16 Oatmeal Breakfast Ideas to Mix Up Your Mornings

Cherry Almond Oatmeal
Photo: Alberta Rose

Oatmeal makes an extremely versatile breakfast food. From classic stove-top oats to overnight oats to slow-cooker oats, it's no wonder so many swear by their morning bowl of oatmeal. But you don't need me to convince you, the health benefits of oatmeal speak for themselves. Oats are high in fiber and antioxidants, they help reduce your appetite, and they're super beneficial for heart health—to name a few! If you're looking to incorporate more oats into your diet, take your oatmeal up a notch with these oatmeal breakfast ideas to mix up your mornings.

01 of 16

Butterscotch Oatmeal

Butterscotch Oatmeal
Tammy Lynn

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and creamy butterscotch variation of oatmeal. Reviewer Larissa says, "My family loves it and has been known to eat it right out of the pot! It's so easy to experiment with. We like to add sliced apples and bananas occasionally and we have successfully tried it with half a teaspoon of Nutella mixed into our bowls after serving."

02 of 16

Healthy Coconut Oatmeal

Healthy Coconut Oatmeal
Deb C

Recipe creator BMARYGREEN says, "A fast and healthy breakfast cereal or high-energy snack. Oatmeal made with coconut, raisins, cranberries, walnuts. Brown rice can be used in place of oatmeal."

03 of 16

Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal

Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal
Dianne

"This is a comforting way to start your morning. Made with protein-rich soy milk and topped with walnuts, it's a superfoods tour-de-force that will fill you up and satisfy that morning sweets craving," says recipe creator Fitmommy. Don't have avocado honey? You can substitute for it with clover honey to achieve a more mild flavor.

04 of 16

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Oatmeal
ReneePaj

Cake for breakfast? Take it from reviewer Ashley Roller who says, "This recipe is very delicious, I love carrot cake and this is exactly what carrot cake oatmeal should taste like. All the ingredients complement each other very well and I definitely recommend this recipe especially if you are busy most mornings, you can make one batch and it will last you a couple of mornings!"

05 of 16

Dominican Style Oatmeal

Dominican Style Oatmeal
justNitra

Recipe creator Pepita says, "After living in the Dominican Republic for many years, I came to appreciate their tasty and easy way of making oatmeal. The texture is more creamy and liquidy, and the flavor is comforting in the morning."

06 of 16

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal
Jody

This oatmeal will hit the spot on a cool fall morning. Several reviewers suggest substituting applesauce in place of apple juice. Reviewer Kristal says, "My husband loves sweets and given the choice of pancakes, french toast, or this recipe, he said he wanted the apple oatmeal."

07 of 16

Good-Morning Banana Nut Cereal

Good-Morning Banana Nut Cereal
Alberta Rose

"This hot cereal is a delicious twist on oatmeal with some added protein and fiber to help satisfy you and keep you full...Sometimes I heat up the water and milk real quick and let the quinoa soak while I'm in the shower, that way it can cook while I get ready and only needs a couple more minutes once everything else is added. Top with granola, if desired. Apple slices and/or sauce can be substituted for banana," says recipe creator HomesKillet.

08 of 16

Creamy Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal

Creamy Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal
Ann P

Oats are tossed in with brown sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, raisins, and apples chunks to make this top-rated oatmeal. Reviewer debrac1 says, "I followed the recipe but added at least a tablespoon of half & half (for thicker/creamier consistency) and at least a couple tablespoons of walnuts (for protein and to make it a complete meal). It was so delicious and filling!"

09 of 16

Cranberry-Orange Spiced Oatmeal

Cranberry-Orange Spiced Oatmeal
Tammy Lynn

"This is a wonderful microwave recipe that gets me going every morning! It's made with no added sugar, and plenty of oats and cinnamon for a warm, tasty breakfast. I also add turmeric and ginger for wholesome benefits," says recipe creator Leah Prather Hanley.

  • Two Weeks of Healthy Breakfast Ideas
10 of 16

Cherry Almond Oatmeal

Cherry Almond Oatmeal
Alberta Rose

Reviewer CC<3's2bake says, "I loved this recipe. The cherry and almond combination really kicked the boring old oatmeal up several notches... I topped it off with some toasted chopped almonds and coconut." Some reviewers suggest using chocolate almond milk for a chocolate-cherry breakfast treat!

11 of 16

Blueberry and Banana Steel Cut Oats

Blueberry and Banana Steel Cut Oats
lutzflcat

Cook these oats in the slow cooker overnight and wake up to sweet, warm oatmeal first thing in the morning. "Delicious! Reminds me of blueberry cobbler. I keep it in the fridge for quick and easy breakfast on the go," says reviewer Emily Gurner Kellett.

12 of 16

Overnight Chai Oatmeal

Overnight Chai Oatmeal
France C

It's no mystery why so many are fans of overnight oats. Do the prep work the night before and refrigerate overnight. It's the perfect breakfast for any self-proclaimed "not-a-morning person." Some reviewers recommend adding more liquid to reach the desired consistency. Reviewer France C says, "The flavor is dead-on chai and smells delicious!"

13 of 16

Peachy Oatmeal

Peachy Oatmeal
thedailygourmet

Use up the last of those summer peaches or used canned peaches year round to make this recipe that can be cooked in the microwave in minutes. Reviewer lutzflcat says, "I cooked for a total of 4 minutes (microwave times will vary) and was rewarded with a warm bowl of oatmeal with tasty bites of peach. Very, very nice and quick and easy, too!"

14 of 16

Creamy Sweet Potato Oatmeal

What a healthy way to start the day! And a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes. Combine them with cooked oats, almond milk, flax seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Finish with honey, butter, vanilla extract — and top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or coconut. "Loaded with sweet potato and warm spices, this oatmeal is a nutritious and tasty breakfast!" says Tammy Lynn.

15 of 16

Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats

Chocolate Coconut Overnight Oats
Kim

Recipe creator Vanessa Fregoso says, "A yummy breakfast that is healthy but doesn't leave you feeling deprived, this no-cook oatmeal will be creamy by the morning time and makes breakfast prep time non-existent. Put all ingredients in a 12-ounce mason jar and vigorously shake to make preparation a breeze!"

16 of 16

Chocolate Oatmeal Porridge

Chocolate Oatmeal Porridge
Paula

This one is for the chocolate lovers...who also happen to be health conscious. "A creamy, chocolatey breakfast treat minus the fat and excessive sugar. Tastes like tiny chocolate teddy bears! If porridge is too thick or oats are uncooked, add more boiling water to it till cooked and desired thickness reached. Serve with a splash of cold milk," says recipe creator thecookiejar.

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