Savory Cheddar and Sausage Oatmeal

I'm not sure if I have ever posted a more controversial recipe on my blog before. Many times I have shared my love for savory oatmeal on my Instagram stories, and you guys have responded with OPINIONS. I'll admit, if you had asked me about savory oatmeal a few years ago I would have looked at you like you were crazy. Oatmeal? That's supposed to be sweet... or is it? I have converted many people to the savory side of this delicious whole grain. I think if you try it you'll be a convert too.

A few years ago my friend Cara from Street Smart Nutrition shared her take on oatmeal. Instead of the traditional brown sugar and apples, she featured savory toppings that grabbed my interest. I am not a huge fan of sweet foods in the morning so I was intrigued. I let go of my ideas of what oatmeal should be and treated it like the whole grain that it is, and honestly, I'm never going back. Savory oatmeal is here to stay!

Protein and whole-grain breakfast option

I love a quick breakfast. Between juggling kids and cows, if it's not quick, it's probably not going to happen. I need filling too, because more days than not, my breakfast needs to hold me over until dinner. Oatmeal has always been known to stick to your ribs, and it's a great way to get in some extra whole grains. By going savory over sweet, we can easily add in protein and veggies for a power-packed start to our day.

One of my favorite things about savory oatmeal is that I can make myself a quick bowl in the microwave. Or if my boys are eating at the same time too, which actually does happen sometimes, I can make up a pot on the stove. Either way this recipe comes together quickly and is adaptable to using whatever kind of oatmeal you like from quick oats to steelcut oats.

Why buy Farmland Foods Brand?

I make several versions of savory oatmeal, this version featuring Farmland sausage is my favorite for a few reasons. First and most importantly, it's quick, simple, nutritious and delicious. Which is what we all want from breakfast, right? But also, I always smile when I am shopping my local Kroger store and I grab Farmland brand because I think of my friends who are pig farmers and supply the Farmland brand. It's easy to forget that the brands at the grocery store started on farms and come from our local communities. With Midwest brands like Farmland, I know buying the brand my friends supply is supporting them and their communities. That makes me really happy.

What makes savory oatmeal savory?

So what is the difference between regular oatmeal and savory oatmeal? Of course using savory toppings and seasonings is part of the switch but the real difference starts with the liquid you use. While your traditional sweet oatmeal recipes will call for milk (yay!) or water, for savory oatmeal I use a combination of chicken broth and milk. The broth adds a layer of savory while the milk brings increases the natural creaminess of the oatmeal.

Stirring in red pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, italian herb blend or your favorite savory seasoning really transforms the oats. I add cheese while the oats are still warm. So not only increasing the deliciousness but also bring in the protein and vitamins that come along with dairy products.

Then comes the toppings! Adding in sauteed veggies is a great way to fit extra vegetables into your day and use up any odds and ends you may have around. And last but not least, topping the oatmeal with Farmland sausage brings that extra protein that will help this breakfast power your body for whatever your day throws at you. Plus who doesn't love sausage for breakfast?