How to Make Savory Oatmeal, the Coziest Breakfast Bowl of All

Love oatmeal, but not always in the mood for something sweet at breakfast? It's time to try savory oatmeal. This tasty trend has given one of the healthiest and most nourishing breakfasts a new lease on life. While we are as keen on a good drizzle of maple syrup as anyone else, sometimes savory elements, such as fried eggs, crisp salty bacon, and melty cheese, are exactly what is needed to get the morning started right. 

There’s no better way to enjoy the most important meal of the day than with oatmeal. This healthy whole grain has just about everything our bodies crave—fiber, a variety of proteins, antioxidants, and several other vitamins and minerals. Perhaps most importantly, it’s comfort food at its simplest. Keep reading to find out how to make the perfect bowl of savory oatmeal; it's sure to become your new favorite breakfast.

What Is Savory Oatmeal?

Savory oatmeal is just what it sounds like! Oats (instant, old-fashioned rolled, or steel-cut—the choice is yours) cooked with liquid until tender and creamy, just like you’d do with the usual sweet oats. But instead of stirring in brown sugar or maple syrup and topping with berries or other fruits and nuts, the oats are finished with something salty or savory, depending on your mood. Savory oatmeal isn't new, but it's having a moment on TikTok, and as the weather turns chilly, now is a great time to give it a try.

The Right Way to Make Savory Oatmeal

When making a batch of stovetop oatmeal, the technique remains the same whether you’re leaning toward sweet or savory. It’s all about the flavor. 

How to Cook

The type of liquid you use to cook savory oatmeal is up to you. If you stick to the classics, something like water or your favorite milk will be just fine. If you really want to lean into an umami flavor profile, opt for something like homemade chicken stock or bone broth—it will add a rich depth of flavor to the oats.

What to Add

Savory oatmeal is really all about the toppings, but just like you might stir sugar and spices into sweet oatmeal, there are a few great ingredients to add to the savory version. 

• Cheese: Many different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, and more, will melt beautifully into the piping hot pot of oatmeal, giving it an instant savory boost. Save some for topping, too! Cottage cheese or ricotta are great creamy cheeses that can also add a moderate boost of protein to your morning bowl. 
• Spices: Depending on the flavor profile you’re going for, your spice cabinet can do a lot of the work here. Take a look at the favorites you use in your everyday cooking, or try incorporating a spice mix like za’atar, ranch seasoning, or ras el hanout (which has a subtly sweet aroma that can enhance many savory elements). 
• Fresh herbs: Herbs are an easy way to add some fresh flavor. Choose the ones you use in your regular cooking. Heartier herbs, like sage or rosemary, can be added at the beginning of cooking the oats, while more tender herbs like parsley or cilantro should be stirred in just before serving.

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Best Toppings for Savory Oatmeal

Keep your garnish game strong and top your savory oatmeal with something special. 

• Shredded cheese: Anything that melts well will be delicious. Want a real show-stopper? Try breaking up a ball of burrata. 
• Parmesan frico: Cook a thin layer of grated Parmesan cheese in a nonstick skillet over a moderately low heat until crisp and golden, then crumble it over the oatmeal for a salty bite. 
• Eggs: Fried eggs (sunny side up or over-hard—we won’t judge) or boiled eggs (anything from jammy to hard-cooked is fair game). 
• Meat: Breakfast meats like bacon, crumbled sausage, or ham make a great topper.
• Smoked salmon: Another great option is smoked salmon—pair it with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. 
• Savory granola: Just like oatmeal, granola doesn't have to be sweet. Make savory granola using the same herbs and spices you want to use in the oatmeal—and leave out most, if not all, of the sugar. Add nuts and seeds of your choice. 
• Sauces: Dig into your fridge shelf for your favorite hot sauce or chili crisp. Ketchup will be delicious if you're someone who always has it on a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. 
• Fresh touches: Give the dish a fresh finish by topping it with slices of creamy avocado, a spoonful of fresh tomato salsa, or some halved cherry tomatoes, a handful of microgreens, or a scattering of sliced scallions or chopped chives.