Oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious breakfast staple. This recipe shows you eight creative and delicious ways to prepare it, each with a unique blend of flavors. From nutty almond butter banana flax to tender apple pie, there's an oatmeal for every taste preference. The recipe also offers options for those with a sweet tooth, such as the chocolate and the maple brown sugar variations.
Photos of Oatmeal in Eight Ways Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, such as rolled oats, milk, salt, bananas, and various sweeteners. Some ingredients that might not be commonly found at home include flax seeds, almond butter, peanut butter powder, light coconut milk, and pumpkin puree. When shopping, be sure to read labels carefully and choose products that are unprocessed and without added sugars or preservatives for the healthiest outcome.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways
Rolled old fashioned oats: These oats are whole grain and have a great texture after cooking. They are high in fiber and protein, providing a nutritious breakfast base.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the oatmeal and provides additional protein and calcium.
Banana: Adds natural sweetness and thickness to the oatmeal, as well as providing potassium.
Ground flax seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, they blend seamlessly into oatmeal.
Almond butter: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and is a great source of healthy fats.
Peanut butter powder: Provides all the flavor of peanut butter with less fat.
Nutella: A creamy, chocolatey spread that turns any bowl of oatmeal into a sweet treat.
Light coconut milk: Adds a tropical flavor and creamy texture.
Cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor without adding any sugar.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with the flavors of oatmeal.
Pumpkin puree: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor and a ton of vitamin A.
Mixed fresh berries: Adds sweetness, tanginess and a pop of color. They're also high in antioxidants.
One reader, Hugibert Chau says:
The oatmeal prepared eight ways recipe has been a game-changer for my breakfast routine! The variety of flavors keeps things interesting, and the recipes are easy to follow. I love the almond butter banana flax and the pumpkin pie oatmeal the most. It's a delicious and healthy way to start the day!
Techniques Required for Preparing Oatmeal Eight Ways
How to prepare oatmeal base: Combine rolled old fashioned oats, milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 2 ½ to 3 minutes.
How to make almond butter banana flax oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in mashed banana, ground flax seeds, almond butter, honey, and almond extract. Let it rest for a few minutes to cool, thinning with a little more milk as needed.
How to make peanut butter Nutella oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in peanut butter powder and honey. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dollop and swirl in Nutella. Top with peanuts.
How to make banana coconut oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in light coconut milk, shredded coconut, mashed banana, coconut extract, and brown sugar. Let it cool for several minutes and top with mixed nuts.
How to make chocolate oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in mashed banana, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Let it cool for several minutes, then top with chocolate chips and strawberries.
How to make maple brown sugar oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in brown sugar and maple extract. Let it cool for several minutes and top with pecans.
How to make apple pie oatmeal: Combine apples and water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Then stir in oats, milk, salt, and cinnamon and heat for 2 minutes longer. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and butter. Let it cool for several minutes and top with cranberries or walnuts if desired.
How to make pumpkin pie oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Let it cool for several minutes and top with pecans.
How to make berries and cream oatmeal: After preparing the oatmeal base, stir in mixed fresh berries, honey, and vanilla. Let it cool for several minutes and top with half and half or cream.
How To Make Oatmeal in Eight Ways
Tired of your regular oatmeal? Learn how to make your breakfast more interesting in eight different ways with this oatmeal recipe, from chocolatey to fruity.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Base Oatmeal:
- ½cuprolled old fashioned oats
- ½cupmilkpreferably 2%
- ½cupwater
- 1pinch salt
For Almond Butter Banana Flax:
- ½bananawell ripened, mashed well
- 1tbspground flax seeds
- 1½tbspalmond butter
- 1tsphoneyor to taste
- 6dropsAlmond Extract
For Peanut Butter Nutella:
- 2tbsppeanut butter powdersuch as PB2
- 1tsphoneyor to taste
- 2tspNutella
- 1tbsppeanutsunsalted, chopped
For Banana Coconut:
- ½cuplight coconut milkcanned, in place of 2% milk listed
- ½bananawell ripened, mashed well
- 2tbspcoconutshredded
- ⅛tspcoconut extract
- 1tspbrown sugarpacked, or to taste
- 2tbspmixed nutsunsalted, chopped
For Chocolate:
- ½bananaoverripe, mashed well
- 2tspcocoa powderdutch processed or regular unsweetened
- ¼tspvanilla extract
- 2tspbrown sugarpacked, or to taste
- 2tspchocolate chips2 to 3 mini semisweet
- 2strawberriesfresh, sliced, optional
For Maple Brown Sugar:
- 2tspbrown sugarpacked, or to taste
- 4dropsmaple extractor to taste
- 2tbsppecanschopped
For Apple Pie:
- ⅔cupapplehoney crisp, peeled and finely chopped
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- 1tspbrown sugaror maple syrup, or to taste
- ⅛tspvanilla extract
- ½tbspbutteroptional
- 1tbspdried cranberries
- walnutschoppep, optional
For Pumpkin Pie:
- ¼cuppumpkin puree
- ½tspground cinnamonscant
- ⅛tspground ginger
- ⅛tspground nutmeg
- 1tbspmaple syrupor to taste
- ¼tspvanilla extract
- 2tbsppecanschopped
For Berries and Cream:
- ½cupmixed fresh berriesor frozen, thawed, and drained dice strawberries
- 2tsphoneyor to taste
- ⅛tspvanilla extract
- 2tbsphalf and half
Instructions
Almond Butter Banana Flax:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, water, salt, banana, and flax. Heat in the microwave for 2½ to 3 minutes.
-
Stir in the almond butter, honey, and almond extract.
-
Let rest a few minutes to cool. Thin with a little more milk as needed.
Peanut Butter Nutella:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, water, and salt. Heat in microwave for 2½ to 3 minutes.
-
Stir in peanut butter powder and honey.
-
Let cool a few minutes then dollop and swirl in Nutella. Top with peanuts.
Banana Coconut:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, coconut milk, water, salt, and banana. Heat in the microwave for 2½ to 3 minutes.
-
Stir in shredded coconut, brown sugar, and coconut extract.
-
Let cool for several minutes. Top with nuts.
Chocolate:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, water, salt, banana, and cocoa powder. Heat in microwave for 2½ to 3 minutes.
-
Stir in vanilla extract and brown sugar. Let cool for several minutes then top with chocolate chips and strawberries.
Maple Brown Sugar:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, water, and salt. Heat in microwave for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
-
Stir in brown sugar and maple extract.
-
Let cool for several minutes. Top with pecans.
Apple Pie:
-
Add apples and water to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 2 minutes.
-
Then stir oats, milk, salt, and cinnamon and heat for 2 minutes longer. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and butter.
-
Let cool for several minutes. Top with cranberries or walnuts if desired.
Pumpkin Pie:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, water, salt, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Cook in the microwave for 2½ for 3 minutes.
-
Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract and let cool for several minutes. Top with pecans.
Berries and Cream:
-
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together oats, milk, water, and salt. Cook in the microwave for 2½ to 3 minutes.
-
Stir in berries, honey, and vanilla. Let cool for several minutes. Top with half and half or cream.
Recipe Notes
Any of these variations can be cooked on the stovetop as well, just cook according to package directions.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1763.91kcal
- Fat: 98.18g
- Saturated Fat: 30.95g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 39.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 19.58g
- Carbohydrates: 207.36g
- Fiber: 29.66g
- Sugar: 126.76g
- Protein: 37.36g
- Cholesterol: 39.97mg
- Sodium: 283.61mg
- Calcium: 466.29mg
- Potassium: 2137.11mg
- Iron: 8.97mg
- Vitamin A: 621.53µg
- Vitamin C: 45.23mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways
To enhance the flavor of your oatmeal, consider toasting the oats in a dry skillet or in the oven before cooking. This will give them a nutty flavor and make your oatmeal even more delicious. Additionally, for a creamier texture, you can soak the oats in the milk overnight. This not only softens the oats, but also reduces the cooking time.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the base oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the oatmeal and add the desired flavors and toppings.
Batch cooking: Make multiple servings of the base oatmeal at once and store them in individual containers. This way, you can easily customize each serving with different flavors and toppings as needed.
Organized setup: Set up a designated oatmeal station with all the ingredients and toppings organized and easily accessible. This will streamline the process of preparing multiple variations.
Quick assembly: Prepare the different flavor variations in advance, such as mixing almond butter with banana and flax, or combining peanut butter with Nutella, for swift assembly when serving.
Efficient cooking: Use a larger microwave-safe bowl to cook multiple servings of oatmeal at the same time, reducing overall cooking time and effort.
Creative combinations: Experiment with different flavor combinations using the same base oatmeal to create new variations without starting from scratch each time.
Substitute Ingredients For Oatmeal in Eight Ways Recipe
rolled old fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and can be used as a gluten-free alternative to oats.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor to the oatmeal.
water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water adds a subtle tropical flavor and extra hydration to the oatmeal.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar savory enhancement to the oatmeal.
banana - Substitute with mango: Mango offers a sweet and tropical flavor to the oatmeal.
ground flax seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds provide a similar nutty flavor and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
almond butter - Substitute with cashew butter: Cashew butter offers a creamy texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, sweet flavor to the oatmeal.
almond extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the oatmeal.
peanut butter powder - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free alternative with a similar creamy texture.
nutella - Substitute with chocolate hazelnut spread: Chocolate hazelnut spread offers a similar chocolatey and nutty flavor.
peanuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds provide a crunchy texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
light coconut milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk offers a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
coconut extract - Substitute with coconut flakes: Coconut flakes provide a natural and textural coconut flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar offers a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
mixed nuts - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder offers a similar chocolatey flavor and is caffeine-free.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract adds a nutty and sweet flavor to the oatmeal.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar provides a similar sweetness with a hint of maple flavor.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts offer a similar nutty flavor and a slightly softer texture.
apple - Substitute with pear: Pears offer a sweet and juicy flavor with a similar texture to apples.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm and aromatic flavor to the oatmeal.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the oatmeal.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins offer a similar sweet and chewy texture.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree offers a similar creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
ground ginger - Substitute with allspice: Allspice provides a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the oatmeal.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural sweetness with a floral flavor.
mixed fresh berries - Substitute with sliced peaches: Sliced peaches offer a sweet and juicy flavor with a similar texture to berries.
half and half - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a rich and creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor.
Creative Presentation Ideas for Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways
Elevate the oatmeal base: Start by ensuring the oatmeal base is perfectly cooked and presented in a delicate, shallow bowl to showcase the texture and creaminess of the oats.
Create a symphony of flavors: Arrange the eight variations of oatmeal in a circular pattern on a large, white platter, allowing each unique flavor to stand out and complement the others.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle a fine dusting of powdered sugar over the oatmeal variations, adding a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzles: Using a piping bag, delicately drizzle swirls of honey and nutella over the oatmeal, creating intricate designs that add visual appeal and a touch of decadence.
Embrace natural elements: Place a few fresh, edible flowers on the platter to introduce a pop of color and a subtle floral aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Balance the plating: Ensure each oatmeal variation is presented in a balanced and harmonious manner, allowing the colors and textures to create a visually appealing display.
Utilize height and depth: Experiment with varying heights of the oatmeal bowls, creating a dynamic and visually interesting presentation that captures the attention of the judges.
Highlight the star ingredients: Place a small, framed description of each oatmeal variation next to its respective bowl, showcasing the key ingredients and flavors in an informative yet elegant manner.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Preparing Oatmeal Eight Different Ways
- Microwave: A kitchen appliance used for cooking and heating food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range.
- Medium microwave-safe bowl: A bowl that is safe to use in the microwave, typically made of glass or microwave-safe plastic.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used primarily to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients.
- Measuring spoon: A spoon used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for cooking food, especially sauces and soups, on a stovetop.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to facilitate repetitive tasks in the preparation of food, such as chopping, mixing, or pureeing.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
- Knife: A tool with a sharp edge used for cutting or slicing food.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which food is cut and prepared.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting food.
- Whisk: A cooking utensil used to blend ingredients smooth, or to incorporate air into a mixture in a process known as whisking or whipping.
- Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged holes used to shred food into fine pieces.
- Oven: A thermally insulated chamber used for the heating, baking, or drying of a substance.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Toaster: An appliance used to toast bread by exposing it to radiant heat.
Storing and Freezing Oatmeal Prepared Eight Different Ways
- To store leftover oatmeal, let it cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- When reheating refrigerated oatmeal, add a splash of milk or water to help loosen the consistency and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- For freezing, portion the cooled oatmeal into individual serving sizes using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and flavor variation for easy identification.
- Frozen oatmeal can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the oatmeal overnight in the refrigerator or microwave it directly from frozen, adding a bit of milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Some toppings, such as fresh fruits or nuts, may not freeze well and can become soggy or lose their texture. Consider adding these toppings after reheating the oatmeal for the best results.
- When freezing oatmeal with banana, mash the banana thoroughly before mixing it into the oatmeal to prevent it from turning brown during storage.
- Oatmeal variations containing pumpkin puree or apple may have a slightly different texture after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
- If you prefer a creamier texture after reheating frozen oatmeal, add a dollop of yogurt, milk, or cream and stir well to combine.
How To Reheat Leftover Oatmeal Dishes
The best way to reheat leftover oatmeal is in the microwave. Place the desired amount of oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk or water to help rehydrate it. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking.
Another option is to reheat the oatmeal on the stovetop. Place the oatmeal in a small saucepan and add a bit of milk or water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through and creamy. This method allows you to control the consistency more easily.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also reheat the oatmeal in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the oatmeal in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk or water, and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy option, you can enjoy leftover oatmeal cold. Simply take it out of the refrigerator, give it a stir, and add your favorite toppings. This works particularly well with overnight oats or bircher muesli.
If your leftover oatmeal has dried out a bit in the refrigerator, add a little extra milk, water, or even yogurt to help rehydrate it and improve the texture when reheating.
When reheating oatmeal with toppings like nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit, it's best to add them after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor. However, toppings like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or nut butters can be reheated with the oatmeal.
Experiment with adding new flavors to your leftover oatmeal when reheating. Try stirring in a spoonful of jam, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to give it a fresh twist.
Surprising Fact About Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways Recipe
The oatmeal prepared eight ways recipe offers a variety of delicious and nutritious options to start your day. Whether you prefer the nutty flavor of almond butter banana flax or the comforting taste of apple pie, there's a flavor for everyone. With the versatility of oats, you can easily customize your breakfast to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Oats are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning. So, next time you're looking for a hearty and wholesome breakfast, consider trying one of these oatmeal variations.
Is Preparing Oatmeal Eight Ways Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this diverse oatmeal recipe varies. The use of almond butter, flax seeds, and nuts may increase the overall cost, while oats, bananas, and basic pantry items keep it reasonable. The versatility and nutritional value make it worth the investment. Rating: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4: $15-20, depending on ingredient availability and quality.
Is Preparing Oatmeal Eight Ways Healthy or Unhealthy?
This oatmeal recipe offers a variety of flavors and toppings, making it an overall healthy breakfast option. Oatmeal itself is a nutritious whole grain, providing fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. The recipe incorporates fruits like bananas, apples, and berries, which add natural sweetness and valuable vitamins and antioxidants. The use of nuts and seeds, such as flax seeds, peanuts, and pecans, provides healthy fats and additional protein.
However, some variations may be higher in added sugars and calories due to ingredients like Nutella, brown sugar, and maple syrup. While these ingredients can be enjoyed in moderation, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and frequency of consumption.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of added sugars by using more natural sweeteners like fresh fruits or a small amount of honey
- Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips in the chocolate variation
- Use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives to reduce the overall calorie and fat content
- Increase the fiber content by adding more fruits, vegetables, or chia seeds to the oatmeal
- Experiment with savory toppings like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a poached egg for a balanced meal
- Choose unsweetened nut butters to avoid added sugars and oils
Editor's Opinion on the Versatility of Oatmeal Recipes
The recipe provided offers a diverse range of flavors and textures, showcasing the versatility of oatmeal. The combinations of ingredients are well thought out and provide a delightful twist to the traditional oatmeal. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple breakfast dish into a gourmet experience.
Enhance Your Oatmeal in Eight Ways Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways Recipe
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Oatmeal Prepared Eight Ways
Why trust this Oatmeal in Eight Ways Recipe:
This recipe offers a diverse range of oatmeal variations, providing a delightful and nutritious breakfast experience. Each variation is carefully crafted with wholesome ingredients such as almond butter, peanut butter, coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, apples, pumpkin puree, and fresh berries. The detailed instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the use of microwave-safe bowls makes it convenient for busy individuals. With a balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a testament to its reliability and creativity, offering a trustworthy and delightful breakfast solution.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Deluxe Crockpot Oatmeal Recipe
Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal With Fresh Blueberries Recipe
Debra’s Special Oatmeal Raisin Cookies From Mrs. Fields Recipe
Perfect Subway Copycat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Perfectly Potbelly’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Dominican Style Oatmeal Recipe
Spiced Coconut Porridge with Cranberry & Orange Compote Recipe
Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Recipe
Diabetic-Friendly Apple Oatmeal Recipe
Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Recipe
