If you're used to sweet oatmeal with nut butter and fruit, the idea of savory oats might sound a bit unusual. However, once you try this savory oats recipe, you'll see how versatile oats can be! This recipe features creamy, steel-cut oats topped with eggs, avocado, and garlicky greens, making it a nutritious choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Oats are a whole grain, like farro, brown rice, or wheat berries, so they pair perfectly with savory ingredients such as avocado, sautéed greens, and soft-boiled eggs. The hearty toppings make this recipe a great option for a quick meal any time of the day.
Even if you're skeptical about savory oatmeal recipes, I encourage you to give this one a try. It's not only easy and healthy but also endlessly customizable. Feel free to share your favorite toppings in the comments! I think you’re going to love it!
How to Make Savory Oats
To make this savory oats recipe stand out, the best choice is steel-cut oats. Their creamy, chewy texture is similar to risotto, which makes them perfect for pairing with toppings like veggies and eggs. Quick-cooking oats or rolled oats tend to be too soft and mushy for this recipe.
For a rich, savory flavor, start by cooking the oats with shallots and garlic. Heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan and sauté finely chopped shallots until they are soft. Then, stir in the oats and grated garlic, adding water and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the oats are thick and creamy with a slight bite. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
While the oats are cooking, you can prepare the toppings. Here are some of my favorites!
Savory Oats Recipe Topping Suggestions
My go-to toppings for savory oatmeal recipes are soft-boiled eggs, sautéed spinach, avocado, scallions for an oniony bite, and microgreens for a fresh finish. But the possibilities don’t end there! Customize your bowl with whatever toppings you love. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- All kinds of eggs: Instead of soft-boiled, try a poached egg or a fried egg on top.
- Plant-based proteins: Skip the eggs and add baked tofu or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Sautéed veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or kale in addition to or instead of spinach.
- Roasted veggies: Add roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash in the fall or winter, and roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers in the summer.
- Cheese or “cheese”: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or a dairy-free option like vegan Parmesan made with cashews and nutritional yeast. For a similar umami flavor, try topping your bowl with caramelized onions.
- Toasted nuts or seeds: Add toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, or pepitas for a delicious crunch.
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or thyme leaves for added flavor.
Serve your savory oats with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of pesto for an extra kick!
Meal Prep Tips for Savory Oats
Preparing savory oats recipes can be a bit time-consuming on busy mornings, but you can make them ahead of time! Cook the oats in advance, divide them into meal prep containers, and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave and add your desired toppings just before serving.
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What Can You Pair with Oatmeal?
When considering what can you pair with oatmeal, the options are endless. From eggs and avocado to tofu and roasted vegetables, the choices are diverse, making oatmeal a versatile base for any meal. This recipe particularly highlights the possibilities of oats beyond breakfast, perfect as one of your savory dinner ideas.
More Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this savory oats recipe, try some of these other delicious oat-based recipes next:
- Savory Overnight Oats
- Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats
- Stovetop Oatmeal
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Whole Oat Porridge
- Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Homemade Granola
- Oatmeal Pancakes
The Savory Grain: A Versatile Meal Option
Oats are often thought of as a breakfast staple, but they are a savory grain that can be enjoyed any time of day. This savory oats recipe shows how oats can be a delicious and versatile base for a variety of meals. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast or a quick, satisfying dinner, savory oats are a great option to consider.
Savory Oats Recipe: Quick and Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2 to 3
This easy savory oats recipe is a healthy and delicious option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Feel free to experiment with the toppings suggested above. Enjoy the flexibility and flavor of this dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped shallot (about 1 small)
- ¾ cup steel-cut oats
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2¼ cups water
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Toppings:
- Sautéed spinach and/or mushrooms
- Soft-boiled eggs or poached eggs
- Chopped scallions
- Avocado slices
- Microgreens
- Hot sauce
- Lemon wedge
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the oats and garlic, stirring to coat them in the oil. Add the water and salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the oats are thick and creamy but still have a slight bite. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Remove from the heat and portion into bowls. Top with the sautéed vegetables, eggs, scallions, avocado, and microgreens. Serve with drizzles of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoy this delicious savory oats recipe as a part of your next meal!
