Savory Oatmeal Recipe – Love and Lemon
This delicious oatmeal recipe is just as good for breakfast as it is for dinner or lunch. Eggs, avocado, and garlicky greens top creamy steel-cut oats.
If you’re used to topping your morning oats nut butter and fresh fruit, the concept of delicious oatmeal can be strange. But give it a chance, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Oats (which, after all, are a whole grain like farro, brown rice, wheat berriesor any other) perfectly paired with tasty fixings like avocado, stir-fried vegetablesand soft boiled eggs. This hearty topping makes this delicious oatmeal recipe a satisfying and healthy breakfast, and they also take oats beyond the breakfast zone, making them a delicious option for a quick dinner or lunch.
So even if you’re skeptical, I hope you give this delicious oatmeal recipe a try. It’s easy, healthy, and infinitely customizable (share your favorite toppings in the comments!). I think you will like it!
How to Make Tasty Oatmeal
My #1 tip for a delicious oatmeal recipe? Use steel-cut oats! Their creamy, chewy texture is almost like that of a risotto, making them a natural companion for toppings like vegetables and eggs. Quick-cooking oats and even whole rolled oats are too soft and fluffy to use in this recipe.
To infuse the oats with a delicious, umami depth of flavor, I cook them with shallots and garlic. I start by sautéing some finely chopped shallots in olive oil in a medium saucepan.
Then, I mix the oats and garlic and add water and salt. I bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats are thick and creamy but still have a slight bite, 15 to 20 minutes.
While the oats are cooking, I prepare the toppings. Find my favorites below!
Savory Oatmeal Recipe Serving Suggestions
I love adding soup to my delicious oatmeal soft boiled eggs, sautéed spinach, and avocado, with a sprinkle of scallions for an oniony bite and microgreens for a fresh finishing touch. But the topping options don’t end there! Feel free to customize your delicious oatmeal to your liking. Here are some top ideas to get you started:
- All kinds of eggs. Instead of using soft-boiled eggs, top your oats with a boiled egg o fried egg.
- Plant-based proteins. Skip the eggs, and dress your bowl baked tofu o roasted chickpeas.
- Stir-fried vegetables. Use sautéed mushrooms, broccolio kale instead of or in addition to spinach.
- Grilled vegetables. Add roasted broccoli, Brussels sproutsand butternut squash in autumn and winter and roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchiniand peppers in the summer.
- Cheese or “cheese.” Sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta, or, for a dairy-free option, use this vegan Parmesan cheese, made from cashews and nutritional yeast. Or, for a similar hit of umami, you can top your delicious bowl with oatmeal caramelized onions.
- Roasted nuts or seeds. Toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and/or pepitas add a delicious crunch.
- Fresh herbs. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or thyme leaves.
Serve with hot sauce or pesto!
Delicious oatmeal can take a little time to make on busy mornings, but if you like, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the oats ahead of time, portion them into meal prep containers, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and add your desired toppings before you eat.
More Favorite Oats Recipes
If you love these tasty oats, try one of the delicious oats recipes below:
Or, for healthier breakfast ideas, check out this post!

Tasty Oatmeal
Serving 2 until 3
This easy delicious oatmeal recipe is a healthy, delicious option for any meal of the day–breakfast, lunch, or dinner! We love the toppings listed here, but feel free to experiment with them. Find more suggestions in the post above!
- 1 spoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped garlic, about 1 small
- ¾ cup steel cut oats
- 1 garlic cloves, grated
- 2¼ cups water
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
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Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the oats and garlic and stir to coat, then add the water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until oats are thick and creamy but still have a slight bite. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Remove from heat and divide among bowls. Top with sautéed vegetables, eggs, scallions, avocado, and microgreens. Serve with drizzles of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.