Oatmeal is one of those classic, satisfying breakfast recipes that will never go out of style. Whether you prefer your oats steel-cut, rolled, baked, overnight, or even in pancakes, the variety of flavors and nutritional benefits you can get out of a bowl of oatmeal makes this hearty breakfast a fit for just about any diet (yep, even low-carb). These tasty recipes keep things healthy, with low-sugar, high-protein, and nutrient-packed options that don't sacrifice the gooey, delicious taste you love.
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Hemp and chia seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, plus a whole host of other healthy nutrients. Mixed into a hearty bowl of oatmeal and topped with fresh fruit, these two "superfoods" are your ticket to a satisfying, energizing breakfast.
Get the recipe: chia and hemp seed superfood oatmeal
It might sound weird, but mixing zucchini in your oatmeal is a great way to sneak more veggies in your diet. This tasty "zoatmeal" has 12 grams of fiber and a whopping 23 grams of protein, which keeps you full and is great for promoting muscle growth.
Get the recipe: banana cinnamon zoats
Steel-cut or old-fashioned oats are delicious, but take a notoriously long time to cook. How can you make them quickly? Freeze a batch in a muffin tin. This genius technique makes a batch of breakfast to last you a whole week; just pop a couple muffins into the microwave to heat up and enjoy. With cinnamon and maple syrup, this sweet and simple recipe can be supplemented with your favorite fruit and nut butter for a quick, healthy, and satisfying breakfast.
Get the technique: frozen steel-cut oatmeal cups
Rinsing and toasting any grain or psuedograin (rice, millet, quinoa, etc.) prior to cooking offers a nutty flavor, plus it helps burst the grain open, aiding in shorter cook time and fluffier texture. Quinoa is also crazy-healthy: high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and amino acids.
Get the recipe: quinoa oatmeal porridge
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Rebecca Firkser
Overnight oats are so easy to make, it's worth trying at least once. Add oats (about 1/4-1/3 cup) to a mason jar, fill the jar about 2/3 full with milk, cover, and let it set in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the microwave the next morning or simply eat cold. This sweet and chewy take on the quick breakfast favorite includes high-protein, high-fiber chia seeds, plus sliced almonds for filling, healthy fats.
Get the recipe: coconut-chocolate-almond overnight oats
If you like waking up to a hot breakfast, consider slow-cooking your oats. It'll take about eight hours, and you'll enter the kitchen with the scent of spices wafting through the air. This vegan recipe is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and full of rich, satisfying pumpkin and nuts.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal
Healthy oat pancakes for breakfast? Yes, please. This recipe uses a blender to swirl up the perfect combination of oats with banana, eggs, baking powder, and milk. The outcome: delicious and gluten-free pancakes to enjoy with syrup, nut butter, or your favorite fruit.
Get the recipe: banana-oat blender pancakes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Rebecca Firkser
Quick and decadent, you can make this pumpkin-spice oatmeal directly in your coffee mug any morning you're short on time. The pumpkin puree fills it with spice and flavor, and you can top it with semi-sweet dark chocolate chips for an extra burst of low-sugar sweetness.
Get the recipe: microwaveable mug pumpkin-spice oatmeal
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Want breakfast to keep you full for longer? Add more protein and fiber into your oatmeal by mashing up garbanzo beans and folding them into the cooked oatmeal. PS: you won't detect any strange flavor or texture, especially with the sweet cinnamon and banana in this recipe.
Get the recipe: banana cashew overnight oatmeal
Ever wonder why steel-cut or old-fashioned oats are considered healthier than rolled oats? It all comes down to the glycemic index (GI). Steel-cut oats have a lower GI, meaning that their glucose is absorbed more slowly into your body. High GI foods, in contrast, are absorbed quickly and cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin — plus sugar cravings. Convinced? Then give this simple, satisfying steel-cut oats recipe a shot. You'll prep and soak the oats the night before, then heat them up for five to 10 minutes in the morning. Top with fruit and enjoy.
Get the recipe: overnight steel-cut oatmeal
It only takes seven grams of sugar to make this sweet, simple overnight oats recipe, which is full of chia seeds, smooth coconut milk, and almonds full of healthy fats. A topping of fresh berries is all you need to top it off.
Get the recipe: easy overnight oats
Low-carb oatmeal? You heard us right. This recipe subs in ground walnuts and pumpkin seeds for oats (you can use a food processor to grind them). The result is a tasty breakfast bowl that mimics the hearty texture and flavor of oatmeal with just a fraction of the carbs — a mere 19 grams — making it perfect for anyone trying a low-carb diet.
Get the recipe: no-oats Paleo oatmeal
These grab-and-go oatmeal balls are the perfect healthy snack substitute or quick breakfast on a busy morning. Just roll together the nut butter, flax seeds, and oats, plus raisins and chocolate chips, for an energizing bite that tastes just like an oatmeal cookie.
Get the recipe: no-bake oatmeal energy balls
You'd never think this decadent baked oatmeal was healthy just from looking at it — or tasting it, for that matter. The bananas and medjool dates give it a natural sweetness to complement the spoonful of brown sugar in the topping, while chia seeds, walnuts, and pecans provide a dose of healthy fats. Then there's the chai spice, which gives this baked oatmeal a rich and cozy flavor that's perfect for early mornings.
Get the recipe: chai-spiced baked oatmeal with pecan crumble
The 17 grams of protein crammed into this mason jar of overnight oats come courtesy of mashed white beans. Intrigued? Concerned? Don't worry — when combined with sweet vanilla soy milk, maple syrup, almonds, and a sprinkling of raspberries, you can't taste the beans at all. It blends in perfectly to create a rich, satisfying breakfast.
Get the recipe: high-protein overnight oats
