Savoury Oatmeal with Spinach

Featured in: Everyday Comforts

This hearty oatmeal features creamy rolled oats cooked to a smooth texture, combined with sautéed fresh spinach and topped with a delicate poached egg. The dish balances comforting flavors and textures, with a hint of garlic sautéed in olive oil. Optional garnishes like Parmesan or nutritional yeast add depth, while seasonings such as black pepper and chili flakes provide a subtle kick. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast that’s both quick and satisfying.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:40:00 GMT
Savory Oatmeal with Spinach and Poached Egg: A bowl of creamy oatmeal topped with vibrant green spinach and a runny egg yolk. Save
Savory Oatmeal with Spinach and Poached Egg: A bowl of creamy oatmeal topped with vibrant green spinach and a runny egg yolk. | butterhollow.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 savoury oatmeal on a busy weekday morning when I craved something filling but not heavy. Combining sautéed spinach and a poached egg with oats created a vibrant, comforting meal that quickly became a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prepare Oatmeal Base:
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 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:
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 Poached Egg, a delicious and inviting vegetarian breakfast, garnished with Parmesan. Save
Creamy Savory Oatmeal with Spinach and Poached Egg, a delicious and inviting vegetarian breakfast, garnished with Parmesan. | butterhollow.com

My family enjoys customizing their bowls with avocado slices or roasted seeds, making this breakfast feel both nourishing and special around the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, 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

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

Imagine the flavors: Savory Oatmeal with Spinach & Poached Egg, a hearty, visually stunning breakfast creation ready to eat. Save
Imagine the flavors: Savory Oatmeal with Spinach & Poached Egg, a hearty, visually stunning breakfast creation ready to eat. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy this savoury oatmeal fresh and hot for the best creamy texture. Make it your go-to weekday breakfast for a nutritious start.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How can I achieve a creamy oatmeal texture?

Cook rolled oats slowly in water or a mix of water and milk, stirring occasionally to release natural starches, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.

What’s the best method for sautéing spinach without overcooking?

Heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic briefly, then toss in spinach and cook just until wilted to retain vibrant color and nutrients.

How do I poach eggs perfectly runny?

Simmer water with a splash of vinegar, gently slide in eggs, and cook 3–4 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain soft and silky.

Can I customize garnishes for this dish?

Yes, try Parmesan, nutritional yeast, chili flakes, or even herbs and roasted seeds to enhance flavor and texture.

Are there dairy-free alternatives for this meal?

Substitute milk with plant-based versions and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free option.

Can I swap spinach for other greens?

Definitely, kale or chard work well as flavorful alternatives with similar cooking methods.

Savoury Oatmeal with Spinach

Creamy oats paired with sautéed spinach and a silky poached egg for a hearty start.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Modern

Output 2 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Oatmeal Base

01 1 cup rolled oats
02 2 cups water (substitute half with dairy or plant 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 cheese or nutritional yeast (optional)
02 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
03 Pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oatmeal Base: 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, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Assemble and Garnish: Divide oatmeal evenly between two bowls. Top each serving with sautéed spinach and a poached egg. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan or nutritional yeast, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes or chili oil if desired.

Phase 05

Serve Immediately: Present the assembled dish promptly to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains eggs and dairy (if using milk or Parmesan). Substitute plant-based options and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Verify ingredient labels to accommodate allergies.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 285
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 14 g