In this article, we'll answer some of your most common questions about oatmeal including the most popular: "What Does Oatmeal Taste Like?" We'll also give you a few tips on what you should eat it with and how to make it taste good.
Let's get going...
What Does Oatmeal Taste Like?
On it's own, oatmeal tastes rather bland with some slight earthy notes to it. Because it absorbs so much water during the cooking process, oatmeal is one of those foods that's really good at taking on the flavor of whatever you cook it or mix it with. This could be anything from sweeter spices like cinnamon to savory spices like cayenne pepper.
Oatmeal can also take on the flavors and sweetness of fruits that it's cooked with such as bananas or blueberries.
If you don't like the taste of oatmeal, then odds are you simply haven't had it cooked in a way that suits your palate.
Oatmeal Texture
Oatmeal can take on a variety of textures, but most people have had it prepared in a way that makes it "mushy". This isn't necessarily a bad thing if you like it that way, but just the natural result of cooking oats in water or any liquid. Traditionally, most breakfast oatmeals will be served this way.
However, raw oats are not so mushy. Instead, they have a paper like texture which starts off hard but slowly dissolves in your mouth. Don't worry - it's not gross!
Baking oats will make them crispy or crunchy. If you've ever had granola, then you'd had baked oats!
Related Article: What Does Mustard Seed Taste Like?
Is Oatmeal Better with Milk or Water?
My favorite way to prepare oatmeal is to cook the oats in water and then finish them with a splash of plant-based milk. Unsweetened soy milk, almond milk, or cashew milk works best!
Oats take on a creamy texture when they're cooked with water from the starch, so I've never found any advantage to cooking them with milk.
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What Do You Eat Oatmeal With?
The best way to eat oatmeal is loaded with fruits, nuts, and seeds. Here are a few combinations to try out...
1. Fruit, Nuts and Plant-Milks
Loading oatmeal up with your favorite fruits, nuts and plant-milk is a great way to enjoy it. The video above shows you how to do it and believe me - many of these overnight oat recipes taste exactly like dessert. The only difference is that you don't have to feel guilty.
Read Also: What Does Oat Milk Taste Like?
2. Bananas and Brown Sugar and Walnuts
Microwaving your oatmeal with bananas has a delicious result! It turns out very similar to banana bread. From there, you can top it with walnuts, cinnamon to enjoy a filling and delicious breakfast or dessert.
3. Steamed Veggies and Beans
Savory oats are another way to eat oatmeal. If fruit and nuts aren't your thing, consider cooking your oatmeal with some veggie stock and topping it with some tomatoes, corn, beans and fresh broccoli. You'll be surprised at how good it is.
Further Reading: What Does Okra Taste Like?
How Do You Make Oatmeal Taste Good?
Making oatmeal taste good is a matter of playing around with the flavors and textures to find what suits you best. Here are some things to try...
- Try adding your favorite sliced fruits to your oatmeal. This will bring the flavor profile from bland to sweet without adding processed sugar.
- Top it with your favorite nuts and seeds for texture. Flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are a great way to add a bit of crunch to your oatmeal.
- Don't be afraid to eat raw oats if you don't like things too mushy. Simply have them with a splash of plant-milk and any of the above toppings.
- Use a spoonful of almond butter to add decadence to a sweet oatmeal.
- Consider trying the savory oatmeal (video above). It tastes a lot like grits or a creamy rice.
- If all else fails, try sprinkling with a few chocolate chips.
Also be sure to watch the videos above to get some ideas on different ways to prepare oatmeal.
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Wrap Up
As you can see, oatmeal is an extremely versatile food. You can eat it mushy, crunchy, sweet, savory or however you like. Try some different things and let us know what you like best.
READ ALSO: If you're looking for air-tight containers for storing your sweeteners, check out our list of the best container for brown sugar.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
