Recipe

4 Oatmeal Recipes to Make When You're Short on Time

By Megan Rivenburg at Wake Forest University

It's finally fall, which means starting to crave hot breakfasts that warm the soul instead of refreshing summertime smoothies and yogurt bowls. What's easier than oatmeal? Oats are pretty underrated because they are so plain when alone, but the beauty of being plain is that you can do so much with them to dress them up and make them exciting. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to pimp my oats and make them anything but boring.

1. Proats (Protein Powder + Oats)

There are so many ways to do these protein oats. How they turn out all depends on the type of protein powder you buy and the flavors you like. They're so full of protein and healthy carbs (hello, soluble fiber) that they keep you full and energized all the way through lunchtime. These oats come out like they were almost baked—thicker and chewier than regular oatmeal. 

Proats

  • Prep Time: 1 min
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 3 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • enough water to cover the dry oats
  • 1 scoop protein powder

Step 1

Place dry oats in bowl and add water until the oats are completely covered, then mix in protein powder of choice.

Step 2

Microwave 2 minutes, stopping halfway through to mix. Enjoy!

2. Tropical Monkey

 Comfort food to the max right here. 

Tropical Monkey Oats

  • Prep Time: 1 min
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 3 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 banana
  • peanut butter

Step 1

Mix dry oats with coconut milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stopping to mix halfway through.

Step 2

Top with sliced banana and a big ol' glob of peanut butter. The peanut butter will melt all over the hot oats and act almost icing-like.

3. Overnight Oats

Prepare these the night before a big test and you'll have a satisfying brain-boosting breakfast without sacrificing any extra study time. This recipe has healthy fats and protein to help you get through your morning.

Overnight Oats

  • Prep Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 2 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
  • water
  • 1 dollop Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Step 1

Put your dry oats in a tupperware or mason jar, then add just enough water to cover the oats.

Step 2

Throw a dollop of Greek yogurt into the mixture to make these oats thicker and creamier and the chia seeds, which will soak up excess liquid.

Step 3

Mix everything up and place it in the fridge. They'll be ready to eat in the morning.

4. Brownie Batter Oats

This breakfast is a little more of a time commitment since they are made on the stove-top, but I promise you it's worth it. 

Brownie Batter Oatmeal

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond milk or water
  • 1/4 cup steel cut oats
  • 1 mashed banana
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • dash salt
  • chocolate chips optional
  • coconut shavings optional

Step 1

Bring 1 cup almond milk or water to a boil. Add in the steel cut oats and mashed banana. Mix well.

Step 2

Once more of the liquid is absorbed, add in cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt.

Step 3

When the consistency is to your liking, transfer to a bowl and add chocolate chips and coconut shavings.