Oats Recipe for One: A Simple, Delicious, and Nutritious Breakfast

If you're looking for an easy and delicious oats recipe for one, this simple oatmeal recipe is perfect for any time of the day. It's quick, customizable, and ideal for a single serving, but you can scale it up if you need more. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savory, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy any craving, and it will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

The Magic of Oats

Oats are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making them a heart-healthy breakfast option that keeps you full for longer. They are the perfect base for creating delicious, wholesome meals.

The beauty of oatmeal is that you can cook it with water, milk, or a combination of both and top it with a wide variety of ingredients—from fruits to spices, seeds, and nut butters. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with toppings, oatmeal is always a satisfying choice.

The recipe card below is for ¼ cup of oats because that's the portion I started with when I realized larger servings can be quite big, especially when you're adding nut butter, fruit, seeds, and honey. However, if you're craving all those delicious toppings, or if you're simply after more oats, you can increase the dry oats quantity to ½ cup of oats and 1 cup of water.

Please see full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

Here's what you need;

To cook the oats:

• Rolled Oats: Rolled oats were used in this recipe. 
• Regular Still Room Temperature Water:  To help cook the oats
• Salt: To balance the taste

Optional to add into the oats while it cooks:

• Banana: Ripe smashed banana.
• Spices: Turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and all spice. These can be added to the oats while it cooks with the liquid and you only need a pinch.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: You can use your milk of choice, water or a combination.

I've shared loads of topping choices below this post.

How To Cook Oats

• If you add banana into the oats while it cooks, add an additional ¼ cup of water to the recipe. The banana will make the oatmeal creamy and thick, so the extra liquid helps achieve the perfect texture.

• In a small saucepan, combine the oats, water (or milk), salt, and banana.

• Stir everything together and then leave it to come to a boil over medium-high heat.

• Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. In those 2-3 minutes, you can lift the saucepan off the stove while you stir, this helps control the heat incase it's too hot.

• When the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the banana has melted into the mixture, remove it from the heat. You can also smash the banana even more while you are stirring.

• Serve your warm oats with your choice of toppings, such as a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of nut butter. Enjoy!

Understanding the Different Types of Oats

Did you know there are several types of oats, each with its own unique texture and cooking time? Below are the three most common types of oats, and I’ll explain which one I used in this recipe.

1. Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

These oats are perfect for classic oatmeal. They are rolled and flattened to a medium thickness, providing a nice balance of texture and chewiness. They cook in about 5-10 minutes and offer a great source of fiber and nutrients.

2. Steel-Cut Oats

Steel-cut oats are the least processed and have a coarse, nutty texture. They take longer to cook—usually about 20-30 minutes—but they are packed with fiber and are a great option for a filling breakfast. They help keep you full for longer and are often considered the healthiest choice.

3. Quick Oats

Quick oats are the most processed type, with a finer texture and faster cooking time. They cook in just 1-2 minutes and have a softer, creamier texture. While convenient, they lose some nutritional value during processing compared to rolled or steel-cut oats. They are ideal if you're in a rush and want a quick breakfast.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Quick cooking, balanced texture, great for classic oatmeal.
• Steel-Cut Oats: Dense, nutty texture, perfect for a chewy, hearty meal.
• Quick Oats: Fast cooking, smooth texture, ideal for a quick, soft oatmeal.

This oats-for-one recipe is extremely versatile. Serve it in a microwave-safe bowl, heat it up for 1 minute, and you get warm oats with softened, cooked fruit. Add a dollop of nut butter that melts into the oats—and voilà!

Top Topping Ideas for Your Oatmeal

Oats are incredibly versatile, and the topping options are endless. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory bowl, you can easily customize your oatmeal to suit your tastes. Here are some of my favorite oatmeal toppings:

• Sweet Toppings:
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Fresh fruit: sliced banana, berries, pomegranate
  • Nut butter: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter
  • Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice
  • Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds
  • A drizzle of vanilla extract
• Savory Toppings:
  • Scrambled eggs or avocado for a savory twist
  • A sprinkle of cheese (try feta or cheddar)
  • Sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms
  • A dash of hot sauce or soy sauce for flavor

Recipe Notes

• For a more nutty, toasted flavor, try toasting the oats before cooking. Simply heat a teaspoon of butter or oil in the pan over medium heat, add the oats, and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the liquid and cook as usual.
• You can adjust the liquid to oats ratio depending on how creamy or thick you like your oatmeal.
• Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and spices. Oatmeal is a great way to get creative with your breakfast.

Ending Notes

Oatmeal is a wonderful, nutritious choice that can easily be tailored to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a more indulgent treat, the endless combinations of toppings ensure that you never get bored.

So, next time you're craving something warm and comforting, make yourself a bowl of oatmeal and enjoy the many ways you can customize it. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare oatmeal the night before and store it in the fridge for an easy, grab-and-go breakfast. Just reheat it in the morning with a little extra water or milk.

Q: Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk in this recipe.

More Breakfast Recipes

• Cinnamon Sugar Pancakes
• Peanut Butter Oats Recipe
• South African Pancakes
• Peanut Butter Avocado Toast
• Smashed Avocado on Toast with Sunny-Side- Up Eggs

I Love Hearing From You!

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