30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (2024)

If you are looking for recipes using oats, you've come to the right place. Included is 30 oat recipes that go beyond standard oatmeal, including sweet and savory options. It's time to use this cheap pantry staple to its full potential.

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (1)

Oats are a pantry staple that I always have on hand. You may think that oats are only good for making oatmeal, but they are actually an incredibly versatile grain.

Not only are oats full of nutrients and health benefits, they are also inexpensive. Unless you can't tolerate oats or are on a special diet that excludes them, I would encourage everyone to get friendly with this lovely grain.

As part of our pantry highlight challenge, I'm sharing with you thirty recipes using oats to spark your creativity. Let's start using oats to their fullest potential.

30 Recipes Using Oats

Stovetop Oatmeal

Yes, stovetop oatmeal is a basic recipe, but if you are still buying oatmeal packets, you need a good basic stovetop recipe in your life. Making oatmeal on the stove couldn't be easier, is super cheap, and can be customized in so many different ways to jazz up your plain oatmeal.

Variations:

Oat pancakes

These simple oat pancakes are naturally whole grain and gluten free. Using basic pantry ingredients, they can be whipped up easily in the blender and on the skillet in no time.

Easy Granola

Granola is great to make for meal prep or for gifts. Sprinkle it on yogurt, fruit, smoothie bowls, or just snack on it by itself.

4. Baked apple oatmeal

This baked apple oatmeal is a winner for fall and perfect for breakfast meal prep.

Pumpkin oat muffins

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (6)Gimme Some Oven

Healthy pumpkin oat muffins are awesome in the fall for breakfast or snacks. I love that they don't use flour, but just blended oats.

No flour banana oatmeal muffins

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (7)

These healthy oatmeal muffins sweetened with bananas are a staple snack in our house. Every time I have over ripe bananas that I need to use, I whip up a batch.

Breakfast cookies

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (8)She Likes Food

Breakfast cookies are a great grab and go breakfast option to make in advance. I bet you could make a bunch and put in the freezer too.

Peanut butter oatmeal balls

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (9)

3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls have been a favorite snack at my house for years. My kids loved helping me make them when they were young, and now they make them on their own.

Strawberry banana oat bars

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (10)Running with Spoons

These strawberry banana oat bars are just calling out to me. Don't they look awesome? I love that they use simple ingredients too. Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Meatloaf

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (11)Spinach Tiger

Oats also make a great binder. You can use them in any way you would breadcrumbs like in this meatloaf. I use them frequently this way for a gluten-free alternative.

Meatballs

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (12)Food.com

Turkey meatballs also use oats as a binder and they look super tasty.

Oat crusted chicken strips

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (13)The Kitchen Whisperer

Oat crusted chicken strips are a brilliant way to bread chicken. Kid friendly and fiber rich.

Icelandic Vegetable and Oat Soup

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (14)

Oats are also excellent at thickening soups. This Icelandic vegetable and oat soup looks incredibly hearty and comforting for the cold fall and winter months.

Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (15)Oats Everyday

Oats can even be used as a delicious stuffing as showcased in these Mediterranean stuffed mushrooms. Yum!

Savory oatmeal

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (16)My Food Story

Most people are familiar with sweet oatmeal, but they can also be savory. Here are five savory oatmeal recipes that look delicious.

Oat flour dinner rolls

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (17)Grain Mill Wagon

Oats can even be used to make oat flour dinner rolls. Who knew?

Oat stuffed baked pears

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (18)Delish

If you have pears, oats, nuts, and sweetener, you are on your way to a deliciously simple dessert. These oat stuffed baked pears look delish!

Oatmeal pie crust

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (19)Tastes of Lizzy T

Oats can also be made into an oatmeal pie crust, which is somewhat similar to a cookie crust.

Oatmeal Smoothie

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (20)Well Plated

If you are trying to bump up your fiber intake, try this oatmeal smoothie recipe. Oats add a creaminess and slightly sweet flavor that I love in a smoothie.

Oat milk

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (21)Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Oat milk is a great milk alternative that is gaining popularity in the dairy-free world. It's actually very easy to make your own at home too.

Oatmeal raisin cookie dough "ice cream"

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (22)Eating Bird Food

Oatmeal raisin cookie dough "ice cream" is a creative way to enjoy a healthy dairy-free dessert.

More delicious oat recipes:

Helpful tools when cooking with oats

A high speed blender is needed when breaking down oats into a powder. There are many blenders out there, but I own and love the Ninja. It's a middle of the road blender that has served us well.

What is your favorite way to use oats?

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (23)

30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What is the healthiest fruit to add to oatmeal? ›

To sweeten oatmeal without going overboard on refined sugar, try these additions: Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, apples, peaches, mango, or pears. Spices: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal? ›

Healthy Ways To Eat Oatmeal

For example, you can season your oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, along with anti-inflammatory cinnamon or ginger and fresh fruit. Add nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butter for healthy fat and bonus plant protein.

Is it healthier to eat instant oatmeal packets or a canister of quick oats? ›

Contrary to popular belief, instant oats have the same nutritional benefits of regular oats.

Why is it not good to eat oatmeal everyday? ›

Oats contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that is known to interfere with the absorption of the vitamins and minerals from oats into your body. So, you need to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet to make up for the possible nutritional loss.

When should you not eat oatmeal? ›

Disorders of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines: Avoid eating oat products. Digestive problems that could extend the length of time it takes for your food to be digested could allow oats to block your intestine.

Which is better banana or oatmeal? ›

Banana has signficantly more Vitamin C than oat. Oat has more thiamin, pantothenic acid and folate, however, banana contains more Vitamin B6. Both oats and banana are high in dietary fiber and potassium. Banana has 9.8 times less saturated fat than oat.

How to sweeten oatmeal without fruit? ›

Syrups and Nectars. The closest you can come to adding sugar to your oatmeal is plant-based nectar or syrup. These sweeteners are not as refined, and contain more vitamins and minerals in them than your average processed white sugar.

What is the best combination to oatmeal? ›

Dried fruit like mulberries, goji berries, jujube, and dates lend chewy texture in addition to fruity flavor. Top with nuts and seeds for an extra crunchy, extra hearty bowl of oats. We like hemp seeds, toasted sesame seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, and toasted coconut.

Is it better to eat oatmeal in the morning or at night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Is peanut butter healthy? ›

Peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It's also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium. However, some brands have high amounts of sugar and other additives that can make them less healthy.

Is oatmeal better for you than potatoes? ›

Compare 100 calories of baked potato to 100 calories of oatmeal, and you find a bit less protein (3 grams vs. 4), a bit more starch (18 grams vs. 16) and a similar mineral profile (potatoes have more potassium, but oats have more selenium). But potatoes beat out oats in just about every vitamin, as well as fiber.

Is it okay to eat instant Quaker Oats everyday? ›

Regular consumption of oatmeal has been linked to a variety of health benefits. Some research has linked eating oatmeal with better cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, and reduced inflammation.

Which instant oatmeal is the healthiest? ›

A popular recommendation among our surveyed dietitians and nutritionists is Bob's Red Mill Instant Oatmeal. “I love to choose Bob's Red Mill Instant Oatmeal Packets. With a blend of gluten-free rolled oats and heart-healthy flaxseed, these packets contain real ingredients that you can feel good about eating.

What is the difference between rolled oats and quaker oats? ›

Rolled oats are just like plain oats which involves different cooking methods according to the choice of consumption. While, Quaker oats are the oats from the brand itself available in different forms & flavours, just ready to eat within less time of preparation.

What is not good in oatmeal? ›

So what's so bad about them? Many dislike oats because they contain phytic acid which impairs the absorption of iron, zinc, calcium, and more. It also blocks the production of digestive enzymes, making oats much harder on your stomach.

What is the best to mix with oatmeal? ›

When in doubt, add nut butters for creaminess, sweetness, and plenty of good protein. We like crunchy peanut butter for added texture, almond butter, cashew butter, and even tahini. Throw a chopped banana and a smudge of vanilla paste into stovetop oats for creamy, delicious, banana bread oatmeal.

Is adding honey to oatmeal bad? ›

According to Healthline.com, oats are a good source of carbs and fiber and are even filled with "important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds." When combined with the natural energy found in pure honey, there is no doubt that honey and oats pack a powerful punch when enjoyed together.

What can oatmeal be paired with? ›

Here are a few topping ideas to get you started:
  • All kinds of eggs. Instead of using a soft boiled egg, top your oats with a poached egg or fried egg.
  • Plant-based proteins. ...
  • Sautéed veggies. ...
  • Roasted veggies. ...
  • Cheese or “cheese.” ...
  • Toasted nuts or seeds. ...
  • Fresh herbs.

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