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? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  • Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  • Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  • Chocolate chips or other candy.
  • Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  • Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes.
  • Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

Is oatmeal good for diabetics? ›

According to MedlinePlus, adults with type 2 diabetes may benefit from eating whole grains like oats, due to their potential glucose and cholesterol-lowering effects. Plus, the soluble fiber in oats may help you hit your blood sugar goals and keep your weight in check.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal? ›

Enjoy the oatmeal chilled in the morning. Season oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, cinnamon or ginger, and fresh fruit. Add nut or seed butter for healthy fat and plant protein. Stir in finely chopped or shredded vegetables.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of instant oats? ›

Oats For Baking and Substitutes

For baking, regular rolled oats and quick-cooking are usually interchangeable in a recipe. If your recipe calls for quick-cooking oats and you only have old-fashioned rolled oats, pulse the old-fashioned oats in the food processor a few times.

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.

Is 1 cup of oatmeal a day too much? ›

This amounts to about one cup of cooked oatmeal. Eating a serving of oatmeal regularly is one way to help increase your fiber intake. Fiber has been linked to better digestion, heart health, and weight management. While it's OK to eat a serving of oatmeal every day, it is best to stick to rolled or steel-cut oats.

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 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.

What is the healthiest liquid for oatmeal? ›

Nadeau recommends milk instead of water because it adds protein and makes the oatmeal creamier. Next, look to protein. Try Greek yogurt, which has about 13 grams of protein per cup or peanut butter, which also packs in fiber and healthy fats.

Why can't you use instant oats for overnight oats? ›

Leave instant oats behind when making overnight oats. Since they are so small, they'll actually just end up almost dissolving in the liquid. Steel-cuts oats can be used but expect them to very chewy and fairly dense.

How to make 1 minute oatmeal? ›

Directions:
  1. Boil water or milk and salt.
  2. Stir in oats.
  3. Cook about 1 minute over medium heat; stir occasionally.

What happens if you use quick oats instead of rolled oats? ›

Texture – You'll get a chewier texture with rolled oats, and less chewiness with quick oats.

What not to eat with oats? ›

Interactions ?
  • Insulin interacts with OATS. Oats might reduce the amount of insulin needed for blood sugar control. Taking oats along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to drop too low. ...
  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with OATS. Oats might lower blood sugar levels.

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 oatmeal with milk good or bad? ›

Milk is rich in fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that complements the nutrients in oats. Thus oats cooked in milk have benefits over oats cooked in water. Milk has fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that is normally absent in processed oats. Apart from adding a flavour, it also helps in keeping your muscles and bones healthy.

Is it OK to eat eggs and oatmeal together? ›

Sure, both oatmeal and eggs are wonderful on their own… but together, they make an even better breakfast.

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