Make savory oatmeal in less than 10 minutes! Rolled oats are topped with an egg, avocado, tomatoes and feta cheese for a healthy and delicious breakfast.

If you haven’t tried savory oatmeal before, you’re in for a treat.

This oatmeal truly hits the spot when you’re craving something savory but also don’t have time to whip up a full breakfast hash or frittata. If you think it’s weird to have savory toppings on your oatmeal, think of it more like a breakfast grain bowl. Or think about oats as you would grits, which are usually served in a savory fashion. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Why You’ll Love These Oats

• Easy to make – This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients for a quick and easy breakfast option!
• Nutritious – This bowl is packed with protein, veggies, healthy fats and fiber for a balanced meal.
• Customizable – Feel free to top your oats with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients Needed

Rolled oats, water and an egg are the three main ingredients for this bowl. From there, feel free to customize your toppings based on your preference and what you have on hand.

• rolled oats – can’t have oatmeal without the oats! Old-fashioned rolled oats will work best for this recipe, but quick oats or steel-cut oats will work too! Just remember that steel-cut oats take much longer to cook compared to rolled oats. You can use my steel cut oats recipe as a guide.
• water – for cooking the oats, creating the perfect consistency. Feel free to use your favorite milk if you prefer your oats a bit creamier or vegetable broth for more flavor!
• egg – adds protein and a savory element to this bowl of oats. I prefer a fried egg, but you can prepare your egg anyway.
• feta cheese – adds a creamy, tangy and salty element to this bowl. Goat cheese or freshly grated parmesan cheese would also be great options.
• grape tomatoes – adds a juicy, fresh element. Cherry tomatoes work too!
• avocado – adds creaminess and some healthy fats.
• everything but the bagel seasoning – this is my favorite part! It gives this bowl a burst of flavor with its blend of seeds and spices. My go-to is the Trader Joe’s everything but the bagel seasoning, but there are many other brands available at most grocery stores.
• sea salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
• fresh herbs – I love adding fresh herbs to these oats! I like parsley, but fresh basil, cilantro or chives would all be great options.
• hot sauce – I love adding hot sauce to my savory oats! It brings the bowl to a whole new level so I highly recommend, but if you aren’t a spice lover, you can definitely skip it.

How to Make Savory Oatmeal

This recipe is so easy to whip up! It’s perfect for those busy weekday mornings when you’re short on time, but still want something filling and nutritious for breakfast. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Add oats, water and sea salt to a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring until creamy, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Fry or poach an egg. Then put your cooked oats in a bowl and top with egg, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, seasoning and herbs. Add hot sauce if you like and serve warm.

Dietary Substitutions

• Vegan: Replace the egg with a tofu scramble or vegan egg substitute and use a dairy-free cheese option.
• Gluten-free: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but often contaminated so make sure you grab certified gluten-free rolled oats if needed. I love using Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free organic rolled oats.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Savory Oatmeal Topping Ideas

I love topping my savory oats with a fried egg, feta cheese, tomatoes, avocado, herbs, seasonings and hot sauce, but the options are endless when it comes to the toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Eggs: I prefer a fried egg, but a poached egg, soft boiled egg, scrambled eggs or hard boiled eggs are all great options!
• Protein: If you want more protein, feel free to add breakfast sausage, bacon, turkey bacon or grilled chicken. For plant-based options try tempeh bacon, baked tofu or chickpeas!
• Veggies: Add tomatoes, cucumber, sprouts, broccoli, edamame, caramelized onions, sautéed spinach or sautéed mushrooms. Another great option is to add roasted veggies like roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts or summer squash.
• Cheese: Feta cheese, goat cheese or parmesan would all be great options. Opt for a dairy-free option if needed or try this hemp parmesan.
• Spice: Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicier version.
• Nuts/seeds: For some crunch, add almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, pecans or walnuts.
• Herbs: Add some fresh parsley, cilantro, basil or thyme for some freshness.
• Other toppings: Experiment with other toppings like avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers for added flavor!

How to Meal Prep & Store

This recipe serves one, but if you want to meal prep the oats for the week you can double or triple the recipe, portion them out into individual airtight containers and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. In the morning reheat the oats in the microwave or on the stovetop (or eat them cold) and add your favorite toppings!

More Oatmeal Recipes

Be sure to check out all of the oatmeal recipes as well as the full collection of breakfast recipes on EBF!