Oatmeal: Some people love it; others hate it. However, I’m a firm believer that more people would jump on the bandwagon if they knew how to maximize the flavor with toppings. Oatmeal doesn’t have to be this plain, boring sludge in a bowl. That doesn’t even sound appetizing! Now think of it as soft, sugar-sweetened oats drizzled with honey and topped with a mixture of fresh, seasonal berries. Sounds delicious, right? That’s the power of tasty toppings. For this list, I’ve pulled together 30 of my favorite oatmeal toppings. Some are simple, while others are more involved. But all are incredibly yummy and will make you look at oatmeal in a whole new light.
1. Nuts
Chopped pecans, toasted walnuts, roasted hazelnuts, or slivered macadamia nuts – any of these will add a nice, slightly salty crunch to your morning bowl of oats.
2. Maple Syrup
If you don’t like oatmeal because it isn’t sweet enough, try adding a generous maple syrup drizzle. Your oatmeal will be sweeter, and you’ll get that yummy maple flavor, as well.
3. Cinnamon
Is there anything that doesn’t taste better with cinnamon? Oatmeal certainly does. You can even add a little brown sugar for an almost French toast-like flavor.
4. Coconut
If you want extra fiber (and extra flavor!) in your oatmeal, try adding shredded coconut to the bowl. Not only is coconut good for you, but it’s also delicious, and it’ll give your oatmeal a sweet, somewhat tropical flavor.
5. Banana
You can add practically any fruit you like to oatmeal. Just slice it up and drop it in the bowl. Bananas are a particular favorite of mine because they’re sweet, have a similar consistency to oatmeal, and are full of potassium. If you want a double dose of tropical flavor, bananas and coconut taste great together in oatmeal, too.
6. Chocolate Chips
Adding chocolate chips to your oatmeal may not be the healthiest option, but it sure is tasty! Be sure to add them when your oatmeal is still a little hot. That makes the chocolate nice and melty and adds chocolatey goodness into every bite.
7. Almond Joy Oatmeal: Chocolate Chips, Coconut Flakes, and Almonds
Who said you can’t eat candy for breakfast? Prove them wrong by making this incredible Almond Joy oatmeal. All you’ll need are some chocolate chips, coconut, and almonds. You get all the health benefits of hot oatmeal in the mornings and the sweetness of a favorite candy bar, as well. That’s a pretty unbeatable combination.
8. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal: Brown Sugar, Pecans, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Vanilla, and Cream
There’s nothing tastier on a cold, fall morning than a hot bowl of oatmeal that tastes like pumpkin pie. Simply add a tablespoon (or two) of brown sugar, chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. The heavy cream is optional, but it really gives you the full pumpkin pie experience, so I always add it to mine.
9. Peanut Butter
Although any nut butter works for adding a delightful nuttiness to your oatmeal, I prefer crunchy peanut butter. Smooth peanut butter works just as well for adding that earthy peanut butter flavor, but I prefer crunchy because it adds some texture and crunch.
10. Pineapple and Coconut
If you’re looking for a tropical flavor but aren’t crazy about bananas, try going with coconut and pineapple instead. The pineapple gives it a tart, tangy flavor, and the coconut sweetens the entire dish.
11. Pistachios, Dates, and Salt
If you’re like me and enjoy the contrasting tastes of sweetness and salt, you must try these oatmeal toppings. The dates add an almost candy-like sweetness, and coarse sea salt provides the perfect salty complement. The pistachios add crunch and nuttiness, and the whole thing is delicious.
12. Apple Pie Oatmeal: Apples, Cinnamon, and Walnuts
Apples, cinnamon, and walnuts are three things that always taste great together. That’s just as true for oatmeal as it is for anything else. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar if you like it even sweeter.
13. White Chocolate, Nuts, and Cranberries
Have you ever had those incredible raspberry cheesecake cookies from Subway? They’re so good and practically melt the moment they hit your mouth. That’s what this combination reminds me of, even though you’ll use cranberries instead of raspberries. It’s sweet, nutty, and amazingly good.
14. Sriracha and Egg
If you prefer savory breakfast oatmeal, try adding a fried egg and a splash of sriracha. It’s like eating a breakfast bowl, and the sriracha gives it a bit of a spicy kick, as well.
15. Berries
Whether you put them on oatmeal, ice cream, cake, or yogurt, you can never go wrong with berries. Pile on all your favorites for a warm, antioxidant-rich morning meal.
16. Bacon and Maple Syrup
Bacon and maple syrup is another of my favorite sweet and salty combos. The sweetness of the maple syrup pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the bacon. With these two powerhouse flavors taking the lead, you almost can’t taste the oatmeal.
17. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries aren’t just for Valentine’s Day anymore! If you’re looking for a sweeter, more decadent way to start the day, slice up some chocolate-covered strawberries and add them to your oatmeal. The strawberries give the oatmeal a tart sweetness, and chocolate is chocolate. It makes everything taste better.
18. Elvis Oatmeal: Peanut Butter, Banana, Brown Sugar
It’s called Elvis oatmeal, so you’ve probably already guessed that it’s going to have bananas and peanut butter in it. Elvis was also fond of sweet foods, so don’t forget to add some brown sugar. If you really want an Elvis-themed breakfast, crumble some crispy bacon on top of your oatmeal along with all this other good stuff. It may sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s extraordinary.
19. Pecans and Maple Syrup
You’ll notice many of these recipes contain maple syrup; that’s because maple syrup and oatmeal go hand-in-hand. They taste superb together. However, neither has a lot of texture. I know it makes no sense, but I feel fuller and more satisfied when I’ve eaten something that has some crunch to it. If you’re the same way, throw a few pecan halves in your oatmeal, as well. They add crunch, texture, and just a hint of nutty saltiness.
20. Reese’s Oatmeal: Peanut Butter and Chocolate
There aren’t many things that don’t taste amazing when you stuff them with peanut butter and chocolate. Oatmeal is no exception. Not only do the peanut butter and chocolate make the oatmeal tastier, but they also give it a thicker, more filling consistency. As with the chocolate chips mentioned earlier, be sure you add the ingredients while the oatmeal is still hot. That way, they’ll get all melty, gooey, and even more delicious.
21. Almond Butter and Chocolate
We just discussed how wonderful peanut butter and chocolate are together. Almond butter and chocolate are just as tasty, but almond butter has even more vitamins and minerals!
22. Almond Butter and Jelly
Oatmeal with almond butter and jelly is kind of like having a PB&J. However, the almond butter is better for you, and you’ll get the warm, thick consistency of oats instead of plain old bread. It’s a yummy, healthy, typically American way to enjoy breakfast.
23. Banana Bread Oatmeal: Bananas, Walnuts, Cinnamon, and Maple Syrup
Of all the homemade breads, banana bread has always been a favorite of mine. So when I discovered this banana bread oatmeal, I was overjoyed. It’s simple to make. Throw some bananas, walnuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon into your oatmeal. Stir it up so that all the flavors blend nicely, and enjoy!
24. Blueberry and Banana
Blueberries and bananas go great together, and when added to oatmeal, they give it a sweet but tangy flavor that’s hard to beat. Go heavier on the bananas if you prefer sweeter oatmeal and heavier on the blueberries if you prefer their tart tanginess.
25. Peanut Butter and Honey
Remember those delicious PB&Js they used to serve in the school cafeteria? They tasted so good because the workers mixed honey with their peanut butter, and that made it sweeter. As a result, they were the best PB&Js ever. Peanut butter and honey oatmeal is just as amazing.
26. Pomegranate and Chocolate
This is a truly decadent combination that’ll make you feel like Egyptian royalty while eating it. It’s also a great breakfast option if you frequently have digestive issues.
27. Spinach, Cheese, and Egg
I know not everyone likes sweet oatmeal, so this combination is for all you savory breakfast lovers out there. Despite how it may sound, adding spinach to your oatmeal is pretty tasty, especially when you add some cheese and eggs to it, as well. Forego the usual sugar, though. It doesn’t mix well with spinach.
28. Carrot Cake: Carrot, Raisins, and Brown Sugar
If you’d told me two years ago that you ate shredded carrots in your oatmeal, I would’ve given you a bizarre look. If all you eat in your oatmeal is carrots, I might still give you that look. However, add a little brown sugar and some raisins, and that changes everything! It doesn’t taste exactly like carrot cake, but you’ll be surprised at how close the flavor gets.
29. Strawberries and Cream
This one is pretty standard, and you may have already tried it, but if you haven’t, you should. Adding strawberries and cream to your oatmeal is a delicious way to start your morning.
30. Nutella and Banana
Smooth, creamy, and sweetly nutty, Nutella is an excellent addition to oatmeal. Slice up a banana and add that as well, and you’ll have something tasty enough to serve in an ice cream shop! Click on a star to rate it!
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