Bland flavor with varies texture depending on how it is prepared, it ranges from gooey to watery. Oatmeal is easy to prepare and packed with essential nutrients required to start the day on the right foot.
This porridge generally has a nutty, toasty, and earthy flavor whether it is made with milk or water. Therefore, it can be served as a sweet or savory dish of your choice.
What do you eat with oatmeal? Oatmeal is a blank canvas that can be served with variety of ingredients on the side or as an oatmeal topping including fruits, nuts, seeds, yogurt, nut butter, and proteins.
From weight loss to quick breakfast idea, oatmeal is generally prepared using old-fashioned rolled, quick or steel-cut oats. The oat type will alter the texture of bowl, however it welcomes all type of additions to the wholesome grain.
Unfortunately, this dish can be underwhelming with time. Nobody likes having the same flavor oatmeal over and over, especially if it’s a bowl of beige, gluey mush that is typically mixed with brown sugar or maple syrup and cinnamon powder.
Luckily, we have a solution as oatmeal can be made straight-up dreamy by adding flavors, protein, side dishes, and technique. This article tells you the right additions and side dishes to pair with oatmeal.
What flavor goes well with oatmeal?
Not only oatmeal is known for sweet side, go in with some savory broth or stock for some umami-flavored oatmeal and garnished with sautéed veggies and fried eggs.
To achieve sweet oatmeal, drizzle agave nectar, date syrup, or honey gives the dish a kick. Don’t forget to go in with fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for that extra flavor, texture, and color.
With this in mind, consider these classic flavor combination that goes well with oatmeal.
- oatmeal + currants + maple syrup
- oatmeal + pears + vanilla + yogurt
- oatmeal + apple + cinnamon + pecans
- oatmeal + chocolate + peanut butter + coconut
- oatmeal + banana + blueberries + almonds + chia seeds
- oatmeal + spinach + mushroom + cheese + eggs
What is an excellent protein to eat with oatmeal?
Oatmeal is packed with fiber and can be easily transcended with fruit and syrup, but missing is the fulfilling and nutritious protein to round out the meal.
When considering what ingredients to add to oatmeal for protein, here are health conscious ways to make protein rich oatmeal:
- Greek yogurt: Creamy, cool Greek yogurt adds the perfect contrast to oatmeal. 2 tablespoons equals 3 grams of protein, and it also makes the oats creamy and richer in flavor.
- Nut butter: Nut butters such as almond, cashew, peanut or sunflower seed butter are great ways to flavor the base. 2 tablespoons of peanut butter adds a whopping 8 grams of protein, and go with some dried or fresh fruit for extra sweet flavor.
- Legumes: Black beans and oatmeal are perfect to create savory and subtle sweet bowl for lunch or dinner. A quarter cup comes with 3 grams of protein.
- Eggs: Fried eggs or poached eggs compliment savory oatmeal toppings such as bacon, scallions or cheese perfectly. An egg contains about 6 grams of protein.
- Turkey: Chop some turkey bacon and combine it with oatmeal and some parmesan for a tasty treat. There are 6 grams of protein with every slice.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or peanuts are pretty popular nuts to serve with oatmeal. Pistachio are also great, and are loaded with 6 grams of protein per serving.
- Protein powder: For post-workout, protein powder can be blended into oatmeal instead of smoothies. From vanilla to chocolate, the flavor is endless. This is an quick ideal way to upgrade oatmeal effortlessly.
- Cheese: When it comes to savory oatmeal with egg, adding melted cheese can make the dish more creamy and rich. Consider using parmesan cheese, which contains 11 grams of protein in each ounce.
What is a good side with oatmeal?
Pair oatmeal with some fruits, nuts, seeds, and veggies on the side. Here are some examples of nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits to pair with oatmeal.
- Vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, zucchini, pumpkin, mushroom, spinach
- Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios
- Cheese: parmesan, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese
- Seeds: chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds
- Dried fruits: cranberries, raisins, currants, prunes, cherries, figs, dates
- Fresh fruits: blackberries, bananas, strawberries, apples, mangoes, blueberries, pears, raspberries, peaches
- Sweet additives: agave, honey, chocolate chips, caramel, maple syrup, stevia, brown sugar, jam, buttermilk
- Dairy: milk, unsalted butter, cream, yogurt
- Chocolate: dark, white
- Liquor: brandy, dark rum
Eat With Oatmeal: Conclusion
Who said oatmeal is only served for breakfast? Go beyond the usual bowl of breakfast oats with these classic pairings that transform the basic porridge to the next level.
By adding some protein, fruits, and vegetables, you’ve got yourself a wholesome lunch, snack or dinner.
Simple bowl of oatmeal can be made with old-fashioned, rolled, steel-cut, groat, and oat bran to create different texture and flavor of your choice. Combined with sides and topping, the additions play a huge difference.
It is plain and does not have any flavor, therefore it can complement well with veggies, eggs, honey, and berries.
Traditionally served with brown sugar and banana slices, it misses protein for daily serving. Consider adding a scoop of Greek yogurt, peanut butter, black beans, fried or poached eggs, turkey bacon or sliced turkey, pistachio, protein powder, and parmesan cheese to easily add between 3 to 11 grams of protein per serving.
Depending on what you serve and eat with oatmeal, vegetables, nuts, cheese, seeds, dried or fresh fruits, dairy, chocolate, and many more are good additions to enjoy your porridge.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to see what suits you best. Who knows, you might even come up with a unique oatmeal recipes and food pairings for those special occasions.