Looking for a new twist on breakfast oatmeal? This savory oatmeal recipe swaps the sweetness for richness, adding red peppers, garlic, shallots, and a jammy egg for a cozy, satisfying, protein-packed start to your day. Unlike most sweet oatmeal bowls, this version is deeply savory, made with broth instead of milk, and packed with real ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Perfect for those mornings when you crave something comforting but a little unexpected.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Recipe (and Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to It)
- Ingredients at a Glance
- Variations & Substitutions
- How to Make Savory Oatmeal with Shallots and Jammy Egg
- How to Store & Meal Prep
- Other Brunch and Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Final Thoughts: Oatmeal, But Make It Savory
- Connect With Me
This savory oatmeal has been tested until perfect, and it’s become my go-to winter breakfast. As a home and lifestyle expert who spends most days developing recipes for food brands and sharing everyday cooking tips, I’ve learned that the best dishes start with a familiar base and get elevated with a few smart tweaks. This is one of those recipes.

Why I Love This Recipe (and Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to It)
I’m always on a mission to get people excited about cooking again, especially with simple, seasonal ingredients. This recipe was born out of one of those “what can I do with what I have?” mornings. I had oats, broth, a shallot, and one lone red pepper. After sautéing them down and topping the bowl with a jammy egg, it was love at first bite.
This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a framework for cozy, savory breakfasts that feel gourmet with very little effort. I’ve tested dozens of savory oatmeal variations, and this one nails the balance of flavor, texture, and ease. And if you’ve never had oats with garlic and olive oil? Get ready to fall in love.
Ingredients at a Glance
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious savory oatmeal:
- ½ cup rolled oats – Quick-cooking oats will also work in a pinch, but rolled oats offer better texture.
- ½ cup water + ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth – The broth adds depth; water keeps it from being overpowering.
- 1 shallot – Half sliced, half diced for layered texture and flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds sweetness and color.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Boosts the savory base.
- 1 egg – For that luscious jammy yolk.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Use a good-quality one for sautéing and finishing.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Optional garnishes: microgreens, everyday bagel seasoning, chili oil, or grated Parmesan.
Ingredient Tip
Using broth instead of milk or water alone turns basic oats into something savory and rich, perfect for cold mornings.

Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up?
- Add protein: Crumbled sausage, cooked bacon (or turkey bacon), or sautéed tofu all work.
- Make it vegan: Skip the egg, use veggie broth, and top with sautéed mushrooms or a drizzle of tahini.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil before serving.
- Switch the veggies: Use spinach, kale, or mushrooms depending on what’s in season.
How to Make Savory Oatmeal with Shallots and Jammy Egg
- Cook the veggies: In a medium pot, heat olive oil. Add the sliced shallot and diced red pepper with a pinch of salt. Sauté on medium heat for 8–10 minutes until softened. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced shallot and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Make the oats: Add oats, water, and broth to the pot. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until creamy (about 5–7 minutes).
- Make the jammy egg: Place your egg in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn off the heat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool, then peel.
- Assemble: Spoon the oats into a bowl, top with sautéed veggies, halved egg, and optional garnishes like microgreens or seasoning.
Time-Saving Tip
You can prep the sautéed veggies and jammy egg in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Expert Tips for Perfect Savory Oats
Don’t overcook the oats: Keep them slightly loose—they’ll thicken as they sit.
Layer your flavors: Cooking shallots in two textures (sliced and diced) gives a more interesting bite.
Jammy egg magic: That 5-minute egg? It’s everything. Creamy, rich, and the perfect topper.
How to Store & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store cooked oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep ahead: Cook the veggies and oats separately and combine before serving. Boil several eggs at once for quick weekday breakfasts.

Other Brunch and Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Tex Mex Egg Bake
- Easiest Quiche Recipe
- Herbed Croque Monsieur
- Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
- The Best Egg Salad Recipe with a Twist
FAQ
Final Thoughts: Oatmeal, But Make It Savory
Savory breakfast oatmeal is an unexpected but incredibly comforting way to start your day. This recipe proves that oats aren’t just for brown sugar and fruit, they’re a blank canvas for bold, savory flavors.
Whether you’re trying to eat less sugar in the morning or just looking for simple winter cooking ideas using pantry staples, this savory oatmeal recipe is one to keep in your weekly rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy and gourmet at the same time… exactly what we want in the colder months.
So next time you’re standing in the kitchen wondering what to cook, give this a try. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Connect With Me
Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Savory Breakfast Oatmeal Recipe
A cozy, savory twist on classic oatmeal made with garlic, red pepper, and broth, then topped with a jammy egg. Packed with flavor and perfect for chilly mornings!
Ingredients
- 1cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 shallot, divided (½ thinly sliced, ½ finely diced)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 egg
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Veggies: In a pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add the sliced shallot and diced red pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes until soft. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced shallot and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Oats: Stir in oats, broth, and water. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Jammy Egg: Place the eggs in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover, turn off heat, and let sit for 5 minutes. Transfer to ice water, peel when cool.
- Assemble: Spoon oats into a bowl. Top with sautéed veggies, halved egg, and any optional toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
Optional Toppings:
- Microgreens
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Drizzle of chili oil or grated Parmesan

Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
