, but if it looks good it usually tastes good too. A bowl of oatmeal topped with vibrant sliced fruit and sprinkled with chia seeds looks much more appetizing than a beige pile of mush. Take a few extra minutes to build a bowl that you\u2019re excited to look at and eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFavorite ways to use oats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oats are clearly a power breakfast, but if you get bored of eating oatmeal everyday here are other delicious oat-filled breakfast recipes you can try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Nuts and nut butter<\/strong>: walnuts, peanut butter, almonds, almond butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adding oats and liquid at the same time<\/strong> creates a more smooth, creamy bowl of oatmeal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Rolled oats<\/strong>: Rolled or old fashioned oats are processed when the groat is steamed and then rolled. They typically take between 5-10 minutes to cook.<\/li>\n\n\n\n