Savory Oatmeal

Yumna Jawad

Updated Sep 29, 2025

5 from 80 votes

This savory oatmeal recipe features Parmesan oatmeal as its base and is topped with sautéed vegetables and a fried egg.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 serving
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Savory Oatmeal with Egg.
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Love savory oatmeal for brunch or dinner!

I usually think of oatmeal as something sweet, but this savory oatmeal recipe has become one of my favorite ways to change it up. The oats cook up creamy with parmesan mixed in (think risotto), then I pile on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a fried egg. It feels more like a hearty breakfast bowl than a bowl of oatmeal.

I make this savory oatmeal recipe when I want something filling but still quick. It’s easy to swap in whatever veggies I have on hand, and the runny egg on top just pulls everything together. Simple and a nice break from the usual sweet oats.

Happy Cooking!
– Yumna

Savory Oatmeal Ingredients

Ingredients to make the recipe
  • Rolled Oats: I like to use rolled oats for a creamier texture but you can also use steel cut oats or even quick oats.
  • Water or Milk: You can use milk for a richer oatmeal, but water will work just as well.
  • Cheese: I love the taste of shredded parmesan in this savory oatmeal, but you can also sub in pecorino or asiago. Nutritional yeast can also serve as a good vegan substitute.
  • Vegetables: I like to use mushrooms, thinly sliced shallots, and baby spinach to top my oatmeal. Cooked zucchini, bell peppers, and wilted kale will also be delicious.
  • Oil: I cook my vegetables in olive oil, but any cooking oil will do.
  • Egg: I usually make a fried egg to top off my savory oatmeal, but scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or boiled eggs also work! Skip the egg if you’re making vegan oatmeal.
  • Chives: Chopped chives are my favorite garnish here, but you can also use some extra scallions or even a bit of cilantro.

How to Make Savory Oatmeal

Prepared oatmeal.
Step 1: Make the oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Cheese added on top.
Step 2: Stir in the parmesan cheese as soon as it finishes cooking.
Rest of ingredients added.
Step 3: Cook the veggies, place over the oatmeal, and add the fried egg.
Savory Oatmeal with Egg.

Savory Oatmeal Recipe

Author: Yumna Jawad
5 from 80 votes
This savory oatmeal recipe features Parmesan oatmeal as its base and is topped with sautéed vegetables and a fried egg.
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Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings1 serving

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Ingredients
  

Savory Oatmeal

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
  • 1 small shallot thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces mushrooms halved
  • 4 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 large eggs
  • Chives for serving

Instructions

Cook the Oatmeal

  • Microwave Instructions: Place all the ingredients into a medium microwave safe bowl and stir together. Heat in the microwave on high until the oatmeal is puffed and softened, about 2 minutes. Immediately stir in the parmesan cheese.
  • Stovetop Instructions: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the oats. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese.

Cook the Vegetables

  • In a medium skillet, heat half tablespoon olive oil and add the shallots and cook until they start to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking until browned, about 5 more minutes. Add the spinach and stir with the shallots with mushrooms until wilted, about 1 more minute. Spoon the vegetables over the cooked oats and set aside to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and fry the egg until the whites are set. Serve over the oatmeal and sprinkle with chives, if desired.

Equipment

Notes

  1. Boil your water before adding your oats. If you add your water and oats at the same time, you may end up with overcooked and mushy oats.
  2. Cook your vegetables first. For the best texture, I like to sautée my vegetables before making my oatmeal, so I can add them to the dish right away (before the oatmeal stiffens).
  3. Don’t over-stir! If you’re making your oatmeal on the stovetop, try not to over stir your oats. Too much stirring will lead to gluey oatmeal!
Storage: Let your leftovers cool completely before adding them to an airtight container. They should keep well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days! When you’re ready to eat, add a splash of water or milk and simmer your veggies and oatmeal over medium-heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You’ll just want to cook up a fresh egg for serving!
Make Ahead Tips: The oatmeal can be mad 4 to 5 days ahead of time.
Substitutes: You can swap the veggies for any you have to hand.

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 170mg, Sodium: 335mg, Potassium: 1284mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 10949IU, Vitamin C: 36mg, Calcium: 276mg, Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below!

Recipe Tips

  1. Boil your water before adding your oats. If you add your water and oats at the same time, you may end up with overcooked and mushy oats.
  2. Cook your vegetables first. For the best texture, I like to sautée my vegetables before making my oatmeal, so I can add them to the dish right away (before the oatmeal stiffens).
  3. Don’t over-stir! If you’re making your oatmeal on the stovetop, try not to over stir your oats. Too much stirring will lead to gluey oatmeal!
Close up shot of a savory bowl of oatmeal topped with a fried egg and vegetables

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Comments

  1. jeanie says:

    It was very delicious and I am not an oatmeal fan.

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      So happy you liked it!! Thanks, Jeanie!

      Reply
  2. melinda says:

    Hi! Where does the 22g protein come from?

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      Hi there! The protein comes from the rolled oats, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, baby spinach, and egg. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  3. Kristen says:

    This recipe was my first time eating savory oatmeal, and I loved it! I highly recommend it!

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Robin S Davis says:

    I have been eating the oatmeal dishes for lunch. It is a great way to get in protein and to eat a good healthy meal. I am also using these recipes along with exercise to help me lose weight.

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      It is!

      Reply
  5. Michael green says:

    I will make this my main breakfast and other meals too.

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      So glad you enjoyed it Michael!

      Reply
  6. Rob K says:

    Another awesome recipe from Yumna.

    This was perfect as is and easy to prepare. I like spice and sprinkled some cayenne to spruce it up. Huge hit with the family!

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Thank you so much! That sounds perfect.

      Reply
  7. Traci says:

    I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was. Even my mom, who loves her oatmeal with plenty of brown sugar, butter and milk enjoyed it. She said it was layer after layer of flavor. Who knew? My new go to for oatmeal. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Thank you! Glad to hear you both enjoyed it. Yay!!

      Reply
  8. Saskia says:

    It tasted really good! I’m glad I tried this for breakfast.

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Thank you! Same here!

      Reply
  9. Shruti says:

    Its a great option for oatmeal. It tastes as amazing at it looks 🤩Definitely a must try recipe ♥️

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      Yay! That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you!!

      Reply
  10. Rosemary Reynolds says:

    This is brilliant. I never quite feel full after a bowl of oatmeal so this really does the job making a well-rounded meal. This will be one of my go to breakfasts.
    .

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Yes! And so many endless topping ideas!

      Reply
  11. Stephanie M Barnes says:

    I was a bit hesitant to try this. I am a big oatmeal lover but always with fruit or nut butters. I am so glad I tried it savory! It has quickly become my new favorite way to enjoy oatmeal. I love the endless possibilities and how it can really work for any meal of the day!

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      This is definitely an underrated way to enjoy it, but I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Lisa says:

    This is the only way I’m going to eat my oatmeal from now on! Genius! 🥰

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      It’s hard not to love! Thank you so much!!

      Reply