This savory Garlic Herb Butter Parmesan Oatmeal redefines comfort food with a creamy, garlicky twist. It’s a quick, pantry-staple meal ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for brunch or dinner, this oatmeal recipe is endlessly customizable.
Nothing beats a great Garlic Herb Butter Parmesan Oatmeal. Whether you're a fan of Savory Oatmeal or want to try something from our Chicken selection, keep scrolling!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Parmesan Oatmeal
- Game-changer: Completely redefines what oatmeal can be.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 20 minutes for a fast, satisfying meal.
- Complex flavor: Garlicky, buttery broth with Parmesan’s umami punch.
- Versatile canvas: Perfect base for endless topping variations.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- To taste salt
- For garnish fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes
Tools: A medium saucepan, a wooden spoon, a microplane or box grater for the cheese.
Notes: Using good-quality broth is key for flavor. Grate your own Parmesan for best melting texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 380 kcal |
| Protein: | 15 g |
| Fat: | 18 g |
| Carbs: | 38 g |
| Fiber: | 5 g |
Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Why use broth instead of water? This is the single most important flavor decision. Water gives you bland oats; broth gives you a deeply savory, rich foundation that makes this dish taste like a proper meal. Vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version.
- Can I use instant oats? You can, but the texture will be much softer and less distinct. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape beautifully and provide a lovely, substantial chew that is central to the experience.
- Is fresh garlic non-negotiable? Honestly, yes. Jarred minced garlic can have a slightly bitter, off taste. Taking the minute to mince fresh garlic will reward you with a sweet, aromatic fragrance that permeates the entire dish.
- What’s the deal with the butter? We’re using it in two ways! A little gets stirred in at the end to create a luxurious, glossy finish (this is called “monter au beurre” in fancy chef terms), which makes the oatmeal incredibly silky.
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Parmesan Oatmeal
Step 1: Start by toasting the oats. Heat the olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the rolled oats and toast them, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and take on a slightly deeper, golden color. This step is a game-changer—it adds a wonderful nutty depth that prevents the oatmeal from tasting pasty.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic. Push the toasted oats to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Let it sizzle for just 30-60 seconds until it’s incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, or it will turn bitter. The second you can smell that gorgeous garlic aroma wafting up from the pan, it’s time to move on.
Step 3: Add the liquid and herbs. Pour in the broth, and add your fresh or dried thyme and rosemary. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any bits of garlic or oats that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor right there.
Step 4: Simmer to perfection. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the oats to be tender and for the liquid to be mostly absorbed, but for the overall consistency to still be a bit soupy. It will continue to thicken as it sits.
Step 5: The finishing touches. Turn off the heat. Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. Watch as the butter and cheese melt into the hot oats, creating a creamy, cohesive sauce. Taste it now—this is when you’ll decide if it needs any salt (this will depend on the saltiness of your broth and Parmesan).
Step 6: Serve immediately. Divide the savory oatmeal between two bowls. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a shower of fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The contrast of the green herbs and red flakes against the creamy oatmeal is just beautiful.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Cool completely and store in airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended as texture may become grainy upon thawing.
- Reviving: Reheat with splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple arugula salad — The peppery bite of fresh arugula dressed with just a squeeze of lemon juice provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy oatmeal.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes — Their sweet, burst-in-your-mouth juiciness and slight acidity cut through the richness of the butter and cheese beautifully.
- Grilled or sautéed shrimp — A few quickly cooked shrimp on top turns this from a side dish or light meal into a seriously impressive and protein-packed main course.
Drinks
- A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc — The wine’s acidity and citrus notes act as a palate cleanser, making each bite of the savory oatmeal taste fresh and new.
- A light-bodied lager — The effervescence and mild bitterness of a cold lager are a fantastic companion to the garlic and herbal notes in the dish.
- Sparkling water with lemon — For a non-alcoholic option, the bubbles and citrus are all you need to balance the meal’s comforting richness.
Something Sweet
- Dark chocolate espresso beans — Just a few of these after your meal provide a bitter, crunchy, and sweet finish that resets your palate completely.
- A small bowl of fresh berries — The natural sweetness and slight tartness of raspberries or strawberries are a simple, light, and refreshing way to end on a sweet note.
- A scoop of lemon sorbet — This is the ultimate palate-cleanser. Its bright, sharp flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the savory, umami-heavy meal you just enjoyed.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Boiling the oatmeal aggressively. A rapid boil will break down the oats too quickly, resulting in a gluey, mushy texture. A gentle simmer is the key to creamy, distinct grains.
- Mistake: Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents like potato starch or cellulose, which prevent it from melting smoothly into the oatmeal. You’ll be left with a slightly grainy texture instead of a silky sauce.
- Mistake: Skipping the oat toasting step. I know it’s tempting to just dump everything in, but toasting the oats is what gives them a nutty, robust flavor base. Without it, the dish can taste a bit one-dimensional and flat.
- Mistake: Letting it sit too long before serving. Savory oatmeal is at its absolute
Garlic Herb Butter Parmesan Oatmeal
Learn how to make savory Garlic Herb Butter Parmesan Oatmeal in 20 minutes. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch or dinner. Try this delicious twist on oatmeal today!
Ingredients
For the Ingredients
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic (minced)
-
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
-
2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter
-
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
-
1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
-
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
salt (to taste)
-
fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Start by toasting the oats. Heat the olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the rolled oats and toast them, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and take on a slightly deeper, golden color. This step is a game-changer—it adds a wonderful nutty depth that prevents the oatmeal from tasting pasty.01
-
Sauté the garlic. Push the toasted oats to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Let it sizzle for just 30-60 seconds until it’s incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, or it will turn bitter. The second you can smell that gorgeous garlic aroma wafting up from the pan, it’s time to move on.02
-
Add the liquid and herbs. Pour in the broth, and add your fresh or dried thyme and rosemary. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any bits of garlic or oats that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor right there.03
-
Simmer to perfection. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the oats to be tender and for the liquid to be mostly absorbed, but for the overall consistency to still be a bit soupy. It will continue to thicken as it sits.04
-
The finishing touches. Turn off the heat. Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. Watch as the butter and cheese melt into the hot oats, creating a creamy, cohesive sauce. Taste it now—this is when you’ll decide if it needs any salt (this will depend on the saltiness of your broth and Parmesan).05
-
Serve immediately. Divide the savory oatmeal between two bowls. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a shower of fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The contrast of the green herbs and red flakes against the creamy oatmeal is just beautiful.06
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