There are many different ways to enjoy oatmeal, but sometimes it can be tricky to know what toppings and side dishes go well with this powerful breakfast option!
As oatmeal is packed with nutrients and fiber, it can be a great base for a filling breakfast that will keep you going all morning long.
In this blog post I will share with you some of my favorite ways to enjoy oatmeal, with both sweet and savory toppings and side dishes.
Sweet Oatmeal Toppings
If you want something sweet to top your oatmeal, consider adding:
Fresh fruit
Fruit such as bananas, berries, or diced apples are a great way to add sweetness and nutrients to your oatmeal.
Dried fruit
Dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries can also be a delicious way to sweeten your oatmeal.
Just be sure to watch the portion size though, as dried fruits can be higher in sugar than fresh fruit.
Honey or maple syrup
A little bit of honey or maple syrup can go a long way in terms of sweetness.
Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
Cinnamon not only adds flavor, but it also has many benefits.
A small dash can really enhance the flavor of your oatmeal.
Nutmeg is another spice that’s very tasty and goes well with oatmeal.
Nut butter
Adding a spoonful of nut butter to your oatmeal adds both protein and flavor.
Try almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a delicious twist.
Granola
Granola is a tasty way to add a little bit of crunch to your oatmeal.
You can also eat it with a bit of yogurt on the side.
Granola is packed with healthy ingredients such as nuts and oats!
There are many other ways to sweeten your oatmeal, so I would encourage you to experiment with what you like best!
Savory Oatmeal Toppings
If you prefer savory toppings on your oatmeal, some great options to try are:
Sauteed vegetables
Vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, or kale make a delicious and savory topping for your oatmeal.
Simply cook them in a little bit of olive oil or butter until they’re tender.
Cheese
A sprinkle of shredded cheese can take your oatmeal to the next level.
Try cheddar, Parmesan, or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
Eggs
Even though it may seem a bit strange at first glance, adding eggs to your oatmeal is actually surprisingly delicious!
You can top your oatmeal with a fried egg, poached egg, or soft-boiled egg.
Hot sauce or salsa
If you like a little bit of spice, try topping your oatmeal with hot sauce or salsa.
You can also add avocado for a creamier texture.
No matter what toppings you decide to choose, either way, oatmeal is always a delicious and nutritious way to start your day!
Oatmeal Side Dishes
Now when it comes to side dishes, there are endless possibilities as well.
Here are a few of my favorite sides to enjoy with oatmeal.
A piece of toast with jam or honey
Toast is a classic breakfast food, and it goes great with oatmeal.
Just add a little bit of jam or honey for sweetness.
Fruit salad
A refreshing fruit salad is the perfect side dish to accompany oatmeal.
Try adding berries, diced apples, or grapes for a delicious and healthy treat.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of protein, and it is delicious to eat alongside your oatmeal.
Choose plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for the best options.
There are also great plant-based yogurts available if you are looking for a dairy-free option.
Cheese toast
Cheese toast is a classic breakfast food, and it’s the perfect side dish for oatmeal.
Add a little bit of shredded cheese to your toast for a delicious and savory treat.
Leftover roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
If you have some leftover roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes, they make a great side dish for oatmeal as well.
Simply reheat them and add a little bit of salt and pepper to taste.
(Green) smoothie
A (green) smoothie is a great way to get your fruits and vegetables in for the day.
Just add some spinach or kale, fruit, and yogurt to your blender and blend until smooth.
Other Questions You May Have
Is Oatmeal A Full Meal?
Oatmeal can absolutely be a full meal.
Just add some protein and healthy fats, and you’ve got a complete breakfast or lunch.
I personally like to eat one of the side dishes listed above as well in order to make sure I get a full range of nutrients.
Can You Eat Oatmeal Every Day?
You can definitely eat oatmeal every day.
It is a great breakfast choice that is extremely versatile.
Just make sure to mix up your toppings so you don’t get bored!
You can also change up the milk you use by using plant-based milk or add different spices to keep things interesting.
I personally love to use coconut milk and add a little bit of cinnamon to my oatmeal for a delicious and warming breakfast with a tropical twist.
What To Eat With Oatmeal For Weight Loss
If you’re looking to lose weight, pair oatmeal with a protein-rich topping such as eggs or yogurt.
This will help you feel fuller longer and prevent you from overeating later in the day.
You can also add a green smoothie as a side dish for an extra boost of nutrients.
What Are The Different Types Of Oats I Can Use?
The main type of oats are quick or instant oats, rolled oats (old fashioned or regular), steel cut oats, and oat groats. Quick oats are processed the heaviest and cook the fastest. Steel-cut oats and oat groats require more cooking time but have a heartier texture.
How Much Protein Do Oats Have?
One cup of cooked oats provides about 5 grams of protein. Adding extras like nuts, seeds, nut butters, or plant-based milks can boost the protein content. Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or protein powder are great ways to get extra protein in your oatmeal.
What Are Some Healthy Toppings I Can Add?
Fresh fruit like bananas, berries, and apples provide natural sweetness and fiber. Nuts, seeds, and nut butters like almond or peanut butter add crunch and healthy fats. Toppings like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes add extra nutrients.
Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or cocoa powder are delicious flavor boosts.
Can I Make Oatmeal Ahead Of Time?
Overnight oats or baked oatmeal are great make-ahead options. Simply combine your favorite kind of oats and liquid (such as soy milk, oat milk, whole milk or a cup of water) the night before, then top and enjoy in the morning. Or bake oats with extras like fruit and nuts for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Are There Any Health Benefits To Eating Oats?
Oats are a good source of soluble fiber. They also contain antioxidants and fatty acids that are beneficial. One cup of cooked oats provides over 3 grams of fiber to keep you full. The beta glucan fiber in oats may also help reduce inflammation.
What To Eat With Oatmeal To Stay Full
To stay full on oatmeal, top it with high-fiber fresh fruits like banana, berries, and apple. Nut butters, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp hearts provide healthy fats and protein. Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds are also excellent additions that won’t weigh you down but will keep you satisfied for hours.
Oats have soluble fiber that regulates blood sugar and keeps hunger at bay, especially when paired with these wholesome toppings rich in nutrients.
Final thoughts
So, by now you should have a pretty good idea of all the different ways you can enjoy oatmeal.
Whether you like it sweet or savory, there’s always a delicious option for you to choose.
If you have a sweet tooth, a combination you can never go wrong with is oatmeal topped off with some fresh fruit and granola.
If you’re more into savory, oatmeal combined with eggs makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Change up your toppings and side dishes every once in a while, and you’ll never get bored of this delicious and nutritious breakfast!
Try out some of the ideas listed above, and let us know how you like them. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them with us.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get creative with your oatmeal today!