If you’re a fan of flavored oatmeal packets, be prepared to give your taste buds an awakening.
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals and low in added sugar and sodium, these four recipes surpass flavored oatmeal packets in both tastiness and nutritional value. Whole fruits provide texture and sweetness, while spices and nuts give an extra flavor boost. No worries — they can still be prepared in a jiffy using simple, wholesome ingredients. Once you’ve tried them out, get creative and try changing up the toppings, extract flavors, and spice amounts to optimize your breakfast experience.
The Base
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 T flaxseed meal
- 1/3-1/2 cup almond milk or water*
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Combine in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix until well-incorporated.
*Adjust the amount of almond milk or water based on the texture you desire — 1/3 cup will lend a thicker oatmeal, ½ cup will lend a more liquid oatmeal.
The Finishing Touches
Chocolate–Nutter Banana Oatmeal
In addition to base:
- ½ medium banana
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 T creamy almond or peanut butter
Directions:
- Add the cocoa powder to the base and stir.
- Add the banana to the base and mash with a fork until few lumps remain.
- Cook in a microwave on high for 2 minutes. Allow to sit for one minute, then stir and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes. Drizzle with nut butter.
Apple Spice Oatmeal
In addition to base:
- 1 cup diced apple (tart apples, such as Granny Smith, work best)
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ginger
- Toppings: peanut or almond butter, chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins
Directions:
- Add the nutmeg and ginger to the base and stir.
- Wash and dice the apple. I prefer to leave the skin on (it’s quicker, easier, and higher in fiber), but you may also peel the apple before dicing.
- Add the apple. Stir until the oatmeal is evenly dispersed among the apple.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove from the microwave and stir the mixture to assure the apples are evenly cooked. Return to the microwave and cook on high for another 1.5 minutes. Allow to sit for one minute, then stir and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with toppings.
Strawberries & Cream Oatmeal
In addition to base:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup
Directions:
- Wash the strawberries and pat dry. Slice off the tops, and then slice them lengthwise into about 3-4 slices. Add to the base.
- Add the yogurt. Stir until well-incorporated.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove from the microwave and stir the mixture to assure the strawberries are evenly cooked. Return to the microwave and cook on high for another 1.5 minutes. Allow to sit for one minute, then stir and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Drizzle with the honey or maple syrup & enjoy!
Banana Berry Oatmeal
In addition to base:
- ½ medium banana
- 2 T Greek yogurt or Kefir
- ¼ cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup blackberries or raspberries
- 1 T slivered almonds
- 1 T chopped walnuts
Directions:
- Add the banana and mash with a fork until few lumps remain.
- Adjust the amount of almond milk or water based on the texture you desired (1/3 cup will lend a thicker oatmeal, ½ cup will lend a more liquid oatmeal).
- Cook in a microwave on high for 2 minutes. Allow to sit for one minute, then stir in the yogurt or Kefir. Top with the berries and nuts. Enjoy!
Notes:
Mix together the dry ingredients and chop up the fruit the night before to speed up prep time in the morning.
Try adding other flavors using different extracts such as almond, maple, or coconut.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oatmeal: fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, copper
- Flaxseed meal: unsaturated fat, copper, magnesium, thiamin, phosphorus, fiber
- Banana: fiber, potassium, copper, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C
- Apple: fiber, vitamin C, copper
- Berries: fiber, vitamin C, folate, copper, magnesium, zinc
- Nuts & nut butters: fiber, unsaturated fat, magnesium, vitamin E, copper, phosphorus, zinc, B vitamins