When it comes to quick and healthy breakfast recipes, the ones that first come to mind are gluten free bagels, chia seed pudding, pancake bowls, eggs, and shakes.

But let’s not forget that simple bowl of oatmeal!

This healthy dish may look easy enough, but you’d be surprised how often people search for “the perfect” dish of oatmeal. They want the best recipe for making a creamy rich bowl of oatmeal.

If you’re looking for that ideal oatmeal recipe, then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find how to prepare the perfect bowl and the perfect choice of topping.

Making oatmeal like a pro isn’t hard at all. It’s really easy to make and fast to cook. Try out some basic oatmeal, or go crazy and experiment with endless sweet and savor flavors.

This list of healthy breakfast ideas includes all kinds of delicious oatmeal flavors you’ve never tried before. Oats are packed with nutrients and fiber, so they’re sure to keep you feeling full for hours.

Preparing the perfect oatmeal.

Here are some suggestions for you…

Cooking the Perfect Oatmeal

You don’t need any special equipment to cook up a delicious bowl of oatmeal. You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen.

All you need are three simple ingredients: oats, water, and salt.

Rolled Oats

You’ll be able to enjoy delicious oatmeal in just five to ten minute once you start using rolled oats. If you’re sensitive to gluten proteins, remember to buy certified gluten-­free oatmeal.

Water or Milk

You can choose from various liquids, including water, regular milk, almond milk or cashew milk. It’s up to you! To get the best creaminess, use half water and half milk.

Salt

Add a pinch of sea­ s­alt to a bland bowl of oatmeals for an extra flavor boost. This makes a huge difference.

Toppings

Oatmeal without toppings? It’s just plain You’ll enjoy experimenting with different ingredients such as berries, nuts, seeds, and even herbs and flowers!

Preparation

Combine ingredients:Add the half cup of oats to one cup of water (or milk). Sprinkle a dash of sea salt. Put into a pot and heat over medium/high heat.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and cook for five to eight minutes Stir occasionally.

Serve: You can tell when the oatmeal is ready because the oats will have soaked up most of the liquid — and have a creamy appearance. Add toppings.

Just remember this ratio 1:2. For every portion of rolled oats, you need twice the amount of liquid. For each half cup of oats — you need one cup of liquid. Pretty simple!

19 Healthy Oatmeal Toppings

Many people will only eat oatmeal if it has a flavorful topping. Considering our extensive toppings list below, I can see why.

Our favorite oatmeal toppings fall into one of five categories: fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and nut butter.

These are our top 19 healthy breakfast ideas.

1. Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Cinnamon rolls have become a popular snack food over the years. But did you know that they can be used to make an easy breakfast? This recipe combines rolled oats with vanilla, raisins and walnuts. The result is a tasty breakfast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Cinnamon contains compounds called cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, both of which have antibacterial properties. In addition, cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol levels.

To make cinnamon roll oatmeal, first start with your favorite rolled oats. Then add in a little bit of brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts. Mix everything together well until combined. Add milk to taste.

For those days where you’re not in the mood to eat as healthy, you can add a delicious frosting to the top of the oatmeal. For the frosting, combine butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Mix well and spread over cooled oatmeal.

2. Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which helps your body metabolize carbohydrates.

Bananas contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C. All these vitamins help maintain heart health, while also helping prevent diabetes. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps reduce stress. Tryptophan helps promote sleep, which can lead to better overall health.

To make banana chocolate chip oatmeal, simply combine bananas, oats, and chocolate chips. Mix well and top with milk.

3. Blueberry Vanilla Oatmeal

Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, including anthocyanin, ellagic acid, and quercetin. Anthocyanins may help protect against cancer by stopping free radicals from damaging cells. Quercetin is also an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage.They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain in arthritis sufferers. Antioxidants also help keep your skin healthy by protecting it from sunburn and wrinkles.

To make blueberry vanilla oatmeal, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats with 2 cups of water. Add in 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Serve hot topped with milk.

4. Apple Pie Oatmeal

Apple pie is a classic American dessert. The combination of apples and cinnamon makes this healthy breakfast idea taste just as good as any other apple pie.

To make apple pie oatmeal, simply combine rolled oats, cinnamon, and chopped apples. Add a dash of vanilla extract and mix well. Top with milk and serve warm.

5. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Oatmeal

Peanut butter cookies are the perfect treat for kids, but they’re also great for adults who want something sweet without feeling guilty. They’re high in protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Selenium is important because it helps fight off infections and prevents certain types of cancers.

To make peanut butter cookie dough oatmeal, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy warm topped with milk.

6. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Pumpkin spice lattes are delicious, but they’ve got some serious health benefits. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which helps keep you full longer. Fiber also lowers bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol. It also reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.

To make pumpkin spice oatmeal, combine rolled oat flakes, pumpkin puree, egg whites, maple syrup, cinnamon, nut meg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Stir well and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Top with milk and enjoy!

7. Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal

Strawberries contain antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease. Strawberries are also loaded with vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber. Potassium keeps your muscles relaxed and your heartbeat steady. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and fights infection. Folate improves brain function and protects against birth defects. And fiber fills you up and keeps you regular.

To make strawberry shortcake oatmeal , combine rolled flaked oats, strawberries, milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed. Serve warm topped with whipped cream.

8. Maple Walnut Oatmeal

Maple walnuts are one of my favorite snacks. They’re packed with nutrients like magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3s improve brain function and help lower inflammation levels. Magnesium helps relax muscle tension and promotes sleep. Copper strengthens bones and teeth. Phosphorus helps build strong nails and hair.

To make maple walnut oatmeal, combine rolled rolled oats, milk, maple syrup, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. Cook on medium heat until liquid has been absorbed and top with granola.

9. Coconut Lime Oatmeal

Coconut lime oatmeal tastes so fresh and light. It’s made with coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Coconut milk contains lauric acid, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and fungi. Lauric acid also helps strengthen your immune system.

To make coconut lime oatmeal, combine rolled flakes, coconut milk, lime juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 20 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Add milk to desired consistency and serve warm.

10. Peach Mango Oatmeal

Peaches and mangoes are both bursting with vitamins A and B-complex. Vitamins A and B-complex boost immunity and protect against diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Both fruits are also high in fiber, which makes them filling and satisfying.

To make peach mango oatmeal, combine rolled grains, peaches, mango chunks, banana slices, milk, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fruit is soft. Top with yogurt and granola.

11. Caramelized Banana Oatmeal

Caramelized bananas are a great way to get more potassium into your diet. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and maintain fluid balance in the body. Bananas are also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps reduce constipation.

To make caramelized banana oatmeal, combine rolled oats, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and sliced bananas. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently , for about 30 minutes or until liquid has mostly evaporated. Top with chocolate chips and dried cherries.

12. Lemon Poppy Seed Oatmeal

Lemons contain citric acid, which can kill harmful bacteria. Citric acid also helps fight off viruses and prevents tooth decay. Lemons are also a great source of vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system healthy.

To make lemon poppy seed oatmeal, combine rolled oat flakes, milk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir well and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with poppy seeds before serving.

13. Orange Creamsicle Oatmeal

To make orange creamsicle oatmeal, combine rolled oat flakes, milk, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes or until liquid has almost completely evaporated. Stir occasionally. Top with frozen blueberries and drizzle with powdered sugar.

14. Yogurt Berry Oatmeal

To make yogurt berry oatmeal, combine rolled flaked oats, milk, berries, and honey. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed. Serve topped with Greek yogurt and granola.

15. Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal

Cranberries are high in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which may be powerful anti-cancer agents. Cranberries also contain ellagic acid, which has strong antioxidant activity. Ellagic acid prevents the growth of tumors and inhibits tumor cell proliferation.

To make cranberry pistachio oatmeal, combine rolled flaked oats, cranberries, milk, honey, and chopped pistachios. Cook on medium heat until liquid has been absorbed and nuts have softened.

16. Honey Nut Cheerios Oatmeal

When it comes to store bought cereals, Honey Nut Cheerios has been a childhood favorite. Combining with oatmeal make for a healthy and tasty treat.

To make Honey Nut Cheerios oatmeal, combine rolled flakes, milk, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Cook on medium heat. When ready, top with Honey Nut Cheerios cereal pieces.

17. Cinnamon Raisin Apple Oatmeal

Apple juice contains pectin, which aids digestion by thickening stools. Pectin also lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. Apples are also a good source for vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

To make cinnamon raisin apple oatmeal, combine rolled grains, milk, applesauce, cinnamon, raisins, and vanilla extract. Bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Top with walnuts and dried cranberries.

18. Blueberry Banana Oatmeal

Bananas are loaded with fiber, which keeps you full longer and promotes regularity. Bananas also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Potassium also helps maintain fluid balance in the body, which can help prevent constipation.

To make blueberry banana oatmeal, combine milk, rolled oats, bananas, blueberries, and vanilla extract. Heat on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add more milk if necessary to achieve desired consistency. Top with sliced almonds and serve.

19. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

Chocolate chip cookies are a childhood classic. But did you know that chocolate chips have more than just the taste? They’re also packed with protein, iron, zinc, and calcium. Protein builds lean muscle mass and helps maintain bone density. Iron supports healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia. Zinc strengthens your immune system and aids digestion. Calcium keeps your bones strong and your teeth cavity free.

To make peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal, combine rolled oats, milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well and cook on low for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips before serving.

Types of Oats

When talking about oatmeal, it’s important to understand the differences between different types of oats (e.g., rolled vs. quick). There are several different types of oats available at the grocery store, but they’re all pretty similar nutritionally. However, there are some differences between them in terms of processing and cooking.

Steel Cut Oats

They’re the least processed kind of oatmeal. Oatmeal is made from rolled whole grain oats. To make them easier to eat, they’re often cut into smaller pieces called “oat groats.” Because they’re not as highly-processsed, they absorb more liquids and take longer to cook than regular pasta. For this kind of oat, the groat has been steamed and then flattened into flakes before rolling. It makes cooking faster. Rolled oats are my personal favorite because they’re so delicious and easy to prepare.

Quick or Instant Oats

They’re the most processed of all oats. They are dried, precooked, and rolled into flake form. They’re easier to prepare than rolled or quick-rolled oats, but they tend to get mushier during the cooking process.

Whole Grain Oats

Whole oats are simply unrefined oats. They still retain their bran and germ intact. This means that they’re higher in nutrients like fiber and vitamins A, B6, E, and K. Whole grain oats are usually ground finer than other kinds of oats, making them ideal for baking.

Does Oatmeal Have Glutens?

Oats do indeed contain gluten. The main difference between wheat and oats is that oats don’t contain any gluten proteins. That’s why people who are sensitive to gluten find oats to be safe. To avoid gluten, insist on certified gluten-free oats.

If you’re gluten sensitive or have celiac disease (like my daughter), you need to be very careful with the oats you get. What many people do not know is that oats may be processed at facilities that also handle grains such as wheat, rice, corn or barley. And that means there’s a significant chance that wheat “dust” containing gluten proteins could contaminate the oats.

Furthermore the different kinds of crops are sometimes harvested using the same tools and equipment. This can lead to cross contamination of the crops. It’s best to stick with certified gluten-free oat products to avoid any complications.

How Long Does Cooked Oatmeal Stay Good?

You can keep cooked oatmeal in the fridge up to three days. You can also freeze it in individual portions. Just wrap each portion individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

More Flavor Variations

Maple Brown Sugar

Mix one half tablespoon of maple syrups and one to two tablespoons of brown sugar and place on top of your oatmeal. You could then top off with some milk if you’d like (optional).

Berry Almond

On top of your oatmeal, add fresh berries, some sliced raw almonds and a few chocolate chips. You can also add fresh fruit to the oatmeal when it’s cooking — if you want.

Vanilla

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your cooked oatmeal. Quick and easy.

Here’s another great breakfast recipe to alternate between the days you have an oatmeal breakfast…

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These pancakes are made with whole wheat flour instead of white flour, so they’re healthier than most traditional pancake recipes. Whole wheat flour contains more nutrients than refined flour, like iron, folic acid, and manganese. Manganese helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Iron helps build red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Folic acid helps produce DNA and RNA, which are necessary for cell growth.

To make banana chocolaty pancakes, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of skim milk, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine all ingredients except bananas into a bowl and stir well. Fold in sliced bananas and pour batter onto a heated griddle. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Top with powdered sugar and eat immediately.