25 Ways To Use Oats (That Aren't Oatmeal)
Blueberry granola breakfast recipes. (Photo: Erik Putz)
There's nothing wrong with a hot bowl of oatmeal, but there are a lot more ways to use oats. They're incredibly versatile — you can throw them into a granola (watch how it's done below), use them in an apple crisp, homemade crackers, squares, breakfast muesli and more.
What’s The Difference Between Quick Oats, Large Flake And Rolled Oats?
Oats have been cultivated for thousands of years, becoming a dietary staple in many types of cuisine all over the world. High in soluble fibre, this nutritionally dense grain takes longer for the body to process, making it a hearty and satisfying breakfast favourite. It can be found in many different forms; most commonly rolled into large flakes or quick oats.
Large Flake Oats (aka rolled or old-fashioned oats)
You may find large flake oats labeled as rolled oats or old-fashioned oats in grocery stores. Large flake oats are made by steaming, flattening and cutting oat groats into large flakes. These are thick and take longer to cook than quick oats (about 10 min).
Large flake oats have a nutty flavour and retain their shape and more of their texture when cooked. You’ll often find large flake oats used where they are meant to be the star of the dish, for example, in muesli, granola or a crumble topping.
Quick Oats
Like large flake oats, quick oats are oat groats that are rolled and cut into pieces. The main difference between large flake and quick oats is the size. Quick oats are cut into smaller and thinner pieces and therefore, like the name suggests, cook faster (about 4 min).
With their fast cooking time, quick oats are the ideal breakfast on a cold winter morning. They also work easily into desserts and as such, you’ll often use them in baked goods.
Minute Oats
Oats that have been rolled and cut down to a smaller size, and steamed for a slightly longer period of time. Between their size and time being pre-cooked, it shortens their final cook time significantly (making them nearly instant).
Steel-Cut Oats
Instead of being rolled out or flattened, the oat groats are cut into pieces. This less processed, coarser oatmeal has a lower glycemic index than its counterparts (most oatmeal has a low GI rating however), affecting your blood sugar levels much less. Just make sure you have extra time to cook them in the morning (they take 20 to 30 minutes, or you can make them overnight), or plan ahead and make overnight steel-cut oatmeal in the slow cooker.
25 Best Recipes Using Rolled, Quick and Steel-Cut Oats
Oat-Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Buttermilk pancakes get a healthy makeover with the addition of oats and whole-wheat flour. Get Irene Ngo's oat-whole wheat buttermilk pancakes recipe.
Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
There’s no better use for oats than the classic oatmeal and raisin cookie (at least in our humble opinion). Get this oatmeal-raisin cookie recipe.
Classic Apple Crisp
There’s nothing more perfect on a brisk fall day than a batch of classic apple crisp—just like Grandma used to make! Get this classic apple crisp recipe.
Vegan Strawberry-Rhubarb Oat Squares
With an irresistible oat crust and fruity, vibrant centre—these bars are a sure sign of summer. Get Irene Ngo's vegan strawberry-rhubarb oat squares recipe.
Blueberry Oat Muffins
This breakfast classic comes together in under an hour and freezes beautifully. Get Irene Ngo's blueberry oat muffins recipe.
Homemade Oat Milk
Kate Taylor Martin, owner of Toronto-based Nutbar, says oat milk is probably the least straightforward plant-based milk to make at home, because it can turn gooey if you use too-warm water, or if you overblend, or if you heat it up. However, homemade oat milk tastes great if you chill and use it soon after you make it. Depending on your preference or what you’re using your oat milk for (Martin enjoys hers in smoothies), she recommends adding a pinch of sea salt, a dash of vanilla and/or maple syrup, or even a pinch of cinnamon. Get this homemade oat milk recipe.
Smitten Kitchen’s Gooey Oat Bars
These bake-sale worthy treats taste, in Deb Perelman’s words, “like an old-school Magic Bar, but possibly even more delicious." Get her gooey oat bars recipe.
Oatmeal-Stuffed Apples
Kitchen tip: A drizzle of honey makes these oatmeal-stuffed apples even tastier! (This is basically the breakfast version of apple crisp.) Get our oatmeal-stuffed apples recipe.
Slow Cooker Almond And Cherry Granola
Oats are the star of the show in this crunchy granola, which is a healthy alternative to sugary breakfast cereals. Get this slow cooker almond and cherry granola.
Peach Crumble Pie
Oats in this crumbly pie topping give the soft filling a crunchy boost. And best of all, it comes together in a flash. Get this peach crumble pie recipe.
Brown Sugar Chocolate-Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Warm, chewy and delicious. Everything a classic cookie should be. Get this brown sugar chocolate chip oatmeal cookies recipe.
Old-Fashioned Date Squares
Delicious date squares are a simple blend of brown sugar, oats, butter and sweet dates—a comforting treat for a cozy winter afternoon. If there’s a baked-goods equivalent to a hug, this is it. Get this old-fashioned date squares recipe.
Steel-Cut Oats Risotto
Consider this an easier, nuttier version of rice-based risotto. Steel-cut oats maintain a slight chewiness even when fully cooked, similar to grains. We used store-bought beef broth; if you use homemade, season the risotto generously with salt. Serve it with our stout-braised beef stew recipe. Get this steel-cut oats risotto recipe.
Everything Bagel Crackers
Yes, you can make your own healthy crackers at home—it’s really easy, we promise. (And they’re perfect for dipping.) Get this everything bagel crackers recipe.
Apple & Blueberry Oat, Pepita & Walnut Crumble
Add heart-healthy walnuts, fibre-rich flax and crunchy pepitas to the traditional oats and sugar topping. Get our apple & blueberry oat, pepita & walnut crumble recipe.
Pumpkin-Ale Muffins
These seasonal pumpkin ale muffins are topped with a sweet glaze, and an oat and pepitas streusel-crunch. Get this pumpkin ale muffins recipe.
Coconut Steel-Cut Oats With Blood Orange Compote
Topped with bright honey-orange compote, these hearty oats are a great way to start the day. Get our coconut steel-cut oats with blood orange compote recipe.
Maple And Candied Ginger Granola
One you start making your own granola, you'll never stop. Sweet maple and zippy candied ginger make this version a standout. Get our maple and candied ginger granola recipe.
Yogurt Parfait With Toasted Muesli
For a new twist on a healthy, satisfying breakfast, try this homemade toasted muesli. It’s lower in fat and sugar than granola, but higher in fibre and protein. Get this yogurt parfait with toasted muesli recipe.
Pecan-Cranberry Granola
You can make it in just 10 minutes! This autumn-inspired granola is a great yogurt topper or snack; and— because you’re making it at home—it’s not loaded with extra sugar. Get this homemade pecan cranberry granola recipe.
Overnight Chia Oats
Rolled oats and chia get an overnight soak in almond milk for an easy weekday breakfast. They will last up to 5 days in your fridge, and you can substitute with any type of milk you want—oat, soy or dairy. Get this overnight chia oats recipe.
Peanut Butter Apple Crisp
Adding a twist to the classic apple crisp with some crunchy peanut butter. Get this peanut butter apple crisp.
Blueberry Granola Breakfast Cookies
With the right ingredients, you CAN have cookies for breakfast. Here we've mixed a homemade granola of oats, pumpkin seeds, coconut and flax, and turned it into a breakfast cookies recipe that helps you take on the day well-fed and with a smile on your face. Get this blueberry granola breakfast cookies recipe.
Almond Butter And Jam Breakfast Bars
"I love a good crumb bar, and this recipe is the breakfast equivalent. These bars feel decadent, but you can tell from the mostly wholesome ingredients list that they are anything but. I like to serve them to the kids with a smoothie when I’m in a hurry, or on their own as something to take on the go. While I use jam in this recipe, sliced or fresh berries scattered over the bottom layer of the bar will work as well. They are easiest to cut once chilled and store exceptionally well in the refrigerator and freezer." Get Jan Scott's almond butter and jam breakfast bars recipe.
Oatmeal Shortbread Bars
Love oatmeal cookies? Try adding oatmeal to your shortbread. Get our oatmeal shortbread bars recipe.
How To Store Oats For Maximum Freshness
Whole oats can last for up to a year in a well-sealed container (kept in a cool, dark place). Oatmeal and rolled oats are best when used within 3 months.
How to make homemade granola
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