Our Favorite Oatmeal Toppings
Our favorite oatmeal toppings are made by cooking a batch of regular rolled or steel-cut oats and then setting out an assortment of (mostly) healthy toppings, including fruits, nuts, and natural sweeteners, so everyone can make their favorite bowl.
Ingredients
For the oatmeal
- 3 to 4 cups water or milk, whether dairy or plant based
- 2 cups organic rolled oats or 1 cup steel-cut oats
Toppings and mix-ins (optional)
- Figs
- Fresh berries
- Raisins
- Sliced bananas
- Sliced peaches, plums, or nectarines
- Dates
- Fresh herbs
- Toasted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or hazelnuts
- Granola
- Bran flakes
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Instructions
Make the oatmeal
- In a large saucepan over high heat, bring the water and/or milk to a boil.
- Stir in the oats. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the oats are tender, 5 to 10 minutes for rolled oats and 20 to 25 minutes for steel-cut oats.
- Remove from the heat and cover until serving. If the oats thicken a little too much for your liking, stir in a little more hot water or milk until it comes to your desired consistency.
Top the oatmeal
- Divide the oatmeal between four bowls and top or stir in your favorite additions. (For some inspiration, see the photo above and the variations below.)
Notes
Some suggestions include (featured in the above photo, beginning at top left)
Brûlée Figs with Plums Sprinkle turbinado sugar on sliced figs and brûlée with a kitchen torch (or slide beneath the broiler). Add thinly sliced plums or pluots. Some nuts or a pinch of cinnamon would be lovely here although not necessary. Raisins, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Assorted Berries of All Sorts Roasted Sweet Potato Roast some sweet potatoes the night before. Peel and, if a little extra bling is desired, roll in poppy or chia seeds. Slice and add toasted pecans, raisins, a little vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and if desired, red jalapeno. Thai basil makes a pretty garnish but may be a bit much in the am. Cinnamon S’mores Make some marshmallows (mini or jumbo) and broken chocolate bar a little mushy with a kitchen torch (or place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil). Top with broken graham crackers. After, natch, you’ve stirred a little vanilla and ground cinnamon into the oatmeal. Bran flakes, Banana, Blueberries and Raisins with Vanilla and a Pinch of Cinnamon or Nutmeg Add a little vanilla and a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg when making the oatmeal. Granola, Raspberries, and Toasted Pistachios with Vanilla and Cardamom. Add a little vanilla and a pinch of ground cardamom when making the oatmeal. You could also add a dollop of raspberry preserves and a sprig of mint. Vanilla Spice with Apples and Toasted Walnuts When making the oats, add 1/2 split and scraped vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract) and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, or any combination of warming spices. Then sauté 1/4 cup diced green apple in 1 teaspoon vegetarian or regular butter over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until browned and caramelized, 3 to 4 minutes. Add toasted walnuts and, if desired assorted berries of all sorts. Vanilla Ginger with Peaches or Apples, Chopped Dates, Coconut and Toasted Pecans. Add a little vanilla and a pinch of ground ginger when making the oatmeal. Toasted Almonds, Bananas, and Assorted Berries of All Sorts Add a little vanilla and a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger when making the oatmeal. A final flourish of mint can be nice. Non-Oatmeal Oatmeal In place of oatmeal, you can use any warm cooked grain. (This is the perfect use for leftovers when, with all well intentions, you made a big batch of whole grains to use through the week and your actions fell a little short of your expectations. Quinoa works well as does a prepackaged or homemade blend of brown rice, steel-cut oats, and farro. Simply rewarm with a little extra water and some milk until warmed through and exceptionally plump and tender.)Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 79mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 9g