7 Healthy Oatmeal Recipes to Start Your Day with Whole Grains

2021-11-06
7 Healthy Oatmeal Recipes to Start Your Day with Whole Grains

A hearty bowl of oatmeal is always a great choice to start your day right. A whole-grain breakfast like this provides an excellent source of antioxidants, supports a healthy gut, and is full of fiber to help you feel full until lunchtime. Here you'll find our favorite healthy oatmeal recipes for a flavorful morning meal. Plus, if you want to go beyond oats, try other options such as farro, quinoa, and more.

01 of 07

Oatmeal 4 Ways

Keep this healthy oatmeal recipe on hand and you'll never have a boring breakfast again. Start with our basic 3-ingredient healthy oatmeal that consists of rolled oats, water or milk, and a dash of salt. From there, choose whatever healthy oatmeal toppings and mix-ins you like. We've got variations for apricot-walnut, banana-pecan, blueberry-almond, and strawberry-peanut butter.

02 of 07

Spiced Apple Berry Oatmeal

This healthy oatmeal recipe features steel-cut oats, which are coarser and have a chewier texture than rolled oats. They can promote good heart health and are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Here, we've naturally sweetened the pot of healthy oatmeal with apples and berries.

03 of 07

Stovetop Savory Ham and Veggie Oatmeal

Not feeling like the usual maple oatmeal? Try this savory healthy oatmeal recipe instead. Steel-cut oats get a cheesy twist with the addition of shredded cheddar. Paired with some protein (you can use leftover ham) and plenty of fresh veggies, you'll definitely be energized until lunchtime arrives.

04 of 07

Maple and Cranberry Farro Cereal

Chewy, slightly nutty farro is rich in magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. It's often served in savory form as a side for lunch or dinner, but it is equally delish and enjoyed as a sweet breakfast grain. Prep this slow cooker breakfast recipe the night before for an easy healthy breakfast bowl to start the day.

05 of 07

Toasted Oat Muesli with Banana

Healthy oatmeal recipes don't have to always be about the warm grain bowl. This top-rated homemade cereal comes together in just 25 minutes and lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Enjoy with your favorite milk or nondairy milk.

06 of 07

Ginger-Sesame Oats with Mushrooms and Charred Green Onions

Here's a hot new take on healthy oatmeal. Steel-cut oats are cooked in broth to achieve a deeper flavor. Topped with a sautéed blend of mushrooms, ginger, and green onions, you'll never think of oatmeal as plain again.

07 of 07

Fruit, Nut, and Brown Sugar Freezer Oatmeal Cups

This healthy oatmeal recipe is all about convenience. Whip up the easy muffin tin recipe and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, all you have to do is microwave an oatmeal cup for a couple of minutes.

Make-Ahead and Store Oatmeal

Oatmeal and other grains are one of the easiest options for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts and snacks. Though it would be a personal preference—whether you like your grains hot, warm, or cold—oats, as leftovers, reheat perfectly with a dash of water or milk, without losing their texture or taste.

For our warm bowls featured above, you’d need to wait until it’s completely cooled off before placing your portions in glass containers or tightly wrapped in food storage containers of your choice. Oatmeal will keep fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you may choose the overnight oats route using Mason jars, which are convenient and perfect for customized flavors, no matter your needs or goals. Farro, barley, quinoa, and most multigrains are also make-ahead friendly when following the same steps for oatmeal.

Related Article

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Few desserts elicit the oohs and ahhs that molten cakes do, which makes them a natural pick for special dinners. Feel free to use semi-sweet baking chocolate in place of the bittersweet chocolate if that's the variety you have on hand.
13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

Any game-day party will be tastier with these crowd-pleasing appetizer dips, whether you decide to serve up indulgent buffalo chicken dip or a healthier spinach dip recipe.
Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

A green, yellow, or red sweet pepper shell makes a fun serving bowl for this low-fat cottage cheese dill dip.
4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

These creative bratwurst recipe ideas use clever combinations of veggies, sauces, and other toppings for a memorable backyard barbecue.
Greek Flatbreads

Greek Flatbreads

This easy Mediterranean flatbread recipe is topped with lots of fresh veggies and herbs. Great for a quick dinner, this Mediterranean recipe can be ready in just 35 minutes.
27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

When you need game-day recipes that are ready when you are, use these make-ahead football food ideas. The dishes here are our top football recipes.
Garden Stir-Fry

Garden Stir-Fry

Grab all your extra garden veggies and use them up in this easy stir-fry recipe. Cauliflower, green beans, summer squash, and sweet peppers are all welcome, and you can mix up the veggie combo you use each time depending on what you have on hand.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

Not sure what to serve for dinner tonight? With these easy 5-ingredient slow cooker recipes, a delicious, hearty meal is easy to prepare.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

This red wine guide shares the best types of red wine and how to serve them. Plus, the best red wine glasses to use for aroma and flavor enjoyment.
Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Agua Fresca de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) is a tangy, refreshing drink that's made with dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and lime juice. Read on for everything you need to know about the benefits of hibiscus tea and how to make it.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We put the TikTok-famous million layer potato recipe to the test. Get our take on the stacked potato recipe, including the most delicious homemade spicy aioli for dipping.
13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

These slow cooker brunch recipes work, whether it's a hectic weekday or a calm Sunday. The easy prep and delicious results will make everyone happy.
14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

These pasta side dishes might outshine the main. Whether you flip for farfalle, go wild for gnocchi, or prefer your noodles in soup, you’ll find new and classic pasta side dish recipe ideas in this guide. Add these easy pasta side dishes to your menu alongside protein and you have a quick and well-balanced meal.
This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

Although it's available year-round, the best time to enjoy zucchini is during the summer. Here's how to make quick sautéed zucchini, one of our favorite summer side dishes.
Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Rich with vitamins and minerals, this savory side dish is packed with flavor, enhanced beautifully by the roasting process. Rosemary and garlic lend their aromatic essence, while a hearty blend of chickpeas, twin potatoes and carrots ensures that this vegetarian delight will satisfy. Rinse chickpeas well to remove excess salt.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Chicken marinates in a citrus-basil pesto before sharing stick space with purple radicchio.
Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Put a bumper crop of zucchini to use in this fresh spin on a crostini appetizer recipe.