18 Healthy Oatmeal Bowl Recipes To Try

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Who says oatmeal has to be boring? With the right ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity, you can transform a simple bowl of oats into a deliciously satisfying breakfast. Whether you’re looking to power up your morning or need a wholesome snack, these 18 Best Healthy Oatmeal Recipes are not only good for you but also incredibly tasty!

Made right on the stove, these oatmeal bowls are packed with flavor, topped with delicious ingredients, and easy enough to whip up even on the busiest mornings.

Before we jump into the recipes and instructions, here are some quick expert tips for preparing your bowls: 

  • I’ve used old-fashioned rolled oats, because they’re the quickest and easiest to prepare. If you want to use a different variety, then you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly
  • ‘Healthy’ is very open to interpretation, and your definition of it may be different to mine, based on your own goals and preferences. That’s fine! I class these recipes as healthy because they’re balanced, high in fiber and with extra goodness like fruit and nuts and even veggies, and use minimal refined sugars or unnecessary ingredients. I do include some delicious extras like chocolate chips and caramel sauce, because I believe in balance and a little bit of treating yourself! Whatever your goals, I think you’ll find the perfect choice for you right here
  • You can make these oatmeal bowls vegan, if you like, by using plant-based milks and substituting honey for vegan maple syrup
  • Want to add extra protein? Try adding a scoop of protein powder straight into the cooked oats and stirring well. You could also add Greek yogurt, nut butters, and chia seeds to boost the protein content a little more 

Bananas & Cream Oatmeal

bananas and cream oatmeal

Creamy, cozy, and naturally sweet — this bananas & cream oatmeal is a comforting breakfast that tastes like dessert but is packed with wholesome ingredients. A splash of vanilla and a swirl of milk bring it all together.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup milk or cream (for swirling in at the end)

  • Sliced banana, for topping

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and creamy.

  3. Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract. Cook for 1 more minute to warm through.

  4. Remove from heat and swirl in the additional milk or cream.

  5. Serve topped with sliced banana and a sprinkle of nuts, if using. I like to add some chia seeds too for a little extra goodness, but that’s totally optional! 

Chocolate Orange Oatmeal

chocolate orange oatmeal

If you’ve ever unwrapped a chocolate orange around the holidays, you know how magical this combo can be — rich, bittersweet cocoa with a burst of citrusy brightness. This oatmeal brings those flavors to your breakfast bowl in a nourishing, feel-good way. It’s warm, creamy, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without going overboard.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

  • Orange slices or segments, for topping

  • Dark chocolate shavings or chips, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cocoa powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until creamy.

  3. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup or honey, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

  4. Serve topped with orange slices and a sprinkle of dark chocolate, if desired.

Protein Oatmeal

protein oatmeal

Looking to level up your breakfast game with a little extra fuel? This protein-packed oatmeal is creamy, satisfying, and perfect for keeping you full all morning long. A scoop of vanilla protein powder blends right into the oats, giving you a boost without changing the cozy texture. Top it off with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness and a colorful finish.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

  • Fresh fruit (like berries, banana slices, or kiwi), for topping

  • Honey, for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cook for about 5 minutes, until thick and creamy.

  3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla protein powder and vanilla extract, if using. Stir well until smooth and fully combined.

  4. Serve topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey. I sometimes add some seeds too. 

High Protein Cottage Cheese Oatmeal

cottage cheese oatmeal

Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it — cottage cheese in oatmeal might sound unexpected, but it adds a creamy texture, subtle tang, and a serious protein boost without overpowering the flavor. Paired with naturally sweet toppings like fruit and honey, this high-protein breakfast is both nourishing and delicious. Bonus: it’ll keep you full for hours.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • ½ cup cottage cheese

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

  • Fresh fruit (like berries, peaches, or banana), for topping

  • Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and creamy.

  3. Remove from heat and stir in cottage cheese and vanilla extract, if using. Mix until well combined.

  4. Serve topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. I like to add an extra dollop of cottage cheese before serving for an added protein boost, and a sprinkling of seeds is always a good idea too. 

Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal

healthy blueberry oatmeal

This antioxidant-packed bowl is bursting with juicy blueberries and hidden superfoods. Chia seeds add extra fiber and omega-3s, while the oats create a creamy base that ties everything together. Whether you use fresh or frozen berries, this naturally sweet, nutrient-rich oatmeal is a bright and satisfying way to start your morning.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

  • Extra blueberries, for topping

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cook for 3 minutes.

  3. Add blueberries and chia seeds. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and the berries start to burst.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup, if using.

  5. Serve topped with extra blueberries.

Avocado & Egg Oatmeal

avocado and egg oatmeal

Who says oatmeal has to be sweet? This savory twist pairs creamy oats with silky avocado, a perfectly cooked egg, and bold seasonings for a breakfast that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein — and it comes together in just minutes. Think of it as a cross between your favorite grain bowl and comfort food in a bowl.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced

  • 2 fried or poached eggs

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

  • ½ tsp everything bagel seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and creamy.

  3. Divide oats between two bowls.

  4. Top each bowl with sliced avocado and one fried or poached egg.

  5. Sprinkle with chili flakes, everything bagel seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. If you have any cilantro, it adds a wonderful pop of color and rounds things off nicely! 

Southwest Savory Oatmeal

southwest savory oatmeal

Hearty, colorful, and full of bold flavor, this Southwest-inspired oatmeal turns your morning bowl into a savory fiesta. With smoky spices stirred right into the oats and classic toppings like black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa, it’s the kind of breakfast that hits all the right notes — protein-packed, fiber-rich, and seriously satisfying.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

  • ½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • 2–3 tbsp salsa

  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

  3. Divide oats between two bowls.

  4. Top each bowl with black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm. If you like, add chopped cilantro to garnish. 

Savory Mediterranean Oatmeal

savory med oatmeal

If your breakfast needs a little sunshine, this Mediterranean-inspired oatmeal is here to deliver. With briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutrient-packed spinach stirred right into the oats, every bite is bursting with flavor. Crumbled feta and a soft-boiled egg on top bring richness and balance — it’s like a warm, satisfying grain bowl with a creamy twist.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 2 cups water or milk

  • ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated)

  • ¼ cup chopped olives (Kalamata or green)

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

  • 2 soft-boiled eggs

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.

  2. Stir in oats and cook for 3 minutes.

  3. Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and spinach. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are creamy and spinach is wilted.

  4. Divide into two bowls.

  5. Top each with a soft-boiled egg and crumbled feta.

  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add some fresh chopped herbs if you like. 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

apple cinnamon oatmeal

This warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal features sweet, tender apples and a hint of cinnamon—perfect for cozy mornings! It’s like apple pie in a bowl, but a whole lot healthier. The apples add natural sweetness and fiber, making it a filling breakfast option that’ll set you up for the day. It’s one of my favorite oatmeal flavors, and it’s great for fall, winter, or any time of the year. 

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1 medium apple, diced
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
  • Chopped walnuts for topping

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats, diced apple, and cinnamon. Reduce heat to medium.
  3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are creamy and the apple is tender.
  4. Sweeten with maple syrup if desired and serve topped with chopped walnuts.

Strawberry Oatmeal

strawberry oatmeal

Bright, juicy strawberries mixed into creamy oatmeal make this recipe a delicious and vibrant way to start your day. It’s a refreshing twist on oatmeal, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
  • Sliced almonds for topping

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine almond milk and oats, bringing to a boil.
  2. Stir in sliced strawberries and cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Sweeten with honey if desired and top with sliced almonds before serving.

Banana Chocolate Oatmeal

banana chocolate oatmeal

This indulgent yet healthy oatmeal features ripe bananas and rich cocoa powder, making it a treat you can feel good about. It satisfies your chocolate cravings while providing potassium and fiber—what’s not to love?

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Chocolate chips and banana slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats, mashed banana, and cocoa powder. Reduce heat to medium.
  3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy.
  4. Sweeten with honey if desired and top with chocolate chips and sliced banana.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal

peanut butter and jelly oatmeal

This fun twist on a classic sandwich combines creamy peanut butter with fruity jelly. It’s a fun, nostalgic breakfast that keeps you full and satisfied with healthy fats and protein.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp fruit preserves or jelly
  • Chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats and cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and jelly.
  4. Serve topped with chopped peanuts

Almond Joy Oatmeal

almond joy oatmeal

If you love the classic candy bar, this almond joy oatmeal combines chocolate, coconut, and almonds for a delicious breakfast. It’s a sweet treat that packs a nutritious punch with healthy fats from almonds and coconut.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring coconut milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut. Cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Sweeten with maple syrup if desired and top with sliced almonds and a little extra coconut before serving.

Blueberry and Lemon Zest Oatmeal

blueberry and lemon zest oatmeal

This bright and zesty oatmeal combines fresh blueberries with a touch of lemon, making it a refreshing breakfast option. It’s packed with antioxidants and has a bright flavor that’s perfect for a morning boost.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats and cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in blueberries, lemon zest, and honey if desired.

Raspberry White Chocolate Oatmeal

raspberry white chocolate oatmeal

This indulgent oatmeal features sweet raspberries and rich white chocolate for a decadent breakfast treat. It’s a sweet and satisfying option that feels like dessert, but is good for you!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats and raspberries, cooking for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Stir in white chocolate chips until melted and serve, sweetened with maple syrup if desired. Add some extra raspberries and chocolate chips for decoration, if you like. 

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

carrot cake oatmeal

This delicious oatmeal combines the flavors of carrot cake with warm spices and nuts for a cozy breakfast. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a healthier way! 

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats, grated carrots, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Stir in walnuts and sweeten with maple syrup if desired before serving.

Black Forest Oatmeal

black forest oatmeal

This deliciously indulgent oatmeal is inspired by the classic black forest cake, featuring cherries and chocolate. It’s a sweet treat that feels like dessert but is still wholesome and filling! Perfect for those days when you fancy a healthy oatmeal bowl but you want something that feels satisfying and like a treat. 

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats, cherries, and cocoa powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired before serving.

Snickers Oatmeal

snickers oatmeal

This fun oatmeal recipe combines peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel flavors to create a sweet breakfast experience inspired by Snickers bars. It’s a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth while getting a nutritious start to your day!

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • Chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
  2. Stir in oats, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until creamy.
  3. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and garnish with chopped peanuts before serving.

These 18 Best Healthy Oatmeal Recipes are perfect for keeping breakfasts interesting! With flavors that range from fruity to indulgent, and even some savory bowls, there’s an oatmeal recipe for every palate. Which one will you be trying first?