The Best Wintery Oatmeal Toppings

Gussy up your morning oatmeal with your own personal take on toppings. Keep it simple or throw in something exotic—either way, no need to skimp!

Published OnDecember 5, 2015

We’ve got so much love for a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Cook up a batch and in no time you’ve got the ultimate blank canvas for a filling, healthy breakfast (or lunch...or dinner...) for the entire week ahead. The best part is that you can choose your own cast of characters—there are no limits! Craving a little sweetness? Just throw in some dried fruit and honey, and you’re good to go. Need a change of pace and a kick in the pants? Add some salt, olive oil, and a poached egg with a dab of hot sauce.

Barbara asked the community on the Hotline for their favorite ways to gussy up a bowl of oatmeal using inexpensive, seasonal, and healthy ingredients. As always, you came through with the best toppings and techniques for a better, more personalized bowl of oatmeal. Here's what you came up with:

The Sweet Route

Nate Davis likes to garnish oatmeal with chopped apples, nuts, and cinnamon.

Cookinginvictoria sautés apples or pears in butter and spices and then adds our personal favorite: Genius granola. And to finish? “A dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt is unexpected and very tasty.”

Nancy gets her inspiration from cookies and scones, suggesting toppings like butter, cream, nut butter, and chocolate chips.

Maedl's perfect bowl includes cranberry sauce and some plain yogurt.

AntoniaJames has a unique variation on the sweet route. Her mix-ins include: "almond butter, ground flaxseed, black rice, cooked quinoa, chopped dried apricots, toasted nuts, or Nekisia Davis' granola (just a fat pinch)".

Trampledbygeese suggests adding dried fruit or trying an "oat-only oatmeal," made special by toasting the oats first before cooking them.

Boulangere tosses in chia seeds at the end of the cooking time for some subtle crunch, and adds: “The zest of any citrus fruit is a heavenly addition as well.”