Banana Bread Oatmeal

I LOVE a warm bowl of oatmeal, especially during the cooler months of the year. But it can become a bit drab after a while unless you continue to change up the toppings and mix-ins. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal is a favorite of mine for sure, but there are so many other directions to take a bowl of oats!

For this recipe, I keep it simple. The oats are simmered in milk and flavored with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. True to its name, I pack the bowl full of diced banana. For extra crunch and protein, I add a handful of chopped walnuts just like you might find in a classic banana bread recipe. And because I can't leave well-enough alone, I like to sprinkle over a few chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Who would say "no" to an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast?

You could certainly simmer this oatmeal each morning, but these oats keeps wonderfully in the fridge. I whip up a batch at the start of the week and microwave a bowl each morning for a quick and easy breakfast. If you're finding the reheated oats a bit too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk.

Now isn't that better than a package of instant oatmeal??

Banana Bread Oatmeal

Ingredients

· 4 cups milk or almond milk

· ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

· 2 tsp cinnamon

· 1 pinch salt

· 1 tbsp vanilla extract

· 1 cup steel-cut oats

· ½ cup chopped walnuts

· 4 bananas, chopped

· 1/3 cup chocolate chips

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, spices and vanilla. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Whisk in the oats. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the oats are cooked through but al dente.

Fold in the walnuts and bananas. Top each bowl individually with chocolate chips. Serve hot.

Serves 4

GF Friend

Gluten Free Friendly!

Double check your nutrition labels to ensure the oats and nuts are processed in a gluten free facility.