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Start your day with something vibrant, nourishing and full of contrasting textures. This oatmeal breakfast bowl combines creamy oats with colorful toppings like fruit, seeds and yogurt for a feel-good meal that tastes as good as it looks. It’s quick to prepare and easy to customize, making it perfect for busy mornings or fun weekend brunches. Packed with fiber, protein and natural sweetness, it’s a satisfying way to fuel your body and brighten your morning routine.
This oatmeal breakfast bowl is packed with fresh fruit, crunchy seeds and creamy oats. It’s easy to make, naturally sweet and perfect for a quick morning boost.
You might also enjoy Nutella Oreo mousse cups, chocolate peanut butter pie or white chocolate dipped ginger cookies.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick to prepare: Just a few minutes in the microwave and you’re ready to go.
Nutritious and filling: Chia, hemp and pumpkin seeds offer protein and healthy fats.
Customizable: Use your favorite fruits or yogurt to make it your own.
Great for busy mornings: No need to stand at the stove.
Naturally sweet: Fruit and cinnamon bring flavor without added sugar.
Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Instant oats: A quick-cooking base that turns creamy with milk or almond milk.
Low fat milk or almond milk: Adds creaminess and helps cook the oats.
Chia seeds: Add texture, fiber and omega-3s.
Cinnamon: Brings natural warmth and spice.
Cherries: Provide a tart, fruity contrast to the creamy oats.
Banana: Adds natural sweetness and a soft texture.
Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, with added protein.
Cocoa nibs: Crunchy and slightly bitter for balance.
Pumpkin seeds: Add crunch and healthy fats.
Hemp seeds: Mild flavor and packed with nutrients.
How to Make Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Mix the base: Combine oats, milk, chia seeds and cinnamon in a bowl.
Microwave the oats: Cook until the mixture is hot and thickened.
Add toppings: Layer on fruit, yogurt, seeds and extras however you like.
Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm.
Substitutions and Variations
Use different fruit: Blueberries, strawberries or apple slices work well.
Swap the milk: Any plant-based milk like oat, soy or coconut works.
Make it gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats.
Add sweetener: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter.
Serving Suggestions
With savory breakfast dishes: Enjoy an oatmeal breakfast bowl with contrasting savory dishes like bacon, egg bites, breakfast tacos, or eggs en cocotte.
With a drink: Treat yourself to a pineapple peach smoothie or cinnamon dolce latte.
How to Store Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Store: Leftovers will keep for a day or so in the refrigerator.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these.
Top Tips
Use ripe banana: It blends in easily and adds natural sweetness.
Don’t overcook the oats: Keep them soft and creamy, not dry.
Mix before eating: Stir everything together for the best texture and flavor.
Make ahead: Prep the oat base the night before and just reheat in the morning.
Oatmeal Breakfast or Brunch Bowl FAQs
Yes, just adjust the cooking time and liquid slightly. Check the directions on the packaging if unsure.
Sure, just adjust the toppings based on their preferences.
Oats have been used for thousands of years, though they were originally seen as weeds rather than a valuable crop. The Scots were among the first to eat them regularly, calling them porridge. While ancient Greeks and Romans viewed oats as peasant food, they’ve stood the test of time. Today, most oats are grown for animal feed, but they remain a popular choice for human breakfasts too!
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl Recipe
Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients
Oatmeal
- ½ Cup instant oats, I used Quaker oats
- 1 Cup whole milk, or reduced fat, or dairy-free
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 Pinch ground cinnamon
- 11 cherries, fresh and pitted or freeze dried
- ½ banana, sliced
- 3 Tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa nibs
- 1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 1 Teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ Teaspoon hemp seeds
Instructions
- Combine milk, chia seeds, cinnamon and instant oats in a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave for 1 ½ to 2 minutes until hot, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Add toppings in desired quantities on top of the cooked oatmeal. You can arrange them neatly or just throw them on.
Notes
Don’t overcook the oats: Keep them soft and creamy, not dry.
Mix before eating: Stir everything together for the best texture and flavor.
Make ahead: Prep the oat base the night before and just reheat in the morning.
Nutrition
With creamy oats, crunchy toppings and colorful fruit, this oatmeal breakfast bowl is as satisfying as it is nourishing. It’s a flexible base for endless combinations, so you can switch up the toppings to match your mood or what’s in your kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you’re rushing out the door or savoring a quiet start to your day, this simple recipe gives you a reason to look forward to breakfast time. It’s one of the best easy breakfast ideas for kids and grownups alike.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This was a flavor explosion. Absolutely amazing!
This is one of my favorite breakfasts! So many options and so good for you, too!