In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhy Toasting?Toasting TipsOatmeal Flavor Ideas
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Why Toasting?
Toasting Tips
Oatmeal Flavor Ideas
For most of the year, I’m asavory breakfastgal. I like a couple of eggs in the morning, maybe with a little black pepper and cheese. But every year, when the mornings start to get really frigid, I crave a bowl of oatmeal—really, really good oatmeal. There’s one simple trick that I use to take my oats to the next level: toasting them.The #1 Mistake You’re Making with Overnight OatsWhy Do I Toast My Oats?That’s right. I don’t use fancy oats that have to be cooked for hours, and I don’t drench them in butter and cream. I simply toast the oats lightly in a saucepan before adding my cooking liquid. Toasting the oats before cooking creates a more pronounced flavor that, if you haven’t tried yet, you’ll probably really enjoy. The extra flavor helps me feel more satisfied, so I don’t need nearly as many toppings.Dietitians agree that oats areone of the best breakfast foodsaround, and it can helpreduce diabetes riskandpromote weight lossif that’s your goal. Oats contain a fiber called beta-glucan that can help lower cholesterol—super beneficial for heart health. So, if toasting oats willhelp me eat more oats,it’s worth the extra step.How to Toast OatsIt’s a simple technique, and the whole cooking process is done in about ten minutes. Yes, it does take longer than throwing them in the microwave, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re looking for ways to get excited about eating oatmeal in the morning (or trying to inspire your family to do so) creating a little more flavor is a good way to go about it.Set a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium-low heat.When it feels hot, add your oats to the dry pan and toast them, stirring often for about 2 minutes until you see them start to darken in color. They’ll give off a toasty smell and turn golden in spots—that’s right where you want them.You can stop here and use your toasted oats for overnight oats, or if using right away, add your cooking liquid (I’m partial to a mixture of water and milk to add a little body and richness) and cook according to the stovetop directions on the package.Health Benefits of Steel-Cut OatsFlavor and Topping Ideas for Your OatsFor a more special-occasion breakfast (like a Saturday morning or even a holiday), try toasting the oats in a little bit of butter, which browns and creates even more delicious flavor. The extra fat also helps keep you feeling full for longer, and adds a nice body to the finished oats.I think we can all agree that often oatmeal is thought of as just a carrier for other flavors, usually higher sugar ones like maple syrup, honey or brown sugar. But when it comes to toppings, I’m partial to chopped apples, toasted pecans and, yes, a drizzle of maple syrup.Try making oatmeal to enjoy seasonal flavors, likeFig and Ricotta Oatmealfor spring,Peach Pie Overnight Oatsfor summer,Pumpkin Oatmealfor fall andCranberry Cheesecake Overnight Oatsfor winter. Toast your oats to get even more flavor in every bite.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
For most of the year, I’m asavory breakfastgal. I like a couple of eggs in the morning, maybe with a little black pepper and cheese. But every year, when the mornings start to get really frigid, I crave a bowl of oatmeal—really, really good oatmeal. There’s one simple trick that I use to take my oats to the next level: toasting them.The #1 Mistake You’re Making with Overnight OatsWhy Do I Toast My Oats?That’s right. I don’t use fancy oats that have to be cooked for hours, and I don’t drench them in butter and cream. I simply toast the oats lightly in a saucepan before adding my cooking liquid. Toasting the oats before cooking creates a more pronounced flavor that, if you haven’t tried yet, you’ll probably really enjoy. The extra flavor helps me feel more satisfied, so I don’t need nearly as many toppings.Dietitians agree that oats areone of the best breakfast foodsaround, and it can helpreduce diabetes riskandpromote weight lossif that’s your goal. Oats contain a fiber called beta-glucan that can help lower cholesterol—super beneficial for heart health. So, if toasting oats willhelp me eat more oats,it’s worth the extra step.How to Toast OatsIt’s a simple technique, and the whole cooking process is done in about ten minutes. Yes, it does take longer than throwing them in the microwave, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re looking for ways to get excited about eating oatmeal in the morning (or trying to inspire your family to do so) creating a little more flavor is a good way to go about it.Set a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium-low heat.When it feels hot, add your oats to the dry pan and toast them, stirring often for about 2 minutes until you see them start to darken in color. They’ll give off a toasty smell and turn golden in spots—that’s right where you want them.You can stop here and use your toasted oats for overnight oats, or if using right away, add your cooking liquid (I’m partial to a mixture of water and milk to add a little body and richness) and cook according to the stovetop directions on the package.Health Benefits of Steel-Cut OatsFlavor and Topping Ideas for Your OatsFor a more special-occasion breakfast (like a Saturday morning or even a holiday), try toasting the oats in a little bit of butter, which browns and creates even more delicious flavor. The extra fat also helps keep you feeling full for longer, and adds a nice body to the finished oats.I think we can all agree that often oatmeal is thought of as just a carrier for other flavors, usually higher sugar ones like maple syrup, honey or brown sugar. But when it comes to toppings, I’m partial to chopped apples, toasted pecans and, yes, a drizzle of maple syrup.Try making oatmeal to enjoy seasonal flavors, likeFig and Ricotta Oatmealfor spring,Peach Pie Overnight Oatsfor summer,Pumpkin Oatmealfor fall andCranberry Cheesecake Overnight Oatsfor winter. Toast your oats to get even more flavor in every bite.
For most of the year, I’m asavory breakfastgal. I like a couple of eggs in the morning, maybe with a little black pepper and cheese. But every year, when the mornings start to get really frigid, I crave a bowl of oatmeal—really, really good oatmeal. There’s one simple trick that I use to take my oats to the next level: toasting them.
The #1 Mistake You’re Making with Overnight Oats
Why Do I Toast My Oats?
That’s right. I don’t use fancy oats that have to be cooked for hours, and I don’t drench them in butter and cream. I simply toast the oats lightly in a saucepan before adding my cooking liquid. Toasting the oats before cooking creates a more pronounced flavor that, if you haven’t tried yet, you’ll probably really enjoy. The extra flavor helps me feel more satisfied, so I don’t need nearly as many toppings.
Dietitians agree that oats areone of the best breakfast foodsaround, and it can helpreduce diabetes riskandpromote weight lossif that’s your goal. Oats contain a fiber called beta-glucan that can help lower cholesterol—super beneficial for heart health. So, if toasting oats willhelp me eat more oats,it’s worth the extra step.
How to Toast Oats
It’s a simple technique, and the whole cooking process is done in about ten minutes. Yes, it does take longer than throwing them in the microwave, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re looking for ways to get excited about eating oatmeal in the morning (or trying to inspire your family to do so) creating a little more flavor is a good way to go about it.
Health Benefits of Steel-Cut Oats
Flavor and Topping Ideas for Your Oats
For a more special-occasion breakfast (like a Saturday morning or even a holiday), try toasting the oats in a little bit of butter, which browns and creates even more delicious flavor. The extra fat also helps keep you feeling full for longer, and adds a nice body to the finished oats.
I think we can all agree that often oatmeal is thought of as just a carrier for other flavors, usually higher sugar ones like maple syrup, honey or brown sugar. But when it comes to toppings, I’m partial to chopped apples, toasted pecans and, yes, a drizzle of maple syrup.
Try making oatmeal to enjoy seasonal flavors, likeFig and Ricotta Oatmealfor spring,Peach Pie Overnight Oatsfor summer,Pumpkin Oatmealfor fall andCranberry Cheesecake Overnight Oatsfor winter. Toast your oats to get even more flavor in every bite.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
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Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
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