7 savory oatmeal recipes that will satisfy and surprise you

Oatmeal has an unfortunate reputation for being a “vanilla” breakfast option—top a bowl of it with a half-teaspoon of brown sugar, and you have a solid (if not exactly inspired) meal.

Still, oatmeal’s bad rap isn’t fair since it’s actually quite versatile. Think of the grain as a budget-friendly blank canvas for whatever kind of meal your heart desires. You can whip up a gorgeous, fruit-covered work of art or make things even more interesting by using oats as the base for a savory dish.

Layer in some miso, vegetables, and eggs for a restaurant-worthy meal that works well for breakfast and dinner alike. The following surprising uses of the grain will make you think twice about calling oatmeal boring ever again.

See these 7 delicious and savory recipes below.

1. Savory Oats With Turmeric Roasted Carrots, Kale, And Cranberry Ketchup

To accentuate the anti-inflammatory turmeric carrots, this dish innovates a classic condiment by making ketchup with cranberries.

2. Savory Miso Oatmeal

As an under-the-radar probiotic source, miso doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Use the ingredient in this dish, which is so simple, you won’t need the recipe after you make it the first time.

3. Simple Savory Oats

As far as classic combinations go, there’s little that beats avocado and egg, the ultimate breakfast crowd-pleaser. This dish swaps in oats for bread, making it a warmer, more comforting version of your stalwart brunch order.

4. Broccoli Cheddar Oatmeal Bake

It looks just like a quiche and tastes like broccoli cheddar soup, but it’s chock-full of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, and iron.

5. Savory Steel-Cut Oats With Mushrooms And Thyme

Acting as the cousin to cauliflower, oatmeal can also sub in for rice. This lovely fall recipe is an oat-based take on mushroom risotto.

6. One-Pot Savory Steel Cut Oats

This Asian-inspired dish is packed full of greens. (You can easily make it vegan by omitting the egg.) And, since it’s cooked in one pot, you can have more time for morning meditation.

7. Savory Oatmeal With Poached Eggs And Roasted Almonds

You’ll get hungry just thinking about this bowl of oats, which is flavored with goat cheese, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a poached egg. Chopped almonds give the oatmeal a crunchy texture.

To keep your mornings super efficient, check out this breakfast game-plan, or whip up a batch of gluten-free breakfast bars so you can eat on the run.