I have absolutely nothing to say for myself. I first saw a recipe for savory oatmeal on Penny De Los Santos’ blog going on two years ago. Two years it took me to try it for myself.
(Bottom line, I need to start working through my “to-make” recipe list faster. The problem is, once I finally make something and realize how amazing it is, it’s hard to keep it out of regular rotation. And thus continues the vicious cycle of not working through my list.)
I made a couple changes to the original recipe, namely, added turkey bacon and onion. You can leave them out if you prefer, but don’t skip the sharp cheddar or fried egg…they make the dish. (I know at first savory oatmeal might seem a little strange…but it’s just so right. It’s similar to savory grits or creamy polenta. Give it a try. :) )
Savory Oatmeal (Inspired by Penny De Los Santos’ recipe for Sexed Up Savory Oatmeal)
Serves 1
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 slices turkey bacon, diced
1/2 small-medium onion, diced
1/3 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup water
1 pinch sea salt
1 pinch black pepper
1/2 oz sharp cheddar, diced
1 fried egg (for topping)
Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon to a small bowl and set aside. Add the onion to the oil and cook until softened and just starting to turn brown, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the oats, water, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil then turn heat down to low and simmer until the oats are tender, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in the bacon and cheese. Transfer to a bowl and top with a fried egg and more black pepper.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Rosa says
July 18, 2012 at 10:54 amScrumptious! Brunch food par excellence.
Cheers,
Rosa
Diane says
July 18, 2012 at 10:59 amOh wow I love the sound of this, on my ‘soon to do list’. Thanks Diane
Dorothy says
July 18, 2012 at 11:11 amThat looks really good! I just saw an feature on Serious Eats (from May) on 19 Sweet & Savory Oatmeal ideas and was thinking I should give it a try. Bookmarking this one!
Nutmeg Nanny says
July 18, 2012 at 11:38 amMmmmm savory oatmeal. I’m all over this! That fried egg on top is what does it for me ;)
Joan Nova says
July 18, 2012 at 11:41 amNow that’s a hearty breakfast … might hold me till lunch, maybe! :)
Erica says
July 18, 2012 at 12:04 pmSavory oats are surprisingly amazing! I remember seeing it for the first time and thinking ehhh….but now I love it! I actually really like it for dinner
Ranjani @ Four Seasons of Food says
July 18, 2012 at 1:39 pmI have also had savory oatmeal on my to-make list for quite a while, but haven’t tried it yet. Obviously I need to make it asap!
Juliana says
July 18, 2012 at 1:44 pmWhat a great idea, as we eat oatmeal almost every morning and sure it gets kind of boring…I love this and will sure start to implement this savory oatmeal in my breakfast.
Thanks for this post and hope you are enjoying your week Faith :)
Lisa says
July 18, 2012 at 2:05 pmWhoa—this sounds awesome! I don’t eat oatmeal, but I know for sure my mom would love this!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
July 18, 2012 at 3:27 pmThis does sound like a breakfast you would order down South. So interesting!
Megan @ The I Do Diaries says
July 18, 2012 at 4:34 pmI’ve seen several recipes for savory oats, but have been skeptical. Maybe I really should give it a try! And I totally know what you mean about having a ever-growing “to make” list. I have pinned so many recipes on Pinterest, now I need to go back and actually *gasp* MAKE them!
deana says
July 18, 2012 at 6:56 pmI was really surprised that the Irish made a kind of oatmeal risotto in the middle ages (I made it with a medieval beef stew). It was terribly good and made with leeks. I can see this is a great dish now that I have my head on straight about savory oatmeal… it’s good!!
Blond Duck says
July 18, 2012 at 9:18 pmMy to- make list is so deep…and I’m adding this on top. Love it. Have you ever tried oatmeal and PB?
angela@spinachtiger says
July 18, 2012 at 10:12 pmThis is the most interesting version of oatmeal I’ve ever seen, and I would just love it. Glad you finally got to make it.
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
July 19, 2012 at 1:11 amLooks amazing :) I love oats but never had it savoury gotta try it YAY! Thanks for the recipe :)
Sasha @ The Procrastobaker says
July 19, 2012 at 8:53 amThis looks reallylovely! Ive wanted to try savoury oatmeal for a long time now, but this is by far the most tempting recipe Ive seen :)
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
July 19, 2012 at 9:30 amA hearty and healthy breakfast! I could even enjoy this as my lunch.
Dee W says
July 19, 2012 at 11:15 amThat looks delicious. My husband isn’t a big oatmeal eater, but I know he would love this!
grace says
July 20, 2012 at 11:39 ami’ve been seeing savory oatmeal more and more, and while i think it’s a great idea, my sweet tooth won’t let me move away from the brown sugar and cinnamon variety. :)
Veronica says
July 21, 2012 at 4:29 amI do believe I will have to try this. The idea isn’t as appealing as your reassurances that it is wonderful and i totally trust you! You have such good taste.
Veronica says
July 21, 2012 at 3:21 pmI made this for breakfast and Dennis didn’t even freak out-lol! I thought savory oats would be a hard sell but he readily agreed (I guess the call of eggs and bacon spoke to him) and when we were eating it, he said, “this is cool!” We both thought they were excellent and man are they filling! I can tell I’m going to be totally satisfied until lunch–it’s really nice having some fat and protein with the oats, and I’m sure that helps stabilize the blood sugar way better than adding sweet stuff. Thanks, Faith! Great recipe.
Faith says
July 21, 2012 at 8:34 pmVeronica, That’s awesome, I’m so glad you and Dennis liked it! I think it’s my favorite new way to have oatmeal. :)
Magic of Spice says
July 30, 2012 at 4:19 pmI have yet to try a savory oatmeal, but I do like the sound of it :) This sounds like it would go over really well around my house :)
Ms Journalist says
December 23, 2012 at 9:52 amThis was such a good recipe. I love trying new stuff and came here by searching and it was well worth it. It was a bit bland, so I added a laughing cow cheese wedge and that took it over the top for me! Thanks for a great recipe.