There are so many types of oats and things you can do with them, from delicious desserts to tasty snacks! Oats are in the top 3 healthiest grains, and they automatically bring a crunchy and hearty dimension to all the dishes.

We can even say they are the Swiss army knife of ingredients. Some of the greatest benefits of oat recipes are that they add another layer of texture to recipes, are extremely filling, and provide an easy way to include healthy vitamins and minerals in the diet.

They have a chewy and satisfying crunch, with a range of textures depending on each recipe. They are also low-calorie foods, slowing digestion and making you feel full for a longer period of time. If you’re eager to learn more about oats, let’s find out what the best recipes are for them!

The best types of oats out there:

We’ve decided to list five types of oats that are used more often, so you can choose the best option depending on the recipe:

Rolled, old-fashioned oats. These are probably the most popular form of oats that you can use in any recipe because they are extremely versatile. You can use them for stovetop or baked oatmeal; you can leave them overnight; or for baked goods, granola, pancakes, energy bars, protein bars, and even smoothies.

Fast oats. Just like these old-fashioned oats, fast oats are steamed and rolled flat. The only difference is that they are processed more, and they also require a shorter period of time to cook. If you like them mushier, you’ll definitely prefer cooking them like this. The recipes are the same as with rolled oats, but the time will likely be less. More than that, they might have a softer consistency than a chewy one.

Instant oats. They are often pre-cooked and chopped after drying, but that’s because this version is meant to be eaten extremely quickly. You will easily find instant oats in little packets of individual oatmeal servings.

They are wonderful for a rapid oatmeal breakfast, but they are not supposed to act as a substitute for rolled or quick oats because of how easy they are to cook.

Steel-cut oats. When steel-cut oats are processed, the whole oat groat is chopped a couple of times with a steel blade. Now the name probably makes more sense, right? They usually need more time to cook, usually up to 30 minutes on the stove. However, they have a wonderful, chewy texture and are just as tasty as rolled oats.

Oat flour. Rolled oats are usually processed into a finely ground consistency that can be later used to thicken sauces and gravies, but also for baking.

How do I use oats in recipes?

There are different recipes for various types of oats. As I mentioned above, you need to choose the right type of oats for your recipe. You will soon discover that old-fashioned oats are one of the best go-to staples for most recipes, but you still have some good options for texture and cooking time.

Because there are steel-cut oats that might take longer to cook than rolled oats, you might also have instant and rapid oats that take more minutes to cook, and the texture is definitely not as chewy.

Make oat flour. Some dishes will require oat flour, such as pancakes or even cupcakes. To be honest, you don’t have to specifically buy oat flour from the store, as you can grind your oats at home in your smoothie maker.

However, gluten-free eaters are definitely excited about oat flour because it’s a healthier option. Oat flour isn’t exactly a 1-to-1 exchange. Instead, you might need 1 1/3 cups of oat flour for every single cup of all-purpose flour.

Make and use oat milk as a dairy replacement. We’ve talked about oat flour and instant oats; it goes without saying that we have to mention oat milk too, right? If you want to make oat milk at home, you’ll be happy to know that you can. It’s also an efficient substitute for dairy. You could also buy it from grocery stores. Add it to your morning coffee, over cereal, or even try it in tasty recipes like cornbread or wild rice mushroom soup.

Toast for flavor. This is an interesting one. As you might know, oats don’t bring too much to the table when it comes to the flavor department, but you could still take the extra step to toast them in a nonstick pan with some butter for a nuttier taste. If you want to make steel-cut oats, this is even more useful.

Oatmeal and overnight oats

Oatmeal is one of the most popular breakfast choices, but it is also the healthiest. They are extremely filling and adaptable for any kind of timeframe and situation, and they will give you a proper kickstart for the day ahead. Because they are so versatile, we couldn’t help but offer some of the best oatmeal recipes we had on hand!

Easy overnight oats. This is a really simple and healthy breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. You can customize your oats with your favorite add-ins, whether we’re talking about honey, fruits, or maple syrup.

Baked cranberry oatmeal. This recipe is full of fresh cranberries, toasty pecans, and warm oats baked with tasty fresh orange zest. You can also top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and make this meal absolutely delicious!

Granola bars

Granola is basically oatmeal’s cousin, but crunchier! A crisp and hearty bowl of folder granola will definitely satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Just like oatmeal, granola is extremely versatile and rich in minerals and vitamins.

If you’ve always wondered what they’re actually made of, well, they’re a toasted mixture of rolled oats, nuts, and different sweeteners, like sugar, syrup, or even honey.

You could easily make your own granola at home, and if you’re at it, you should also try making granola bars for busier days when you only have time for something to go! Here’s a list of our favorite recipes for granola bars:

Chocolate granola. We have rolled oats, flaxseeds, cocoa, and chunks of chocolate for a crunchy and sweet treat.

Almond granola. Homemade granola is incredibly easy to make and very customizable. You can make a big batch for healthier snacking, too.

Honey-oat granola bars. This is probably one of the easiest pantry staple recipes you’ll ever find, and you can prep up your granola recipes for a rapid and easy breakfast on the go.

Caramel apple granola bars. If you’re craving gluten-free, vegan, and packed with yummy warm spices and apple goodness, this is your go-to.

Baking breads, muffins, and cookies

Oats add great texture, fiber, and a mild, nutty flavor to baked goods. They are also low in fat and cholesterol-free, and they can help you feel fuller for longer. Muffins that usually use them are also good as a wholesome snack or tasty breakfast. Oats are also very delicious in cookies, giving you a hearty and chewy bite.

Healthy banana-nut muffins. These muffins are made only with wholesome ingredients such as whole wheat flour and whole grain oats. No butter, no fat, no refined sugar. They are fluffy, moist, and the best morning treat you can ask for!

Chewy oatmeal-raisin cookies. You could never go wrong with a good oatmeal-raisin cookie recipe. These are made with common pantry items, which makes them our favorite on the list!

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