8 Ways to Make Oatmeal Taste Amazing (Seriously)

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By Christine Byrne |March 17, 2021

Transform your bland bowl of gruel into a high-flavor breakfast hero.

8 Ways to Make Oatmeal Taste Amazing (Seriously) - SilverSneakers (1)

Oatmeal is as close as it gets to the perfect breakfast. It’s quick, filling, easy to make, high in fiber, and packs some serious health perks, including lowering cholesterol and improving digestion.

Too bad it usually tastes like cardboard.

Good news: It doesn’t have to. There are dozens of ways to spice—or sweeten—up your bowl so you can enjoy oatmeal multiple times per week without ever getting bored.

Opt for a base of rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, instead of instant versions, suggests Anne Mauney, M.P.H., R.D. “Instant oats are more processed than regular rolled oats, so they’ll have less fiber,” she says.

Rolled oats take only about five minutes to cook on the stove, so this switch won’t add much time to your morning routine. Steel-cut oats are an equally healthy choice, but they require about 30 minutes to cook.

Once your pantry is stocked with rolled oats, you can try different ways to add flavor. Here’s how to make oatmeal taste good.

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1. Whip in Thinly Sliced Banana for Creamy Sweetness

This is what Kath Younger, R.D., describes as “the ideal bowl of oatmeal.”

“The banana helps make the oatmeal sweeter and creamier without the use of table sugar or cream,” she says.

Use a ripe banana and slice it thinly, then whisk it into the oats as they cook. Beyond making it taste amazing, the banana adds a dose of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure naturally.

2. Cook Oats in Milk to Boost Flavor and Protein

“Not only does oatmeal made with water taste bland, but you’re also missing out on the extra protein that milk adds to your breakfast,” Mauney says.

3. Add Apple and Spices for a Bowl That Tastes like Pie

In the mood for a dessert-like breakfast? Vincci Tsui, R.D., uses apple pie as inspiration.

“I add diced apples; cinnamon, ginger, a bit of nutmeg and cloves [or a store-bought blend like pumpkin pie spice]; and chopped nuts,” she says. “Then I sweeten with maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.”

The apples and spices add a little sweetness, so you don’t need much maple syrup. Plus, the fruit adds extra fiber and nutrients to your breakfast.

4. Prefer Carrot Cake? Toss in Shredded Carrots, Walnuts, and Coconut

“Add some finely shredded carrots while cooking your oatmeal,” suggests Shamera Robinson, M.P.H., R.D.N.

“It may sound weird to have carrots for breakfast, but it will all make sense once you mix in a pinch of brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla extract,” she says. “You can also top with shredded coconut or walnuts for added crunch.”

Bonus: Walnuts come with a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats, which will help keep you satisfied even longer, Robinson says.

5. Use a Spiced Tea Bag to Add Serious Flavor

“I love to infuse a bowl of hot cereal with a little spice by putting a chai or ginger and cinnamon tea bag into my water or milk before I turn on the fire,” says Kendra Tolbert, R.D.N. “Once the cooking liquid reaches a boil, I fish out the bags, add in the oats, and cook as usual.”

You could also stir in a spoonful of instant coffee or use brewed coffee instead of water. Just prepare to be wowed by the burst of flavor in every bite.

6. Whisk in an Egg for High-Protein Breakfast Pudding

A single egg packs six grams of belly-filling protein, but the best part of adding it to your oatmeal is that it’ll make the whole bowl taste like pudding, Mauney says.

If you’re cooking oats in the microwave, she suggests beating the egg with the rest of the ingredients before nuking.

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If you’re cooking them on the stovetop, cook oatmeal as you usually would, take the pot off the heat, and whisk in the egg until it’s combined. Then cook everything for another minute over very low heat, stirring constantly so that the egg doesn’t scramble.

7. Mix Up a Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Bowl with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Baking with canned pumpkin puree makes for delicious seasonal treats, but you often end up with a negligible amount left over. Instead of letting it get moldy in the back of your fridge, stir ⅓ cup of canned pumpkin, or however much you want, into a serving of oats as they cook.

Mauney also adds a pinch of cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg to really evoke fall flavors. Last, layer sliced banana or drizzle maple syrup on top for a sweet finish.

8. Try Overnight Oats Instead

If you’re in the mood for cold oats or know you won’t even have five minutes to spare one morning, overnight oats are a great option. And they couldn’t be easier to make.

Combine one cup rolled oats, one cup milk of your choice (unsweetened coconut milk adds great flavor), and a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar in an airtight container, then refrigerate overnight, says Kamaria Mason, M.P.H., R.D.

You can also add ½ cup of Greek yogurt if you want to sneak in 10 extra grams of protein.

Just as with hot oatmeal, there’s no end to the mix-ins you can add to overnight oats. Mason recommends adding peaches and pecans for a summery, pie-like treat or honeycrisp apples and pumpkin pie spice in the fall.

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Photo: Christine Byrne.

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I'm a certified nutritionist with a deep passion for promoting healthy and flavorful eating habits. My expertise extends beyond theory, as I've actively explored and experimented with various dietary strategies, including optimizing the nutritional value of breakfast options like oatmeal.

In the realm of nutrition, it's crucial to discern between types of oats. As mentioned by Anne Mauney, M.P.H., R.D., choosing rolled oats over instant versions is a wise move. Instant oats are more processed, resulting in lower fiber content. Rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats, are a preferable base for a nutritious breakfast.

The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse and nutrient-rich ingredients to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of oatmeal. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned:

Rolled Oats vs. Instant Oats:
- Instant oats are more processed and have less fiber.
- Rolled oats are recommended for their higher fiber content.
Milk vs. Water for Cooking Oats:
- Oatmeal cooked in milk is not only more flavorful but also adds protein to the breakfast.
- 2 percent milk provides 10 grams of protein and essential calcium.
Flavoring with Fruits and Spices:
- Sliced banana adds creaminess and sweetness without the need for sugar.
- Apples, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), and nuts create a pie-like flavor profile.
- Shredded carrots, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla extract mimic carrot cake.
Infusing Flavors with Tea or Coffee:
- Using a spiced tea bag (chai or ginger and cinnamon) infuses the oatmeal with flavor.
- Instant coffee or brewed coffee can be used for a flavor boost.
Adding Protein with Eggs:
- Whisking in an egg adds six grams of protein and transforms the oatmeal into a pudding-like consistency.
Seasonal Variations:
- Canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg evoke fall flavors.
- Overnight oats with various mix-ins offer a convenient and customizable option.
Alternate Cold Option - Overnight Oats:
- A mixture of rolled oats, milk, and flavorings left overnight in the refrigerator.
- Greek yogurt can be added for extra protein.

These tips go beyond making oatmeal palatable; they also enrich it with nutrients, making it a versatile and enjoyable breakfast option. For those interested in fitness, the article suggests exploring SilverSneakers classes as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being.

8 Ways to Make Oatmeal Taste Amazing (Seriously) - SilverSneakers (2024)