The Oatmeal Secret Formulas
September 11, 2025
My friends know I love oatmeal. Like, eat-multiple-10-pound-bags-of oats-a-year love oatmeal.
With my many bowls of experience, I decided to share my two Oatmeal Secret Formulas. Notice I didn’t say “recipes,” but “formulas” — these are guidelines to help you build your own bowl of oaty goodness.
First, the base
Cooked oats! I’m assuming you know who to make oatmeal, but just in case: Start with 1/2 to 1 cup of dry oats, depending on how hungry you are. Cook on the stove, in the microwave, or with your heat source of choice using the right amount of liquid. Once the oats are soft, take off the heat and let them sit a minute.
If you eyeball everything like I do, you can always add more liquid or drain a little out if necessary (although I have to say, I am pretty stellar at eyeballing it at this point.).
I have recommendations on when to use different liquids — more on that below.
Note: While I don’t despise overnight oats, I am a huge fan of cooking oats. I like my oatmeal warm, and I find cooked oatmeal is a better canvas for toppings than overnight oats.
I suppose, though, these formulas would work with overnight oats too. I’ll allow it.
Now that we have our base, let’s get into the formulas:
Formula 1: Basic Brekkie
The Basic Brekkie is your everyday, go-to breakfast oatmeal. Add at least one from each of these categories. I put an asterisk next to my favs.
Something fruity
We could all use more nutrients in our lives, so add some fruit to your oatmeal. You’ll get a pop of sweetness too.
Suggestions: blueberries*, strawberries, peaches, apples, bananas
Something nutty
Some healthy fats that will keep you satisfied. I recommend one nut and one seed.
Suggestions: sliced almonds, walnuts, pecans*, chia seeds*, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds
Something crunchy
The most common complaint I hear about oatmeal is that it is too mushy, so add a little crunch.
Suggestions: granola*, toasted coconut, a crushed up breakfast bar, dry cereal
Something sweet & soft
A scoop or drizzle of something sweet can really bring the oatmeal together.
Suggestions: honey, brown sugar, jam*, maple syrup, yogurt, splash of milk*
Cinnamon
It doesn’t really fit in any other category, but I recommend adding some cinnamon to your oatmeal as well. Not only is it tasty, but it is anti-inflammatory, which can boost your muscle recovery.
Tips
When I have it on hand, I like to use some type of milk instead of water to make the oats. I’m generally pro-cow, (big whole milk cappuccino girly), but for oatmeal, oat milk is the star, in my opinion.
I wouldn’t recommend this oatmeal right before a run. The wide variety of toppings is certainly tasty, but some of these toppings might sit heavy on the roads or trails.
Formula 2: Power Porridge
Admittedly, I did not come up with the name for this one, but great ideas often are a team effort. Power Porridge is for moments you need to power up fast, such as before races or big workouts. Because you’re eating it soon before a hard effort, you want to avoid some of the heavier toppings from the Basic Brekkie above.
For this one, I’d recommend just using water for the oatmeal (milk can sit a funky on the run), and add something from these categories:
Something fruity
Because we still need nutrients, and sugar from fruit is perfect for quick energy.
Something sweet & soft
Again, carbs. But don’t pick dairy!
Cinnamon
Still tasty, still anti-inflammatory.
Other ideas
Of course, there’s still a ton of flexibility with oatmeal. I certainly did not list everything that fits in the categories above. Maybe cream cheese and cocoa powder for a chocolate cheesecake vibe? Or go the savory route: make the oats with broth, add vegetables, egg, sriracha.
However you make your oatmeal, top it well, eat it up, and go crush your run.