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Oat-Side the Box

Oatmeal is the ultimate budget-friendly breakfast, and it's packed with nutrients. When you can't stock up on other breakfast options because the coronavirus pandemic has put a crimp in your shopping, it's a great staple to have on hand. But eating the same kind of oatmeal every day can get old. Whether you prefer to cook oats in the morning or chill them overnight, bake them, or drink them, here are 20 ways to add flavor and flair. 


Related: 40 Breakfast Foods Ranked by Their Calorie Count

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Branch Out

First, try a different oat. Steel-cut, instant, and rolled oats are processed differently, so they have different textures. In steel-cut oats, sometimes called Irish or Scottish oats, the kernel (called the groat) is cut instead of flattened and has the chewiest texture. They also take the longest to cook. Instant oats are pressed smaller and cook the fastest but also have a mushier texture. Rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, are a middle ground in consistency and cooking time. They look like discs because the groat has been steamed and rolled. 


Related: I Switched Out Cereal for Oatmeal for Breakfast — Here's What I Learned

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DIY Oatmeal Packets

Instead of buying store-bought packages in different flavors, make custom packets with your own favorite fixings. A few suggested flavor combinations include cranberry pistachio, apricot hazelnut, and apple ginger. 


Recipe: Oh My Veggies


Related: 17 Easy-to-Make Foods to Stop Buying at the Store

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Spinach

Spinach and Parmesan pair well with steel-cut oats. Those who would rather not start the day with leafy greens can add pumpkin purée and protein powder, or chai mix. 


Recipe: Men's Fitness


Related: 25 Veggies to Buy Instead of Kale

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Overnight Oats With a Topping

Instead of making hot oats in the morning, try cold overnight oats. The basic recipe involves equal parts rolled oats, milk, and yogurt with chia seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Simply combine the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, top with something crunchy and a little bit of healthy fat, such as nuts. 


Recipe: Kath Eats Real Food


Related: 35 Delicious Recipes That Don't Require an Oven

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Vegan Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

A gluten-free and vegan alternative, this recipe uses almond milk, chia seeds, peanut butter or almond butter, maple syrup, and gluten-free rolled oats. After the mixture sits overnight, top with fruit, flaxseed meal, or more chia seeds. 


Recipe: Minimalist Baker


Related: 18 Things You Didn't Know About Peanut Butter and Jelly

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Adaptable Overnight Oats

This recipe for overnight oats (including chia seeds or flaxmeal, vanilla extract, salt, and either honey or maple syrup) can easily be adapted for different tastes. Swaps can make it vegan, sugar-free, or gluten-free, and there are chocolate peanut butter and carrot cake variations. 


Recipe: Wholefully


Related: 20 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Breakfast to Simplify Your Mornings

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Slow-Cooker Apple Pie Oats

After cooking overnight, slow-cooker oats are hot and ready first thing in the morning. This recipe turns apple pie into part of a nutritious breakfast. The recipe calls for steel-cut oats, almond milk, apples, coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and lemon juice. The mixture cooks for four to eight hours. 


Recipe: The Healthy Maven


Related: The True Origins of 19 Classic "American" Foods

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Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

For those who like the idea of oatmeal but not the texture, baking could be the answer. This dish uses spices, toasted nuts, and fruit and makes a substantial six to eight servings. 


Recipe: Cookie + Kate


Related: Do You Know Your Official State Food?

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Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Take oatmeal on the go in cookie form. These cookies are made with almonds, overripe bananas, dried cranberries, maple syrup, molasses, and spices. White chocolate chips are an optional addition. 


Recipe: Oh, Sweet Basil


Related: The 20 Best Classic Cookie Recipes

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Oatmeal Trail Mix Cupcakes

Oatmeal trail mix breakfast cupcakes are a good grab-and-go option, and they are egg-free and dairy-free. Ingredients include banana or applesauce, salt, cinnamon, a sweetener, dried fruit, wheat germ or flax meal, water, vanilla, and oil (or a little more applesauce).


Recipe: Chocolate Covered Katie


Related: Best Cupcakes in Every State

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