30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (2024)

If you are looking for recipes using oats, you've come to the right place. Included is 30 oat recipes that go beyond standard oatmeal, including sweet and savory options. It's time to use this cheap pantry staple to its full potential.

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (1)

Oats are a pantry staple that I always have on hand. You may think that oats are only good for making oatmeal, but they are actually an incredibly versatile grain.

Not only are oats full of nutrients and health benefits, they are also inexpensive. Unless you can't tolerate oats or are on a special diet that excludes them, I would encourage everyone to get friendly with this lovely grain.

As part of our pantry highlight challenge, I'm sharing with you thirty recipes using oats to spark your creativity. Let's start using oats to their fullest potential.

30 Recipes Using Oats

Stovetop Oatmeal

Yes, stovetop oatmeal is a basic recipe, but if you are still buying oatmeal packets, you need a good basic stovetop recipe in your life. Making oatmeal on the stove couldn't be easier, is super cheap, and can be customized in so many different ways to jazz up your plain oatmeal.

Variations:

Oat pancakes

These simple oat pancakes are naturally whole grain and gluten free. Using basic pantry ingredients, they can be whipped up easily in the blender and on the skillet in no time.

Easy Granola

Granola is great to make for meal prep or for gifts. Sprinkle it on yogurt, fruit, smoothie bowls, or just snack on it by itself.

4. Baked apple oatmeal

This baked apple oatmeal is a winner for fall and perfect for breakfast meal prep.

Pumpkin oat muffins

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (6)Gimme Some Oven

Healthy pumpkin oat muffins are awesome in the fall for breakfast or snacks. I love that they don't use flour, but just blended oats.

No flour banana oatmeal muffins

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (7)

These healthy oatmeal muffins sweetened with bananas are a staple snack in our house. Every time I have over ripe bananas that I need to use, I whip up a batch.

Breakfast cookies

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (8)She Likes Food

Breakfast cookies are a great grab and go breakfast option to make in advance. I bet you could make a bunch and put in the freezer too.

Peanut butter oatmeal balls

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (9)

3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls have been a favorite snack at my house for years. My kids loved helping me make them when they were young, and now they make them on their own.

Strawberry banana oat bars

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (10)Running with Spoons

These strawberry banana oat bars are just calling out to me. Don't they look awesome? I love that they use simple ingredients too. Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Meatloaf

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (11)Spinach Tiger

Oats also make a great binder. You can use them in any way you would breadcrumbs like in this meatloaf. I use them frequently this way for a gluten-free alternative.

Meatballs

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (12)Food.com

Turkey meatballs also use oats as a binder and they look super tasty.

Oat crusted chicken strips

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (13)The Kitchen Whisperer

Oat crusted chicken strips are a brilliant way to bread chicken. Kid friendly and fiber rich.

Icelandic Vegetable and Oat Soup

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (14)

Oats are also excellent at thickening soups. This Icelandic vegetable and oat soup looks incredibly hearty and comforting for the cold fall and winter months.

Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (15)Oats Everyday

Oats can even be used as a delicious stuffing as showcased in these Mediterranean stuffed mushrooms. Yum!

Savory oatmeal

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (16)My Food Story

Most people are familiar with sweet oatmeal, but they can also be savory. Here are five savory oatmeal recipes that look delicious.

Oat flour dinner rolls

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (17)Grain Mill Wagon

Oats can even be used to make oat flour dinner rolls. Who knew?

Oat stuffed baked pears

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (18)Delish

If you have pears, oats, nuts, and sweetener, you are on your way to a deliciously simple dessert. These oat stuffed baked pears look delish!

Oatmeal pie crust

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (19)Tastes of Lizzy T

Oats can also be made into an oatmeal pie crust, which is somewhat similar to a cookie crust.

Oatmeal Smoothie

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (20)Well Plated

If you are trying to bump up your fiber intake, try this oatmeal smoothie recipe. Oats add a creaminess and slightly sweet flavor that I love in a smoothie.

Oat milk

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (21)Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Oat milk is a great milk alternative that is gaining popularity in the dairy-free world. It's actually very easy to make your own at home too.

Oatmeal raisin cookie dough "ice cream"

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (22)Eating Bird Food

Oatmeal raisin cookie dough "ice cream" is a creative way to enjoy a healthy dairy-free dessert.

More delicious oat recipes:

Helpful tools when cooking with oats

A high speed blender is needed when breaking down oats into a powder. There are many blenders out there, but I own and love the Ninja. It's a middle of the road blender that has served us well.

What is your favorite way to use oats?

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (23)

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  • Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  • Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  • Chocolate chips or other candy.
  • Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  • Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes.
  • Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

What is the healthiest fruit to add to oatmeal? ›

Blueberries are a nutrient-rich fruit packed with antioxidants that support heart health and cognitive function. 10 They're low in calories and high in fiber, which supports satiety while improving gut health. When combined with oatmeal, blueberries make a nutritionally balanced breakfast that satisfies the senses.

Is it okay to put peanut butter in oatmeal? ›

The best time to add peanut butter to oatmeal is right before serving, when the oatmeal is done cooking but before it's cooled off. As you stir it in, the heat helps melt it so it thoroughly combines with the oats, creating a silky-smooth texture.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal is a delicious breakfast food that's full of healthy nutrients. Adding nutritious toppings to oatmeal can boost its flavor and contribute to its health benefits. Try adding fruit for sweetness, veggies or eggs for a savory twist, or sources of protein and fat to make it a balanced meal.

Why is it not good to eat oatmeal everyday? ›

Oats contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that is known to interfere with the absorption of the vitamins and minerals from oats into your body. So, you need to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet to make up for the possible nutritional loss.

When should you not eat oatmeal? ›

Disorders of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines: Avoid eating oat products.

Is oatmeal or banana better for you? ›

Banana has signficantly more Vitamin C than oat. Oat has more thiamin, pantothenic acid and folate, however, banana contains more Vitamin B6. Both oats and banana are high in dietary fiber and potassium. Banana has 9.8 times less saturated fat than oat.

How to sweeten oatmeal without fruit? ›

8 Healthy Ways To Sweeten Oatmeal
  1. Banana. Banana is my favorite way to sweeten oatmeal. ...
  2. Nut Butter. Adding a scoop of creamy nut butter is now a non-negotiable as it adds healthy fats and protein and increases satiety! ...
  3. Flavored Nuts & Seeds. ...
  4. Dried Fruit. ...
  5. Berries. ...
  6. Maple Syrup. ...
  7. Dates. ...
  8. Jams.
Mar 27, 2023

What is better for you than oatmeal? ›

Quinoa. With its nutty taste, quinoa can provide you with plenty of protein and flavor in an oatmeal alternative. In addition to its impressive protein content, quinoa is loaded with fiber, iron, magnesium, and folate ( 3 ). Best of all, quinoa oatmeal can be super easy to make.

What does butter do in oatmeal? ›

Adding butter to finished oatmeal gives it a silky smooth texture, and the fat helps carry the flavors we've added to our oatmeal to our taste receptors. Adding just a little bit of fat also allows flavors to bloom, making our oatmeal anything but boring.

Why do people put salt in oatmeal? ›

"Salt really brings the flavor of oats to life so don't skip this step when cooking and don't wait [until] the oatmeal is done to just sprinkle it on top," says Michalcyzk. Instead, stir in a pinch while you cook the oats, this way you can monitor as you go and get the right amount of salt.

What healthy nuts can you add to oatmeal? ›

This protein-packed healthy breakfast recipe gets a touch of sweetness from apple and crunch from walnuts. Feel free to pick your favorite fruit (try berries or pears) and nuts (maybe almonds or pistachios) to personalize your healthy oatmeal.

Is it better to eat oatmeal in the morning or at night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

What is the best thing to put in oatmeal? ›

Dried fruit like mulberries, goji berries, jujube, and dates lend chewy texture in addition to fruity flavor. Top with nuts and seeds for an extra crunchy, extra hearty bowl of oats. We like hemp seeds, toasted sesame seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, and toasted coconut.

Is oatmeal better for you than potatoes? ›

Compare 100 calories of baked potato to 100 calories of oatmeal, and you find a bit less protein (3 grams vs. 4), a bit more starch (18 grams vs. 16) and a similar mineral profile (potatoes have more potassium, but oats have more selenium). But potatoes beat out oats in just about every vitamin, as well as fiber.

What ingredients should I avoid in oatmeal? ›

They told us that refined sugar and other sugary ingredients like chocolate and dried fruits are among the worst options out there.
  • Refined sugar. ...
  • High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit.
Nov 6, 2022

Is adding honey to oatmeal bad? ›

According to Healthline.com, oats are a good source of carbs and fiber and are even filled with "important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds." When combined with the natural energy found in pure honey, there is no doubt that honey and oats pack a powerful punch when enjoyed together.

Is it OK to eat eggs and oatmeal together? ›

Is it ok to eat oatmeal and eggs together? Totally!!! You're getting a balance of macronutrients from the two big players: carbohydrates and fiber from the oats and protein and fat from the eggs.

Why not eat oats with milk? ›

Cooking oats in milk will result in oatmeal that is gluey, sticky, and thick --- in other words, all the things most people want to avoid when it comes to their oatmeal. Instead, adding a splash of milk after the oatmeal is cooked will add its extra creamy flavor without the unpleasant stickiness.

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