Porridge is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it kind of dish. There are definitely some serious advantages in choosing a bowl of porridge as your morning meal — it’s incredibly good for you, super cheap and low in fat and calories, while its high fibre content means slow release energy that keeps you full for hours. However, it’s easy to slip into a porridge rut, with the same toppings day after day spelling inevitable boredom.
Whether you’re looking for some new ideas on jazzing up that morning bowl, or trying to drum up some interest in oats to begin with, it’s time to mix things up and get adventurous with your toppings.
Following a gluten-free diet? Here’s what you need to know about porridge oats.
Staying’ sweet
It might not be an earth-shatteringly creative suggestion, but peanut butter and banana just works — especially when you use an unsweetened PB to balance out the sweetness of the banana. With a winning combo of protein, fibre and healthy fats, you definitely won’t need to snack before lunch.
Other sweet suggestions include:
- Chocolate hazelnut spread and crushed hazelnuts
- Peanut butter and jam
- Fresh berries, muesli and ricotta
- Stewed apple and cinnamon
- Dark chocolate and cherries
- Yoghurt and honey
- Coconut yoghurt, fresh mango and passion fruit
- Cream, brown sugar and a splash of Irish whiskey (one for the weekend!)
Overnight oats
It’s not that long ago that overnight oats seemed to take over Instagram, and this is still the prepping method of choice for many. Check out these stunning fruit-and-fibre overnight oats for a breakfast that’s as good-looking as it is good for you.
Savoury options
The idea of sweet porridge is so firmly ingrained in our collective consciousness that many people forget that a savoury bowl is even an option, but oats have such a neutral flavour that they make a fantastic base for plenty of flavours. If the idea of a savoury breakfast doesn’t do it for you, savoury oats can also make a fantastic quick, healthy and cheap dinner option when you don’t have the energy for a more demanding dish.
If you’re on the hunt for something luxurious, yet healthy, try this porridge with mushrooms, eggs and greens. It’s an intensely enjoyable umami-bomb, and the perfect way for lovers of savoury food to start the day.
In recent weeks, I’ve experimented with a few combinations: chicken stock, Parmesan, spinach and chilli flakes is my current fave; goat’s cheese and beetroot with a balsamic syrup drizzle was a pleasant, pretty-in-pink change; and you can’t go wrong with just a generous spoonful of peanut rayu.
Other savoury suggestions include:
- Roasted butternut squash, chilli flakes and ricotta
- Pico de gallo, Cheddar and jalapeños
- Bacon, Parmesan and fried onions
- Sun-dried tomatoes, Mozzarella and basil
- Spinach and leftover roasted vegetables
Baked oats
Why not do something completely different and bake your porridge? Not only is this an easy way to make breakfast for a group, it’s also the warm, healthy comfort food we all need right now.
Mix it up
Don’t forget, porridge oats also make fantastic baked goods. Start your day with a slice or two of delicious, hearty porridge bread or homemade cereal bars, or bake a batch of oat cookies to go with your afternoon cuppa.
Still hungry for more?
Find five extra suggestions using porridge oats here!