Description
This Cozy Peanut Butter Oatmeal recipe is a warm, comforting breakfast option featuring toasted rolled oats cooked with cinnamon and salt, enriched with butter or coconut oil, and finished with creamy peanut butter and optional sweet toppings. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with dairy or plant-based milk, and perfect for a quick nutritious morning meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- 2 cups Old Fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats or steel cut oats)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk, oat milk or almond milk (or additional water)
Sweet Variation (Optional)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
Toppings
- 2 to 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- Optional: small drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Optional: berry jam
- Optional: fresh fruit
Instructions
- Melt the Fat: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or coconut oil until fully melted and slightly bubbling, preparing the base for toasting the oats.
- Toast the Oats: Add the rolled oats to the saucepan and toast them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden, which enhances their flavor and texture.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the kosher salt and cinnamon, stirring to combine, allowing the spices to toast briefly with the oats for a richer aroma.
- Add Liquids & Banana: Reduce the heat to low and carefully pour in the water and your choice of milk or additional water, stirring as you add the liquid. If using the sweet variation, stir in the mashed ripe bananas at this point.
- Cook the Oatmeal: Cover the saucepan and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the oats are tender but still chewy and the mixture has thickened without becoming soggy.
- Adjust Texture: Remove the saucepan from heat. For a creamier texture, stir in an extra 1/2 cup of milk until fully blended; otherwise, leave as is for chunkier oatmeal.
- Add Toppings & Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top each serving with 2 to 3 tablespoons of peanut butter and any additional desired toppings such as honey, maple syrup, berry jam, or fresh fruit. Serve immediately for a cozy, delicious breakfast.
Notes
- Use Old Fashioned rolled oats for best texture; avoid instant or steel cut oats.
- Toasting oats before cooking enhances their flavor and creates a nuttier taste.
- Adjust milk type and quantity to achieve desired creaminess and accommodate dietary preferences.
- Mashed bananas add natural sweetness; skip for a less sweet, traditional oatmeal.
- Peanut butter topping adds protein and richness; substitute with other nut butters if preferred.
- Optional toppings like honey, maple syrup, or fruit can be added to suit your taste.
