This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure.
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 the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
Free Bonus
This 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.
I 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 :)
I 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.
Veronica, That’s awesome, I’m so glad you and Dennis liked it! I think it’s my favorite new way to have oatmeal. :)
I 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.
i’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. :)
That looks delicious. My husband isn’t a big oatmeal eater, but I know he would love this!
A hearty and healthy breakfast! I could even enjoy this as my lunch.
This looks reallylovely! Ive wanted to try savoury oatmeal for a long time now, but this is by far the most tempting recipe Ive seen :)
Looks amazing :) I love oats but never had it savoury gotta try it YAY! Thanks for the recipe :)
This is the most interesting version of oatmeal I’ve ever seen, and I would just love it. Glad you finally got to make it.
My to- make list is so deep…and I’m adding this on top. Love it. Have you ever tried oatmeal and PB?
I 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!!
I’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!
This does sound like a breakfast you would order down South. So interesting!
Whoa—this sounds awesome! I don’t eat oatmeal, but I know for sure my mom would love this!
What 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 :)
I 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!
Savory 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
Now that’s a hearty breakfast … might hold me till lunch, maybe! :)
Mmmmm savory oatmeal. I’m all over this! That fried egg on top is what does it for me ;)
That 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!
Oh wow I love the sound of this, on my ‘soon to do list’. Thanks Diane
Scrumptious! Brunch food par excellence.
Cheers,
Rosa