The 7 Top Savory Oat Recipes That Delivered Major Flavor in 2020

Oatmeal topped with savory ingredients, such as veggies and eggs, hit big time in 2020.

Top Recipes highlights the biggest cooking trends of the year based on our readers’ favorite recipes in 2020.

Dietitians' favorite breakfast food got an umami upgrade in 2020.

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"Savory oatmeal has been a popular go-to in the nutrition community for a few years, but I love that I'm seeing it go mainstream this year," says Elizabeth Shaw, RDN.

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We actually called the savory oatmeal trend back in December 2019, and Instagrammers agree: As one #savoryoats fan aptly posted in October 2020, "If you never had savory oatmeal I'm sorry, because you are clearly missing out!"

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Too true. But the trend didn't stop at oatmeal — people happily dug into lots of different savory oat recipes throughout the year. Take our oat-packed Organic Chicken Breakfast Patties: It's our fourth most popular recipe for all of 2020, and was consistently in the top 15 top recipes for every single month of the year.

Don't count on this being a passing fad, by the way: Oat sales have increased every year since 2016 and are projected to reach $3.53 billion by 2027, according to an October 2020 report from market research firm Fortune Business Insights.

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But the fanfare's about more than just flavor. Fiber-rich oats are nutritional gold. "Savory oatmeal allows consumers to lower their added sugar intake by layering their bowls with healthy fats and proteins over the traditional brown sugar or maple syrup," Shaw says.

1. Greek Spinach and Feta Oatmeal

If you love Greek spinach pie, you'll drool over this Mediterranean-inspired oatmeal dish.

This spinach-, dill- and feta-topped porridge will keep you full for hours thanks to its protein and fiber. The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet dish makes for a balanced meal first thing in the a.m., Shaw says.

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Get the Greek Spinach and Feta Oatmeal recipe and nutrition info here.

2. Curry Coconut Chicken, Cilantro and Almond Oatmeal

Who says spicy curry has to be just for lunch or dinner?

If you're a fan of curries with noodles or rice, try swapping in oatmeal instead. "I love the idea of a soup-style oatmeal for breakfast, and the flavor combo here is on point," Shaw says.

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Get the Curry Coconut Chicken, Cilantro and Almond Oatmeal recipe and nutrition info here.

3. Roast Pork Belly Oatmeal Bowl

This rich bowl delivers 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber.
Image Credit: Arthur Bovino/LIVESTRONG.com

Brimming with pork belly, mushrooms and edamame, this savory recipe is proof that oatmeal isn't just for breakfast. It's a protein-packed dinner the whole family will love, Shaw says.

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Get the Roast Pork Belly Oatmeal Bowl recipe and nutrition info here.

4. Breakfast Turkey-Apple Sausage Mini Patties

Serve these oat- and turkey-filled bites with eggs for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Enjoy these bite-sized turkey sausages as a snack or crumble them into a whole-grain tortilla with scrambled eggs for a fresh take on breakfast tacos, Shaw says. Either way, you'll get oatmeal's hearty, nutty goodness in every bite.

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Get the Breakfast Turkey-Apple Sausage Mini Patties recipe and nutrition info here.

5. Kale, Turkey Sausage and Egg Oatmeal

You'll get plenty of healthy fats in this dish thanks to the olive oil and eggs.

The protein in the turkey sausage and eggs and the fiber in the oatmeal will keep you satisfied for hours. "This bowl is a winner in my dietitian heart," Shaw says.

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Get the Kale, Turkey Sausage and Egg Oatmeal recipe and nutrition info here.

6. Organic Chicken Breakfast Patties

These are like sausage patties, only better, because they have less saturated fat and more fiber from oats.

Featuring flavors like apple and sage, these sausage-like patties get an extra fiber (and flavor) boost from rolled oats. "I would highly recommend pairing them with a slice of whole-grain toast for a power-packed way to start the day," Shaw says.

Get the Organic Chicken Breakfast Patties recipe and nutrition info here.

7. Cajun Turkey and Greens Hot Cereal Bowl

This spicy bowl is a cross between oatmeal and a hearty soup.
Image Credit: Jackie Newgent, RDN/LIVESTRONG.com

Ground turkey and oats get a welcome kick from Cajun spices, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes and scallions. With 30 grams of high-quality protein, this dish makes for a filling breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Get the Cajun Turkey and Greens Hot Cereal Bowl recipe and nutrition info here.

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