The Oatmeal Formula for Non-Boring Breakfasts

One of the first things I learned when going vegan? Not all oatmeal is instant! For so long, when I thought of oatmeal, I thought of little brown packets you toss in the microwave. You know, pre-sweetened, pre-flavored, tastes kind of sweetened sawdust, but hey, it’s easy?

Spoiler alert—that type of oatmeal is not what this post is about.

I wanted to come up with some healthy, nutritious breakfast ideas that would be easy to throw together on a weekday/workday morning. That’s how the formula was born. The formula is a way to mix and match whatever ingredients you have on hand to come up with an endless variety of delicious vegan oatmeal breakfasts. You’ll never get bored. Trust me. I’ve eaten oatmeal the past 7 days in preparation for this post with no complaints. So here it is:

Part 1- The Oats

This part may seem obvious, but think outside the box. Sure, you can use regular old oats. Or…you can pick you’re favorite grain. Here’s some of my favorite options:

Quinoa (flakes or regular)-Teff-Amaranth-Millet-Oat Groats-Brown Rice-Spelt-Buckwheat-Wheat Berries-Bulgur Wheat

*Mac Hack- Cook a large batch of your grain of choice on Sunday to be prepped for the whole week!

Part 2-The Liquid

You can use water to cook your grains. Or, for a creamier texture, use your favorite plant-based milk.

Almond Milk-Oat Milk-Cashew Milk-Soy Milk-Rice Milk-Coconut Milk (or any combination)

Part 3- The Fruit (or Veggies)

Feeling basic? Go with apples or blueberries. Feeling bold? Try avocado, mango, or butternut squash. The bowl is your oyster—go ahead and find yourself a hearty, delicious pearl.

Apples-Bananas-Any kind of Berries-Pears-Melon-Pumpkin-Butternut Squash-Sweet Potatoes-Avocado-Mango-Pineapple

Part 4-Nuts/Seeds

Get a morning boost of protein and some delicious crunch!

Almonds-Walnuts-Peanuts-Pecans-Cashews-Sunflower Seeds-Pumpkin Seeds-Sesame Seeds-Hemp Seeds-Flax Seeds

Part 5- Seasoning/Flavor

Pick something that will complement your other ingredients!

Cinnamon-Vanilla-Nutmeg-Ginger-Pumpkin Pie Spice-Lemon Juice-Lime Juice-salt-pepper-fresh or dried herbs-cocoa powder

Part 6-Optional Sweeteners

If you’re feeling salty, skip over this part. Savory oatmeal is boss. But if you have a hankering for something sweet, sprinkle, toss, or drizzle any of the following:

Stevia-Raw Sugar (or vegan white sugar)-Brown Sugar-Date Paste-Honey-Maple Syrup-Agave Nectar-Brown Rice Syrup-Coconut Sugar-Barley Malt

*Mac Hack-Date Paste is my favorite sweetener. Make a batch Sunday to use all week by soaking your dates in hot water until soft, then draining and pulsing in the blender.

Part 7-Finishers

If you want a little extra, throw in an optional finisher.

Vegan Chocolate Chips-Dried Cranberries-Raisins-Currants-Coconut Flakes-Cacao Nibs-Nut butter of Choice, apple butter, jam of choice

And that’s it! The possibilities are endless, but here are some of my favs:

Oats, water, avocado, pumpkin seeds, lemon or lime juice, parsley or cilantro, salt and pepper

Quinoa flakes, oat milk, apples or pears, walnuts or pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg, date paste

Oat Groats, almond-coconut milk, bananas, almonds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut flakes and vegan chocolate chips.

Teff, cashew milk, blueberries and raspberries, sunflower seeds, vanilla, stevia

Bulgur wheat, soy milk, pumpkin, pecans, ginger and pumpkin pie spice, date paste, dried cranberries.

Notes: You can use the microwave, but I prefer the stovetop for oatmeal. If using regular oats, you can soak them in your liquid of choice overnight and omit the cooking altogether. If you want a creamier dish, pulse your cooked grains or soaked oats in the blender for an oatmeal whip! (This is particularly delicious with the pumpkin or avocado examples above. Just sprinkle the nuts on after so they don’t get smushed.)

Comment below with your favorite combinations! Happy eating.

XOXO- Mac