If you think oatmeal is bland and unexciting, this recipe will change your mind! Its many dimensions of flavors and textures make for an addictive experience that both children and parents will enjoy. This recipe tastes even better if you’re snuggling with your children on the couch and reading positive affirmations together!

What Makes This Loaded Oatmeal Different?

Out of habit or convenience, oatmeal is often nothing more than quick-cooking oats topped with brown sugar and maybe chopped nuts. But here, we are using various ingredients to elevate it, with the possibility of switching ingredients up for a different breakfast every day of the week. You will need the following:

1. A crunchy component: I like to use store-bought granola because while I love making breakfast from scratch for my kids, I rarely plan ahead to make my own cereal. There’s nothing wrong with using good-quality brands to make your life easier!
2. A sweet ingredient: I like using maple syrup on oatmeal, but honey is a great choice too. I prefer grade B maple syrup for its thicker consistency and deeper flavor.
3. A creamy liquid: While I cook oatmeal in water only, I will add a creamy liquid like almond milk or cow’s milk until I get the desired consistency; thick enough that I can eat it with a spoon but not so dry that I need to drink something every couple of bites!
4. Something flavorful: I often add a blob of nut butter, usually peanut butter, on top of my oatmeal. But I enjoy a good jam or fruit butter when I have it. Here, I’m using fig butter, which happens to be my favorite fruit. Apple or pear butter in the winter is a great option too, and so is a brightly flavored jam in the summer, like pineapple or strawberry.

When it comes to topping your oatmeal, the sky’s the limit! If you come up with a particularly good variation, don’t hesitate to share it with us here!

Flavorful and Nutritious Oatmeal with Toppings

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned oats

2 cups boiling water with a small pinch of salt

Favorite toppings (granola, nuts and seeds, maple syrup, honey, dried fruits, fresh fruits, spices, etc.)

Directions

1. Bring the water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the oats, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for ten minutes.
2. Cover the oats and let them absorb more of the water for about ten more minutes.
3. Uncover, and add almond milk to your preferred consistency. Divide the oatmeal between two bowls.
4. Top the oatmeal with your favorite ingredients, and finish with a dusting of cinnamon if desired. Serve hot.