Cozy Oatmeal Recipes for Busy Mornings

Name: How to Make Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup water (or milk or combo of both); 1/2 cup oats (old fashioned rolled oats); 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (optional); pinch salt; cinnamon or nutmeg to taste (optional); brown sugar, honey or fresh fruit to sweeten (optional, to taste)

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Bowl of maple and brown sugar oatmeal topped with blueberries.

If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that’s still quick and nourishing, oatmeal will be your best friend. Whether you love a creamy bowl of stovetop oats, prefer prepping overnight oats in the fridge, or like getting creative with oatmeal smoothies and baked treats, these cozy oatmeal recipes are perfect for busy mornings. Below, you’ll find 20 delicious ways to enjoy oats, including classic favorites, high-protein twists, and even a few unexpected ideas to keep breakfast exciting all week long.

And if you are looking for more breakfast inspiration, check-out my 20 High Protein Breakfast ideas!

How to Make Oatmeal

Before diving into the list, here’s a quick and easy method for making classic oatmeal that you can customize with any toppings or mix-ins.

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How to Make Oatmeal?

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How to Make Oatmeal

Liz Della Croce

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Learn how to make perfect oatmeal every time with this simple base recipe that can be customized for stovetop, slow cooker, microwave or overnight oats. To help inspire you, I’ve included 20 cozy oatmeal variations packed with seasonal fruits, various toppings and spices for busy mornings.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Breakfast

1

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup water or milk or combo of both
▢ ½ cup oats old fashioned rolled oats
▢ 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal optional
▢ pinch salt
▢ cinnamon or nutmeg to taste optional
▢ brown sugar, honey or fresh fruit to sweeten optional, to taste

Instructions

▢
In a small sauce pot, stir to together water (or milk), oats, flaxseed meal, salt along with optional cinnamon or nutmeg and sweetener of choice such as brown sugar, honey or sliced bananas. Bring to a boil over medium high heat then reduce to low and simmer until you reach liquid is aborbed and you reach desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Serve with any toppings, nuts, fruits or seeds of choice.

Liz’s Notes

This is a base recipe designed to be turned into any variation you wish. I love using the season to guide me such as stirring in diced apples or pumpkin puree in the fall, fresh strawberries in late spring, or ripe peaches in the summer. Feel free to add any other items or toppings like nut butters, chia seeds, coconut flakes, etc.

Nutrition

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How to Make Oatmeal?

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20 Cozy Oatmeal Recipes

Classic Oatmeal

Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal with Chia

4.75 stars average

10

Creamy pumpkin oatmeal is packed with protein and nutrients with just the right amount of pure maple syrup sweetness.

Try: Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal with Chia

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Apple Banana Nut Oatmeal

5 stars average

7

A simple way to make oatmeal for yourself or your kids that is ready on the stove top in 7 minutes.

Try: Apple Banana Nut Oatmeal

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Bircher Muesli (Swiss Oatmeal)

5 stars average

5

An easy and delicious make-ahead breakfast recipe, Bircher Muesli is made with oats, dried fruit and nuts soaked in yogurt.

Try: Bircher Muesli (Swiss Oatmeal)

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Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal

4 stars average

6

Warm, naturally sweet, and a filling breakfast, this Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal with walnuts tastes like pie in a bowl.

Try: Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal

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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

4.73 stars average

6 10

Steel cut oats cook overnight with pumpkin, maple syrup and spices to create a healthy, make-ahead breakfast that will be waiting for you in the morning.

Try: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

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High Protein Chocolate Steel Cut Oats

4.65 stars average

20

These thick and hearty whole grain steel cut oats are not only easy to make but rich in fiber, chocolately and packed with 15 grams of protein.

Try: High Protein Chocolate Steel Cut Oats

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Fast Oatmeal

Maple and Brown Sugar Microwave Oatmeal

4.88 stars average

3

This easy maple and brown sugar oatmeal recipe is ready in just 90 seconds and is naturally gluten free!

Try: Maple and Brown Sugar Microwave Oatmeal

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The ULTIMATE 90 Second Microwave Oatmeal

4.49 stars average

4

This is the only 90 second microwave oatmeal recipe that will be your breakfast go-to for creamy, hearty oats every single time!

Try: The ULTIMATE 90 Second Microwave Oatmeal

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Make Your Own Homemade Instant Oatmeal Mix

4.45 stars average

12

This recipe is as easy as combining oats with your favorite nuts, fruit and spices.

Try: Make Your Own Homemade Instant Oatmeal Mix

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Quick Banana Oatmeal with Flax

5 stars average

4

Banana oatmeal with flax seed is a hearty and nutritious five-ingredient breakfast recipe that is naturally gluten free. Prepared in less than 5 minutes!

Try: Quick Banana Oatmeal with Flax

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Overnight Oats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

4.95 stars average

10

The ultimate make-ahead breakfast recipe, chocolate peanut butter overnight oats soak in the fridge to be perfect come morning.

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Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

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1 10

The perfect make-ahead breakfast recipe, these chocolate banana overnight oats are made with creamy yogurt, old fashioned oats, cocoa powder and banana. They also make a great after school snack or post-workout treat.

Try: Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

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Overnight Steel Cut Oats

3.57 stars average

5

Overnight steel cut oats are a great make-ahead breakfast idea for busy mornings. Easy to make and healthy. No cooking required.

Try: Overnight Steel Cut Oats

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Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats

4.53 stars average

5

An easy, portable, make-ahead breakfast recipe, your family will love these thick and creamy Peaches and Cream Overnight Refrigerator Oats.

Try: Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats

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Apple Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

4.64 stars average

10

Creamy, natural peanut butter and crisp, juicy apples are the perfect natural sweetener for overnight steel cut oats.

Try: Apple Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

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New Ways to Try Oatmeal

Baked Oatmeal with Mixed Berries

No ratings yet

50

Naturally gluten-free, this easy baked oatmeal can be made ahead and is made with oats, eggs, berries and a little bit of maple syrup.

Try: Baked Oatmeal with Mixed Berries

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Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bread

4.61 stars average

1 15

This moist and healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bread is made with creamy yogurt, plump blueberries and warm cinnamon. It's ideal for freezing and perfect for breakfast or even dessert!

Try: Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bread

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Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

4.47 stars average

32

Replacing 1/2 the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour gives these muffins the extra protein and fiber you need to get through the day.

Try: Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

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Chocolate Oatmeal Smoothie

4.63 stars average

10

Not only is cocoa a natural source of caffeine, but when combined with ripe berries, bananas, and oats it becomes a creamy and delicious healthy smoothie to keep you full all day long.

Try: Chocolate Oatmeal Smoothie

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Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

4.49 stars average

25

Kids and adults alike will devour these healthy, protein-packed pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies.

Try: Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

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Oatmeal Toppings & Mix-In Ideas

Fresh or dried fruit (bananas, berries, apples, peaches)
Nuts, nut butters, and seeds
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave
Greek yogurt, protein powder, or milk for extra creaminess (and protein)
Nutritional add-ins like chia seeds or flax seed meal

Slow cooker gingerbread oatmeal up close topped with walnuts, one of 20 cozy oatmeal recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to eat oatmeal in the morning?

If you’re looking for a warm bowl, then cooking it that morning (whether in the microwave or on the stove) is best. But if you want something cool, then overnight oats is the way to go.

What’s the best type of oats for oatmeal?

Old-fashioned (also called rolled oats) are the most versatile, but steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and quick oats (as the name suggests) cook fastest.

Can I make oatmeal without milk?

Absolutely! Use water, almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy option you like.