This Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Oatmeal offers a savory twist on breakfast. It’s creamy, flavorful, and ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for any meal, this oatmeal recipe is a delicious departure from the sweet versions.
Looking for Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Oatmeal inspiration? You'll love what we have! Explore more Savory Oatmeal recipes or discover our Chicken favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Oatmeal
- Flavor adventure: Shakes up your routine with garlic, herbs, and creamy cheese.
- Incredibly versatile: Fits any meal and is a great base for extra toppings.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes for maximum reward.
- Indulgent yet light: Cream cheese adds richness without weighing you down.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, snipped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a soft-boiled egg for topping
Tools: Medium saucepan, wooden spoon, measuring cups/spoons, small bowl for mixing herbs and cream cheese
Notes: The broth builds a savory foundation that water can’t match. Fresh herbs brighten the dish.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 320 kcal |
| Protein: | 10 g |
| Fat: | 14 g |
| Carbs: | 38 g |
| Fiber: | 6 g |
Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can turn mushy too fast, and steel-cut will take much longer to cook. Rolled oats give you that perfect, creamy-yet-chewy consistency.
- Don’t be shy with the garlic. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove. Cooking it gently in butter or oil first tames the sharpness and brings out a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Let your cream cheese come to room temperature. This makes it so much easier to blend smoothly into the oatmeal. If it’s too cold, you might end up with little clumps instead of a silky swirl.
- Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, the bright, vibrant flavor of fresh parsley, chives, and thyme really elevates this dish. If you must substitute, use one-third the amount of dried.
How to Make Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Oatmeal
Step 1: Start by preparing your herb and cream cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, snipped chives, and thyme leaves. Mix everything together until well blended and set it aside. You’ll notice the cream cheese picks up all those lovely green specks and herby aromas—it already smells amazing.
Step 2: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. You’re just waking up its flavor here, not trying to crisp it.
Step 3: Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This will only take a couple of minutes. As soon as you see bubbles breaking the surface, stir in the rolled oats and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low so the oatmeal can simmer without splattering everywhere.
Step 4: Let the oats cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the liquid getting absorbed and the oats plumping up nicely. The mixture should look thick and creamy. If it seems too thick for your liking, you can add a splash more broth or water.
Step 5: Turn off the heat. Now, dollop the herbed cream cheese mixture right into the center of the oatmeal. Let it sit for a moment to warm through, then start folding it gently into the oats. You’ll see beautiful swirls forming—don’t overmix, as those streaks are part of the charm.
Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want another pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, divide the oatmeal between two bowls.
Step 7: If you’re adding any optional toppings, now’s the time. A soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk is fantastic here, or maybe some grated Parmesan for extra umami. Serve immediately while it’s hot and comforting.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended; texture becomes mushy upon thawing.
- Reviving: Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette — The peppery greens and bright acidity cut through the richness of the oatmeal beautifully.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes — Their sweet, burst-in-your-mouth quality adds a lovely contrast in texture and a pop of color.
- Sautéed mushrooms with thyme — Earthy and savory, they deepen the umami notes and make the meal feel even more substantial.
Drinks
- A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc — Its citrusy notes and bright acidity complement the herbal and creamy elements perfectly.
- Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon — Refreshing and palate-cleansing, it keeps each bite of the oatmeal feeling light and enjoyable.
- Hot green tea — The subtle grassy notes are a soothing partner, especially if you’re enjoying this for breakfast or a cozy evening meal.
Something Sweet
- Dark chocolate-dipped strawberries — A little sweet treat after the savory bowl feels just right, and the fruitiness is a lovely finish.
- Lemon shortbread cookies — Buttery, crumbly, and with a zesty kick, they provide a delightful contrast without being too heavy.
- A small bowl of fresh mango slices — Sweet, juicy, and tropical, they cleanse the palate and end the meal on a bright, happy note.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the garlic. If you let the garlic brown or burn, it’ll turn bitter and overpower the whole dish. Keep the heat medium and stir constantly—it should be fragrant and golden, not dark.
- Using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge. This is a surefire way to get little lumps instead of a smooth, creamy integration. Let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before you start cooking.
- Stirring too vigorously after adding the cream cheese. You want those lovely herby swirls! Gentle folding is the key. Overmixing can also make the oats gluey.
- Forgetting to taste and season at the end. Oats need a good amount of seasoning to shine in a savory preparation. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper—it makes all the difference.
Expert Tips
- Toast your oats for extra nuttiness. Before adding the broth, you can toast the rolled oats in the butter for a minute or two. It deepens their flavor and adds another layer of complexity to the dish
Garlic And Herb Cream Cheese Oatmeal
Try this savory Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Oatmeal recipe! Ready in 15 minutes, it's a creamy, flavorful twist on breakfast. Get the easy recipe now!
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal
-
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
-
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
-
2 cloves garlic (minced)
-
1 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
-
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Herb and Cream Cheese Mixture
-
1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
-
1 tbsp fresh chives (sniped)
-
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Optional Toppings
-
grated Parmesan
-
red pepper flakes
-
soft-boiled egg
Instructions
-
Start by preparing your herb and cream cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, snipped chives, and thyme leaves. Mix everything together until well blended and set it aside.01
-
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.02
-
Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. As soon as you see bubbles breaking the surface, stir in the rolled oats and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low so the oatmeal can simmer without splattering everywhere.03
-
Let the oats cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the liquid getting absorbed and the oats plumping up nicely. The mixture should look thick and creamy. If it seems too thick for your liking, you can add a splash more broth or water.04
-
Turn off the heat. Now, dollop the herbed cream cheese mixture right into the center of the oatmeal. Let it sit for a moment to warm through, then start folding it gently into the oats. You’ll see beautiful swirls forming—don’t overmix, as those streaks are part of the charm.05
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want another pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, divide the oatmeal between two bowls.06
-
If you’re adding any optional toppings, now’s the time. A soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk is fantastic here, or maybe some grated Parmesan for extra umami. Serve immediately while it’s hot and comforting.07
Not what you're looking for?
