7 Creative Oatmeal Toppings To Try if You’re Bored of the Same Bowl

By Kate Bratskeir

November 5, 2022

Image credit: Fit Foodie Nutter

If you eat oatmeal most mornings, you already understand its magic: This is a breakfast that promises to keep you full and energized (and, ahem, regular) all while packing some serious health benefits. Plenty of research shows that the special fiber in oats can help reduce both cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. Oats are also convenient, inexpensive, and unrelentingly versatile. And just when you think you’ve tested all the oatmeal toppings there are to try, some genius on the Internet concocts a new and exciting oatmeal combination that has you eager for the morning to come.

So if you’re looking for some ideas to revive your bowl, we’ve sourced some fresh and unique oatmeal toppings that won’t let you down.

1. Greens and Mushroom-Loaded Oatmeal

Pack in your greens — spinach and kale are especially good options — early in the a.m. with this hearty, savory oatmeal dish. This recipe shows you how to transform mushrooms into vegan bacon, but feel free to cook them how you like if you’re too sleepy to try something this advanced. Add a little cheese (vegan or not) for some extra creaminess and a flavor kick.

Try the recipe from The Vegan Atlas.

2. Sweet Potato Maple Tahini Oatmeal

Sweet potatoes and oats are superfoods in their own right, so why not let them work together to take things to the next level? You’ll be blending one cup of roasted sweet potato into a puree, so remember this dish when you’re looking for ways to finish off your leftovers.

Try the recipe from Morning Delicious.

3. Bacon Egg and Cheese Oatmeal

Give your morning oats the BEC treatment and you’ll never look back. While this one is more of a treat oatmeal — we probably shouldn’t have bacon and cheese every day — it’s definitely healthier than a BEC sandwich on a roll. Load this up with cooked greens like wilted spinach for some extra nutrition, and swap the bacon for mushrooms if you’re looking for a meat-free alternative.

Try the recipe from Macheesmo.

4. Maple-Roasted Blueberry Almond Oatmeal

This one takes a bit of prep (like, you’ll have to turn on the oven) but it’s worth it. Roasting the blueberries guarantees a juicy pop of flavor and transforms what could have been an ordinary breakfast into something outstanding. A sprinkle of shredded coconut could make this extra special, too.

Try the recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod.

5. Oatmeal with Caramelized Bananas

Bananas and oatmeal are a classic combo, but caramelizing the fruit updates the standard to something absolutely elite. (And yet, the caramelizing process is shockingly simple — and doesn’t involve sugar!) Top with other oatmeal toppings like berries, almond butter, and cinnamon for a sweet morning you can feel good about.

Try the recipe from Fit Foodie Nutter.

6. Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Double or triple this recipe for carrot cake oats because you’ll be craving them every morning. This sweet and healthful recipe is the fix for when you’re at a loss for what to do with the loose bunch of carrots at the bottom of your crisper (just me?). While the recipe calls for just half a cup of grated carrots, feel free to add more to amp up your veggie intake. You might also add some Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein — plus, the tart taste kind of mimics carrot cake’s classic cream cheese frosting.

Try the recipe from Plant-Based on a Budget.

7. Southwestern Savory Oatmeal

Spice up your oats by giving them some Southwestern flair. This recipe can be a convenient option if you’ve got the right kind of leftovers, and it lends itself to endless substitutions. This version is topped with avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and an egg, but what if you added some leftover vegetables like sweet potato, thinly-sliced fajita vegetables, black beans, cilantro, and lime?

Try the recipe from Recipe Runner.