10 delicious oat recipes that aren’t boring porridge

Oats are one of those pantry staples most of us have lurking somewhere in the cupboard. They’re cheap, filling and remarkably versatile, and there’s a lot more you can do with them than make another bowl of porridge.

Here are 10 easy ideas worth trying.

1. Apple crumble baked oats

You’ll need: 1 cup rolled oats, 1 apple (chopped), 1 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp honey and a handful of chopped walnuts.
Make it: Mix everything except the walnuts in a small baking dish. Scatter walnuts over the top and bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes.

2. Banana and peanut butter breakfast bars

You’ll need: 2 ripe bananas, 2 cups rolled oats, ½ cup peanut butter, 2 tbsp honey and ½ tsp cinnamon.
Make it: Mash the bananas, mix everything together and press into a lined baking tin. Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes, cool and slice.

3. Blueberry and lemon baked oats

You’ll need: 1 cup oats, 1 cup milk, 1 egg, ½ cup blueberries, zest of half a lemon and 1 tbsp honey.
Make it: Stir together, pour into a small baking dish and bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes.

4. Peaches and cream overnight oats

You’ll need: ½ cup oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup Greek yoghurt, ½ cup chopped peaches and a drizzle of honey.
Make it: Combine in a jar or bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight. Eat cold or warm it briefly in the microwave.

5. Carrot cake overnight oats

You’ll need: ½ cup oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup Greek yoghurt, ½ small grated carrot, cinnamon, raisins and chopped walnuts.
Make it: Mix together, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add a little honey if you’d like it sweeter.

6. Banana oat pancakes

You’ll need: 1 banana, 1 egg, ½ cup oats and a pinch of cinnamon.
Make it: Blend until reasonably smooth. Cook small pancakes in a lightly greased frying pan for a couple of minutes each side.

7. Berry oat muffins

You’ll need: 1½ cups oats, 1 cup self-raising flour, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup honey and 1 cup mixed berries.
Make it: Combine, spoon into a muffin tray and bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes.

8. No-bake peanut butter oat balls

You’ll need: 1 cup oats, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup finely chopped dates and 1 tbsp honey.
Make it: Mix well, roll into small balls and refrigerate until firm. Keep them chilled for an easy snack.

9. Apple pie overnight oats

You’ll need: ½ cup oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup Greek yoghurt, ½ grated apple and plenty of cinnamon.
Make it: Stir together and refrigerate overnight. Top with chopped nuts before serving.

10. Cheesy oats with egg and spinach

Yes, oats can go savoury.

You’ll need: ½ cup oats, 1 cup water or stock, handful of baby spinach, ¼ cup grated cheese and 1 egg.
Make it: Cook the oats until creamy, stir through the spinach and cheese, then top with a poached or fried egg and black pepper.

Why oats are worth keeping in the cupboard

Oats are a whole grain and a good source of fibre, including beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that can help lower blood cholesterol.

They’re also inexpensive, easy to store and surprisingly adaptable.

So next time you spot that half-forgotten bag at the back of the pantry, don’t automatically reach for the porridge pot. There might be breakfast, muffins — or even dinner – hiding in there.