Oatmeal is a surprisingly delightful dinnertime option, because the hearty, high-protein grain normally relegated to the A.M. hours can easily be turned into a decadent, savory meal. Not convinced? Let these 11 recipes persuade you. Though most of them make use of either a fried or poached egg, the similarities end there, and from then on each one builds on oatmeal’s mild flavor in a totally different way. Prepare to become obsessed.
1. Oatmeal with Cheddar and Fried Egg
Runny yolk and gooey cheddar give this bowl of oats a cheesy-grits taste. Chopped red pepper and onions brighten things up. If you want a little extra crunch, Healthy Nibbles and Bits suggests adding chopped walnuts.
2. Oatmeal Leek Soup
Warm, satisfying, and filled with texture, this zesty soup (made with hearty steel-cut oats) is going to become one of your favorites.
3. Savory Oatmeal with Garlicky Kale
Kale deserves a place on everything—even oatmeal. Here, a bit of sautéed garlic punches up the flavor, and an olive-oil-fried egg rounds everything out.
4. Mushroom and Herb Steel-Cut Oat Risotto
Foxes Love Lemons cooks these steel-cut oats the same way you would risotto—for about 25 minutes, she slowly simmers them in one ladleful of vegetable stock at a time until they’ve absorbed most of the liquid and have a luscious, creamy texture. You know, for when you’re feeling fancy. .
5. Savory Ginger Mushroom Oatmeal
Mushrooms and ginger give this bowl of oats a ramenesque flavor profile.
6. Turmeric Chickpea Oats
Turmeric—a favorite spice of nutritionists—is the star in this protein-packed recipe. Spinach freshens things up, and chickpeas add a little extra heft.
7. Oatmeal with Avocado and Poached Egg
We’re going to put avocado on savory oatmeal. Here, Live Eat Learn pairs the popular green fruit with shaved Parmesan and a poached egg.
8. Avocado-Mushroom Oatmeal
Resting on a bed of arugula, this dish is like a cross between oatmeal and salad. And it really works.
9. Oatmeal with Poached Eggs and Roasted Almonds
Goat cheese and chopped cherry tomatoes make this recipe one worth trying.
10. Oatmeal with Asparagus and Fried Egg
Sun-dried tomatoes are the secret weapon behind this asparagus-packed recipe.
11. Bacon-Cheddar Savory Oatmeal
This bowl of oats tastes like a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.
