Savoury Oatmeal with Spinach

Featured in: Weekend Flavor Fixes

This dish features a creamy oatmeal base gently cooked to a smooth texture, complemented by fresh spinach sautéed with garlic for a burst of flavor. Silky poached eggs add protein and richness, making it a nourishing and balanced start to the day. Optional toppings like Parmesan, nutritional yeast, or chili flakes enhance the taste and presentation. Quick to prepare and satisfying, it suits vegetarian diets and can be adapted for dairy-free needs using plant milk and nutritional yeast.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:41:00 GMT
Savory Oatmeal topped with spinach and a perfectly poached egg, a vibrant breakfast. Save
Savory Oatmeal topped with spinach and a perfectly poached egg, a vibrant breakfast. | nomiqo.com

A hearty, visually appealing breakfast twist on classic oatmeal, featuring creamy oats, sautéed spinach, and a silky poached egg. Nutritious, budget-friendly, and satisfying.

I first tried this savoury oatmeal on a chilly morning when I craved something comforting that was still full of greens and protein. The combination of sautéed spinach and a perfectly poached egg quickly became a favorite in my breakfast rotation.

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: 1 cup
  • Water (or half water, half milk for creaminess): 2 cups
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Olive oil: 2 teaspoons
  • Fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped): 2 cups
  • Garlic (minced): 1 small clove
  • Large eggs: 2
  • White vinegar (for poaching water): 1 tablespoon
  • Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional): 1 tablespoon
  • Freshly ground black pepper (for garnish): To taste
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional): Pinch

Instructions

Cook oatmeal:
Combine oats, water, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, 6 – 8 minutes.
Sauté spinach:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 1 – 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
Poach eggs:
Fill a medium saucepan with 2 – 3 inches of water, add vinegar, and bring to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup. Swirl the water and gently slide in the eggs. Poach for 3 – 4 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks are still runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
Assemble bowls:
To serve, divide oatmeal between two bowls. Top each with sautéed spinach and a poached egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast, extra pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
Creamy Savory Oatmeal with spinach and runny poached egg, ready for a satisfying brunch. Save
Creamy Savory Oatmeal with spinach and runny poached egg, ready for a satisfying brunch. | nomiqo.com

One morning, I made this savoury oatmeal for my family before a busy day. Seeing everyone enjoy their bowls — and request seconds — was a wonderful reminder that nutritious breakfasts can be a shared joy.

Required Tools

Saucepan, skillet, slotted spoon, small bowls, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains eggs and milk if using dairy milk or Parmesan. For dairy-free, use plant milk and nutritional yeast. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 285, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 37 g, Protein: 14 g per serving

Picture a bowl of delicious Savory Oatmeal, garnished with greens and a bright egg yolk. Save
Picture a bowl of delicious Savory Oatmeal, garnished with greens and a bright egg yolk. | nomiqo.com

Enjoy your hearty, savory oatmeal warm, and customize garnishes for your favorite flavors. This recipe is sure to make weekday breakfasts more exciting!

Recipe FAQs

What type of oats works best for this dish?

Rolled oats provide the ideal creamy texture and cook evenly in about 6-8 minutes, making them perfect for this savory preparation.

How can I poach eggs without a special tool?

Simply use a small saucepan filled with simmering water and a splash of vinegar. Crack the eggs into a cup then gently slide them into the water to poach evenly.

Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives that maintain nutritional value and add a slightly different texture.

What are some flavor enhancements for the oatmeal base?

Stirring in a tablespoon of miso or soy sauce adds umami depth, boosting the overall savory profile.

How to keep this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk in place of dairy milk and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What garnishes complement this dish well?

Freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, roasted seeds, or sliced avocado add texture, spice, and nutrition to enhance the bowl.

Savoury Oatmeal with Spinach

Creamy oats combined with wilted spinach and a gently poached egg makes a hearty breakfast bowl.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Total Duration
25 min
Created by Chloe Bennett


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern

Portions 2 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Oatmeal Base

01 1 cup rolled oats
02 2 cups water (or 1 cup water and 1 cup milk for creaminess)
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Spinach

01 2 teaspoons olive oil
02 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
03 1 small garlic clove, minced

Poached Eggs

01 2 large eggs
02 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching water)

Garnishes

01 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)
02 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
03 Pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional)

Recipe Steps

Step 01

Cook the oatmeal: Combine oats, water, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare the spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Poach the eggs: Fill a medium saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of water and add vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup, swirl the water, then gently slide the eggs in. Poach for 3 to 4 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.

Step 04

Assemble and serve: Divide oatmeal evenly between two bowls. Top each serving with sautéed spinach and a poached egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast, extra black pepper, and red pepper flakes or chili oil if using. Serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Review all ingredients for allergen risks and check with your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains eggs and milk (if dairy milk or Parmesan is used).
  • Use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Provided only for reference purposes—don’t substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 285
  • Lipids: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 14 g