Breakfast/Brunch

September 29, 2021

Cheesy Oatmeal

Happy New Year! One thing I am not leaving behind in 2020 is this Cheesy Oatmeal. Savory oatmeal was one of the best things I learned in 2020, and it changed my breakfast game forever. This Cheesy Oatmeal is in regular rotation, especially since spending more time at home, and having extra time in the mornings to prepare breakfast. You could also scale this recipe up and make a large batch in advance, and store it in the fridge for a quick, easy breakfast throughout the week.

Oatmeal does not have to be sweet! This idea had never occurred to me until I was introduced to a recipe similar to this about a year ago. When you think about oats as just another grain, which they are, of course they can be savory! As soon as I had my first savory oatmeal, I began spreading the word to everyone in my life - I made this for girlfriends after a weekend sleepover, I made it for my family, and now I’m sharing it with you!

I’ve tried a few variations, but this is hands-down my favorite savory oatmeal. I love that it *almost* feels like I’m having mac’n’cheese for breakfast. Avocado, green onions, and everything bagel seasoning are my favorite toppings, but sautéed greens also make a great addition. I also like adding an egg for extra protein; soft- or hard-boiled are both great. Another thing I learned in 2020 - I can purchase everything bagel seasoning IN BULK at my local Winco store. It’s so much more cost-effective - seriously, pennies on the dollar compared to buying it in a jar. Score!

Ingredients assembled for Cheesy Oatmeal
Assemble your ingredients.

Stirring cheese, tamari, and pepper into cooked oats
Prepare oats according to package directions, then stir in cheese, tamari, and pepper until the cheese is melted.

Cheesy oatmeal in a purple bowl with smaller bowls of toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and hardboiled eggs
Add toppings of your choice. Pictured are my favorites!

Bowl of Cheesy Oatmeal garnished with diced avocado, diced chives, and everything bagel seasoning
Cheesy Oatmeal is a hearty, comforting breakfast for cool weather!

Original publication date: January 4, 2021

Cheesy Oatmeal

Oatmeal does not have to be sweet! With Cheesy Oatmeal, it *almost* feels like I’m having mac’n’cheese for breakfast.

Author:

Kira Freed - The Joyful Plateful

Prep:

5

min

cook:

10

min

total:

15

min

Ingredients

3/4 cup quick-cooking steel cut oats (see note)

1 1/2 cups water

2 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 Tbsp. low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce)

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper


Suggested toppings (optional):

1 avocado, diced

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Everything bagel seasoning

Hard boiled eggs

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot on the stove, bring water to a boil. Add oats, reduce heat, and simmer about 7 minutes, until cooked through and water is absorbed.
  2. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese, tamari, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
  3. Serve with toppings of your choice, such as those listed (which are my favorite). Sauteed greens such as kale, chard, or spinach are also delicious!

Note:

  • This can be prepared with other types of oatmeal. I prefer the texture and bite of steel-cut oats in this savory oatmeal, but you can also use old-fashioned or rolled oats. Just prepare your oats according to package directions (for 2-3 servings), and then add cheese, tamari, and pepper as above.
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