What to Serve with Oatmeal: 25 Delicious Side Dishes and Toppings

Oatmeal is a versatile and comforting breakfast staple, perfect for starting your day on a healthy note. Whether you prefer steel-cut, rolled, or instant oats, knowing What To Serve With Oatmeal can transform a simple bowl into a satisfying and flavorful meal. This guide will walk you through 25 amazing side dishes and creative topping ideas to elevate your oatmeal experience.

Overhead view of oatmeal with caramelized bananas, showcasing a delightful topping option.

Quick Guide: Best Sides and Toppings for Oatmeal

For those in a hurry, here’s a quick rundown of some fantastic sides and toppings to pair with your oatmeal:

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit: Berries, bananas, sliced apples, or peaches offer natural sweetness and vitamins.
• Eggs: Enjoy a protein boost with scrambled eggs, egg whites, or a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake.
• Yogurt: Creamy yogurt, whether Greek or regular, adds protein and a cool contrast to warm oatmeal.
• Bacon or Sausage: For a savory touch, crispy bacon or flavorful sausage provides a satisfying protein element.
• Quiche: A slice of Mushroom Quiche with Ham offers a savory and rich complement.
• Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes or Crispy Parboiled Potatoes bring a hearty and textural contrast.

Toppings

• Natural Sweeteners: Drizzle pure maple syrup or honey for classic sweetness.
• Yogurt and Fruit: Combine Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries for creaminess, protein, and fruity flavor.
• Banana and Hazelnuts: Recreate Fancy Oatmeal with Caramelized Bananas by adding fresh bananas and crunchy hazelnuts.
• Seeds and Sugar: Sprinkle chia seeds and brown sugar for texture and subtle sweetness.
• Peanut Butter and Chocolate: A classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips for a comforting treat.

Let’s delve deeper into these ideas and explore even more options to make your oatmeal meals extraordinary.

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Versatility of Oatmeal Pairings

The beauty of oatmeal lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re using quick oats for a speedy breakfast, steel-cut oats for a hearty texture, or overnight oats prepared in advance, the side dish and topping suggestions below are universally compatible.

These pairings work seamlessly with various oatmeal preparations, including baked oatmeal like cookie baked oatmeal, slow cooker or Instant Pot oatmeal for convenience, Trader Joe’s overnight oats for a no-cook option, or simple microwave instant oatmeal for speed. No matter how you make it, these additions will enhance your oatmeal.

25 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Oatmeal

Looking to make oatmeal a more substantial and balanced meal? Explore these 25 side dish ideas, categorized for your convenience, offering protein-rich, fresh, and flavorful choices perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving a crowd or just yourself.

Protein-Packed Sides

1. Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: This egg bake is a protein powerhouse, perfectly complementing the fiber in oatmeal for a balanced and nutritious breakfast. The savory flavors and fluffy texture make it a delightful contrast to creamy oatmeal.

2. Mushroom Quiche with Ham: The earthy and savory notes of mushroom quiche, combined with ham, create a sophisticated side that contrasts beautifully with the mild sweetness of oatmeal. It’s a great option for a brunch setting.

Slice of mushroom quiche with ham next to the whole quiche, showcasing a savory breakfast side dish.

3. Protein Cinnamon Rolls: Indulge in a sweet treat without compromising on protein. These cinnamon rolls offer a protein-packed twist, making them a more nutritious companion to oatmeal for those with a sweet tooth.

4. Protein Biscuits: Boost your breakfast’s protein content with these biscuits. Served alongside fiber-rich oatmeal, they create a fulfilling and balanced meal, perfect for a hearty start to the day.

5. Egg Bites Recipe: Versatile and packed with protein, egg bites are a convenient and nutritious side. Their customizable flavors and ease of preparation make them an excellent partner for a simple bowl of oatmeal.

6. Vegan Egg Bites: For a plant-based protein option, vegan egg bites are ideal. They provide a protein boost that complements the fiber in oatmeal, catering to various dietary preferences.

Vegan egg bites served with fresh strawberries, highlighting a plant-based protein side.

7. Chili Oil Eggs (scrambled): Add a spicy kick to your breakfast with chili oil scrambled eggs. This savory and exciting duo provides a flavorful contrast to the subtle taste of oatmeal, waking up your taste buds.

8. Air Fryer Sausage Patties: Crispy and flavorful air fryer sausage patties bring a delightful texture and rich taste to your oatmeal breakfast. They are quick to prepare and offer a savory protein element.

Air fryer sausage patties next to scrambled eggs, showcasing a quick and savory protein side.

9. Tex Mex Tofu Scramble: For a flavorful and protein-rich vegan option, Tex Mex tofu scramble is an excellent choice. Its vibrant spices and hearty texture pair wonderfully with the simplicity of oatmeal.

Fresh and Fruity Sides

10. Purple Smoothie Bowl: Brighten up your breakfast with a purple smoothie bowl. Packed with fruits and antioxidants, it offers a refreshing and healthy complement to the warmth and heartiness of oatmeal.

Purple smoothie bowl topped with banana slices and granola, highlighting a fresh and vibrant side.

11. Winter Citrus Salad: Add a burst of freshness with a winter citrus salad. Its tangy and vibrant flavors, often featuring ginger and vanilla syrup, balance the creamy and mild taste of oatmeal, especially during colder months.

Winter citrus salad on a white platter, showcasing a refreshing and seasonal side.

12. Yogurt Granola Cups: Enjoy a crunchy and creamy contrast with yogurt granola cups. These offer a delightful textural element alongside the soft, warm oatmeal, making each bite more interesting.

Yogurt granola cups on a white surface, highlighting a crunchy and creamy side.

13. Almond Milk Yogurt: For a dairy-free and light option, almond milk yogurt is perfect. Its creamy texture provides a healthy and refreshing accompaniment to oatmeal, ideal for a lighter breakfast.

Hearty and Savory Sides

14. Breakfast Baked Potatoes: Combine comfort and wholesomeness with breakfast baked potatoes. The starchy goodness of potatoes pairs wonderfully with fibrous oatmeal, creating a satisfying and filling meal that’s perfect for a brunch or weekend breakfast.

15. Crispy Parboiled Roasted Potatoes: Add a satisfying crunch and richness with crispy roasted potatoes. Their golden exterior and soft interior offer a textural balance to the smooth oatmeal, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Tray of crispy roasted potato pieces, showcasing a crunchy and savory side.

16. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash: Enjoy a sweet and savory combination with sweet potato breakfast hash. Its warm and comforting flavors complement the neutral taste of oatmeal, creating a balanced and delicious breakfast.

Sweet potato breakfast hash in a skillet, highlighting a warm and savory side.

17. Avocado Toast: For a healthy and trendy option, avocado toast is a great side. It provides healthy fats and fibers, creating a well-rounded breakfast alongside oatmeal, perfect for a light yet nutritious meal.

Avocado toast topped with fresh berries, showcasing a healthy and trendy side.

Sweet and Indulgent Sides

18. Banana Muffin For One: Indulge in a personal-sized treat with a banana muffin. Its sweet and comforting flavors complement the simplicity of oatmeal, perfect for a cozy breakfast for one.

Banana muffin cut open to show texture, highlighting a sweet and single-serving side.

19. Banana Bread without Butter: Enjoy a healthier sweet side with banana bread made without butter. Its moist texture and sweet flavor provide a delightful complement to the earthy notes of oatmeal, perfect for a guilt-free treat.

Loaf of banana bread with slices cut, showcasing a healthier sweet side.

20. Chocolate Chip Sourdough Bagels: Introduce a sweet and tangy element with chocolate chip sourdough bagels. Their unique flavor profile contrasts nicely with plain oatmeal, offering an interesting and satisfying breakfast pairing.

21. Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish: For a luxurious and fruity indulgence, cream cheese strawberry danish is perfect. Its creamy, fruity, and flaky layers add a delightful dimension to a simple bowl of oatmeal, making it a special breakfast.

Convenient and On-the-Go Sides

22. Dunkin Wake Up Wrap: For a convenient and portable option, a Dunkin Wake Up Wrap is ideal. It pairs well with the steadiness of oatmeal, offering a quick and satisfying breakfast for busy mornings.

23. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Sandwich: Combine hearty protein with oatmeal for a balanced and filling on-the-go breakfast. A chicken sausage breakfast sandwich is easy to eat and provides sustained energy alongside a bowl of oatmeal.

Chicken sausage breakfast sandwich wrapped in foil, showcasing a convenient breakfast side.

24. Turkey Sausage & Kale Egg Bake: Add bold flavors with a turkey sausage and kale egg bake. Its spicy kick and nutritious ingredients bring excitement to a traditional oatmeal breakfast, offering a flavorful and convenient side.

25. Candied Homemade Bacon: For a sweet and savory indulgence, candied homemade bacon is a treat. This delicious breakfast food offers a contrasting texture and flavor profile to wholesome oatmeal, perfect for a weekend brunch.

Bonus: Refreshing Drinks to Pair with Oatmeal

To complete your oatmeal meal, consider these refreshing drink options:

Honeybee latte with lavender and honey, suggesting a delightful drink pairing.

• Honeybee Latte: A warm and comforting latte with honey and lavender notes can complement the comforting nature of oatmeal.
• Iced Coffee: For a cooler option, iced coffee provides a refreshing contrast to warm oatmeal, especially on warmer days.
• Fruit Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice or apple juice can add a vibrant and vitamin-rich element to your breakfast.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint can be a calming and digestive-friendly accompaniment to oatmeal.

These side dishes and drinks are not limited to just oatmeal; they pair wonderfully with other oat-based recipes like Birthday Cake Heavenly Hunks or Protein Balls without Protein Powder.

8 Creative Topping Ideas for Oatmeal

Elevate your oatmeal with these delicious and easy topping ideas. Many of these can also be enjoyed as sides, but they truly shine when mixed into or layered on top of your warm bowl of oats.

1. Avocado Chia Seed Pudding: Add creaminess and healthy fats with avocado chia seed pudding. It’s a unique and nutritious topping that brings a smooth texture and subtle flavor.
2. Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Classic sweeteners that enhance the natural flavor of oatmeal with a touch of sweetness.
3. Greek Yogurt and Strawberries: Combine creamy Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries for a protein boost, cool temperature, and fruity sweetness.
4. Fresh Banana and Hazelnuts: Recreate a gourmet experience with fresh banana slices and crunchy hazelnuts, mirroring the flavors of Fancy Oatmeal with Caramelized Bananas.
5. Chia Seeds and Brown Sugar: Add texture and subtle sweetness with a sprinkle of chia seeds and brown sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
6. Coconut Flakes and Pineapple: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with coconut flakes and pineapple chunks, adding sweetness and tropical flavors.
7. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips: Indulge in a comforting classic combination of creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate chips for a treat-like oatmeal.
8. Cranberry Sauce: For a tangy and unique topping, cranberry sauce adds a festive and flavorful twist, especially during the holiday season.
9. Coffee Creamers: Experiment with coffee creamers like extra creamy oat milk coffee creamer or a drizzle of full-fat coconut milk for added creaminess and flavor depth – you might be surprised how delightful it is!

Looking for a Perfect Oatmeal Recipe?

Oatmeal is incredibly easy to make, but having a go-to recipe can simplify your mornings. Explore online resources for various oatmeal recipes tailored to your oat preference and cooking method.

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Enjoy experimenting with these side dishes and toppings to discover your favorite oatmeal pairings. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, protein-packed or fruity, there’s a perfect combination to make your oatmeal meals exciting and satisfying every time.