Oat My Goodness Plain Oatmeal Gets a Glow Up

Plain oatmeal has an image problem. It's beige. It's lumpy. In fact, you might consider it the wallflower of breakfast foods, sitting there while flashier breakfast options strut their stuff on social media. And yet, as a nutrition-packed (and gluten-free!) whole grain superstar, that humble bowl of beige brilliance has been quietly powering athletes, energizing executives and keeping generations of families going strong while trendier breakfast options are a mere flash in the pan.

The truth is that underneath that modest exterior lies a culinary canvas just begging for a makeover. Check out the best oatmeal recipes designed to help get you and your family rolling into your day.

(Quick note: Wondering the difference between quick cooking and regular rolled oats? Surprise! They’re essentially interchangeable in recipes, although the texture may be slightly different. If you’re using regular old-fashioned oats in place of quick cooking, try pulsing them a few times in a blender or food processor.)

1. OVERNIGHT OATS

What do you get when you take an already healthy base (oats) and add in two other nutritional MVPs — chia seeds and Greek yogurt? A nutrient-dense breakfast that will keep your whole family full and energized all morning. This overnight oats recipe combines the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the nutty flavor of chia seeds and the hearty texture of oats. Meal prep for breakfast by combining the main ingredients and storing in your fridge until morning when it just needs a quick stir, then add spark with garnishes like fresh fruit and crunchy roasted pepitas.

2. BAKED OATS

This sweet take adds applesauce and 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, brown sugar or honey, along with breakfast-spice classics McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract and McCormick Ground Cinnamon. It comes together in minutes, or you can meal prep for breakfast if you prefer your mornings streamlined. Pro Tip: Read to the end of this recipe where you’ll see a host of suggestions to make this oatmeal recipe different every time. Cinnamon roll or pina colada oats? Yes, please! Try a few variations for an elegant brunch, and invite your guests to decide which is the best oatmeal recipe.

3. CINNAMON ALMOND ENERGY BARS

We all know those days when sitting down at a table is just not in the cards. This oatmeal recipe gives you that morning magic reimagined for life in the fast lane…just grab and go. These portable bars also make a fantastic snack anytime you need a tasty energy boost during your busy day, like after a long meeting or before a grueling sports practice or workout.

4. BLUEBERRY OATMEAL CUPS

Here’s another make-ahead twist on oatmeal that tastes way more decadent than it actually is, thanks to mashed banana, McCormick Cinnamon Sugar and McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, along with tasty blueberries—fresh if you have them. Bake these up and stash them in the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack.

5. PUMPKIN PIE SPICE OATMEAL WITH COCONUT MILK

Oatmeal gets extra swanky with Thai Kitchen Unsweetened Coconut Milk and McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, which elevate a traditional oatmeal recipe with no extra steps required. No one will guess that you whipped up this sophisticated dish in just a few minutes using your microwave.

6. PEANUT BUTTER BAKED OATS WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Is this breakfast — or dessert? There’s no reason for breakfast pastries to have all the fun! This dish takes oatmeal recipe standbys like oats, brown sugar, McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract and McCormick Ground Cinnamon, then enlivens them with cheery additions like peanut butter, banana and mini chocolate chips. After baking, you’ll top the warm bars with Greek yogurt “frosting” for a healthy breakfast that looks and tastes decadent.