Savor the flavor of summer all year round with this healthy blueberry oatmeal recipe made with fresh or frozen blueberries on the stovetop. Soy milk makes these vegan oats extra creamy and maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.
There is nothing more wholesome than a nice big bowl of oatmeal loaded with lots of fruit in the morning with that first cup of hot coffee. Oatmeal has long been my go-to healthy breakfast of choice and I am a big fan of the stovetop method for cooking oats.
This easy blueberry oatmeal recipe is one that I make all year long since both fresh or frozen blueberries work well. If you are are looking for a similar breakfast option to cool you off in the summer, this blueberry oat smoothie is great too!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Takes only 10 minutes from start to finish in one pot so it is a great option for even busy mornings.
- A healthy way to start your morning with lots of fiber, antioxidants, and omega 3s.
- Simple, pantry friendly ingredients for a simple recipe the whole family will love.
- Can be made ahead if meal prep is your jam!
- Made with soy milk so it is extra creamy.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Old Fashioned Oats: I like the chewiness of old-fashioned oats, but you can use quick oats or steel-cut oats if you’d like (just adjust the cooking time as needed). Use certified gluten free oats if you want to make this recipe gluten free.
- Soy Milk: My favorite type of milk is soy milk because I think it makes a creamier oatmeal, but you can use any plant-based milk that you prefer (almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc.). Use an unsweetened, plain dairy-free milk for best results.
- Chia Seeds: Add some heart healthy omega 3 fats, fiber, and protein. You can skip the chia seeds or use ground flax seed instead.
- Vanilla Extract: Pairs perfectly with the blueberries. Almond extract would also be delicious.
- Maple Syrup: My favorite way to sweeten my oatmeal is with pure maple syrup or you can use your sweetener of choice like brown sugar or date syrup. Add 1/4-1/2 mashed banana to naturally sweeten if you prefer. (Although, it will add some banana flavor.)
- Nutmeg: This warming spice adds depth to these oats and kind of reminds me of a blueberry muffin. You can use cinnamon instead if you prefer.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch of salt brightens up all the flavors in this oatmeal. Just like any other dish, it is important to season your oatmeal with just a dash of salt too!
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great when they are in season, otherwise frozen blueberries work well. I really like using frozen wild blueberries because the flavor is so much better!
How to Make Blueberry Oatmeal
STEP ONE: Add all of your ingredients except the blueberries to a medium saucepan and cook over low to medium-high heat until thickened, usually about 5-7 minutes.
STEP TWO: While the oatmeal is still hot, stir in the blueberries. You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. Add more blueberries and extra milk to serve as well as your other desired toppings.
Topping Suggestions
- Chopped Nuts: pistachios and blueberries (as pictured in this post!) is one of my favorite combinations. Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts would also be lovely. You could also add some pumpkin seeds.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter is a great addition to this blueberry oatmeal. Just add a spoonful to the top while the oats are still warm and stir before eating. Peanut butter is also delicious.
- Sliced Fruit: Add some sliced banana or fresh berries. Lemon zest is also a delicious addition.
- Hemp Hearts: Add a sprinkle of hemp hearts for extra protein and omega 3s.
- Cacao Nibs: Adds some crunch as well as a hint of chocolate flavor.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut or coconut flakes make a great topping for these oats.
- Vegan Yogurt: Up the creaminess factor even more with a dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt on top of your oats.
Expert Tips
- For stovetop oatmeal, use low to medium-low heat for cooking. You want to avoid boiling the milk.
- Everyone likes their oatmeal at different consistencies. The longer you cook it, the thicker the oatmeal will get. Also note that the oatmeal with thicken some as it cools.
- Soy milk makes these oats fabulously creamy so I recommend making them as written in the recipe with 3/4 soy milk and just 1/4 cup water. However, you can do a 50/50 mix of milk to water if you’d like and it will still be quite creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oats are a whole grain so they are a great source of soluble fiber which can lower cholesterol and supports gut health by feeding the healthy bacteria that live there. Blueberries have many health benefits such as they are a great source of disease fighting antioxidants.
Yep! Instead of cooking your oats, just stir everything together in a small bowl and add to a lidded container to refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with more blueberries, nuts, or whichever toppings you desire.
There are a few different ways to increase the protein. Stir in 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts when you remove the oats from the stove for an extra 10 grams of protein. You can also add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients when cooking. Add extra protein when serving by topping your bowl of oats with some nut butter.
Yes, but it will take much longer to cook, about 20-30 minutes. You can speed up the cooking time by soaking the steel cut oats overnight in the milk and water from the recipe. Just pop it into a saucepan in the morning with the rest of your ingredients to cook.
Storage and Make Ahead
Double or triple the recipe so you have leftovers if you’d like. Portion oatmeal into an airtight container once cooled and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk when reheating for a minute or two in the microwave OR in a small saucepan on the stovetop as the cooled oats will be thick. You can also eat the leftovers chilled if you like!
Other Oat Recipes to Try
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Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup soy milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Toppings (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pistachios
- 2 teaspoons hemp hearts
- 1/4 banana sliced
Instructions
- Add the oats, soy milk, water, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt to a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently with a spoon for about 5-7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and oatmeal is thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in your blueberries.
- Serve with desired toppings and a splash of milk. I added sliced banana, pistachios, extra blueberries, and hemp hearts.
Notes
- Topping suggestions: chopped nuts (pistachios or walnuts are my fave), almond butter, coconut flakes, hemp hearts, or sliced banana.
- Make Ahead: Allow cooked oatmeal to cool then add to an airtight container. Can store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat leftover or prepped oatmeal, add a splash of milk and microwave for a minute or two OR add to saucepan and warm up over low heat.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
First recipe with real whole grain oats we have been able to actually enjoy! Lots of calories but healthy way to start the day, I hope! Lol it’s that good, how can it be healthy.
I eat oatmeal every morning. But never add soy milk or fruit. I will try your recipe. Looking forward to some more recipes.