Oatmeal has an undeserved reputation of being boring, bland, and simply just not as photogenic as that warm chocolate chip waffle or perfectly fried egg. But in reality, oatmeal is the perfect breakfast to star in your next photo op because it can be topped with (almost) anything your heart or camera desires… chocolate, berries, nuts, coconut… you name it.
Quick and easy, these five tricks to spice up your regular oatmeal will both taste amazing while racking in the insta likes all at once. Best part…. you won’t even need 100 filters to let the true beauty of your creation shine. Gasp.
Samoas Oatmeal
Photo by Megan McNitt
Given that Samoas‘ are cookies that I easily crave 24/7 there’s no question that they would make a delicious breakfast option. Enter: Samoas oatmeal and cue mouth drool.
Grab some steel cut oats and top with chocolate chips. Sprinkle your chocolate-infused oatmeal with brown sugar and toasted coconut flakes. Finally finish off your Girl Scout cookie in-a-bowl with caramel sauce from the soft serve station. Don’t be scared of the sugar rush, we all know you need a little boost on Sunday morning. Plus, they’re steel cut oats (whatever that means) so that obviously makes it healthy(ish)…right?
#SpoonTip: Mix in your chocolate chips so that they are perfectly melted by the time you’re ready to take pictures of your sweet chocolate creation.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal
Photo by Megan McNitt
Chances are you’ve had peanut butter and jelly for lunch nearly everyday of your elementary school career. No question it’s not the prettiest meal on the street but it sure is oh so delicious. So why not get nostalgic and cure your homesickness all while mixing things up a bit?
Grab some steel cut oats then swirl in the perfect amount of peanut butter and jelly from the bagel station. Wanna get crazy and add a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ to your bowl? Mix in the crunchy peanut butter for some much needed texture.
Feeling extra inspired? Bring a jar of any other nut butter and use that instead — almond butter, cashew butter, chocolate hazelnut — whatever floats your boat. Add in fresh raspberries for a new take on jelly and to add a little #health. Top that with some chopped nuts for an added crunch and get that camera out so you can get your perfect insta-worthy angle.
Banana Bread Oatmeal
Photo by Megan McNitt
I know I’m not the only one who instantly craves whatever fresh baked goods pop up on my instagram feed (Levain Bakery I’m looking at you). Plus being away from home, it’s easy to miss your Mom’s homemade baked goods (hint hint: Mom, care package please).
While you’re waiting for that treat to come in the mail, why not get as close to your Mom’s homemade deliciousness as you can with some banana bread oatmeal?
Grab a banana, cut it into bite size pieces, and mix it in with your steel cut oats. Add chopped nuts, brown sugar, and top if off with a drizzle maple syrup from the waffle station to satisfy that sweet tooth we all know you have. For an insta unlike any other, get an action shot pouring syrup, enhance it just a touch, then post ASAP and make everyone’s mouth water.
Nutella Oatmeal
Photo by Megan McNitt
Nutella…. need I say more? It’s practically a proven fact that Nutella makes you happier so why not start off your morning off in the best way possible while capturing some amazing food porn at the same time? Pick up one (or more, no judgment here) packs of Nutella and swirl them in with your piping hot oats. Top off your bowl of chocolate hazelnut heaven with pieces of a fresh chocolate donut and ride that sugar high all day long.
Berries and Granola Oatmeal
Photo by Megan McNitt
I’ll forever have a soft spot in my heart for Strawberries and Creme Instant Oats — it’s the perfect blend of sweetness and creme that can be made in 1 minute or less — so easy when I’m feeling lazy. But really, there’s no question that it’s not the most photo ready food in the game so why not go for oat’s with fresh fruit instead?
Top your oats with whatever you’re feelin’ — any berry or fruit is a suitable option for your creation. Remember, the more colors the better cause we all know you’re gonna take a picture before you eat it. For added crunch, sprinkle on some granola and drizzle with agave for that perfect touch of sweetness.
Find the perfect lighting to showcase your healthy creation and you’ll be on your way to foodstagram stardom in no time.