If you’ve ever thought oatmeal was strictly sweet, this Sausage and Pepper Jack Oatmeal will change your mind. It’s a creamy, savory twist that turns rolled oats into a hearty meal. Perfect for breakfast or dinner, this one-pot wonder is packed with flavor and ready in minutes.
Looking for Sausage and Pepper Jack Oatmeal inspiration? You'll love what we have! Explore more Savory Oatmeal recipes or discover our Chicken Recipes favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Pepper Jack Oatmeal
- Flavor explosion: Savory sausage, creamy pepper jack, and spices create a rich, satisfying bowl.
- Versatile & forgiving: Swap sausage or cheese, or add any veggies you have on hand.
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single saucepan for easy cleanup.
- Wholesome & filling: Protein, fiber, and healthy fats keep you energized for hours.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- ½ lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 small bell pepper (any color), finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- To taste: salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tools: A medium-sized saucepan with a lid, a wooden spoon or spatula, and a measuring cup.
Notes: Using a good-quality broth makes a difference. Don’t skip the fresh herbs—they add a bright contrast.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 420 kcal |
| Protein: | 18 g |
| Fat: | 25 g |
| Carbs: | 30 g |
| Fiber: | 4 g |
Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Why use old-fashioned rolled oats? They hold their texture better than quick oats and cook faster than steel-cut, giving you the perfect creamy-yet-chewy consistency. Using instant oats can turn the dish mushy.
- Can I make it spicier or milder? Absolutely. The heat level is easily adjustable. Use mild Italian sausage and regular jack cheese for a gentler flavor, or kick it up with hot sausage and extra spicy pepper jack.
- What’s the best way to shred the cheese? I highly recommend shredding your own pepper jack from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth and creamy.
- Is the broth non-negotiable? Honestly, yes. Water will work in a pinch, but broth adds a tremendous amount of savory depth that transforms the oats. For a vegetarian version, a robust vegetable broth works wonderfully.
How to Make Sausage and Pepper Jack Oatmeal
Step 1: Heat the olive oil or butter in your saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sausage, using your spoon to break it up into small, bite-sized crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You’ll notice the fat rendering out, which will help cook the vegetables next. Don’t drain the fat—that’s pure flavor!
Step 2: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan with the sausage. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent. The aroma at this stage is just incredible—savory and sweet all at once.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to one minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. This quick bloom in the sausage fat will unlock its full aromatic potential.
Step 4: Add the rolled oats to the pan and stir to coat them in the savory sausage and vegetable mixture. Toast the oats for about one minute—you’ll hear a faint sizzle. This toasting step adds a lovely nutty flavor to the final dish.
Step 5: Pour in the broth, add the smoked paprika (if using), and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
Step 6: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook gently for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the temptation to stir too often; you want the oats to absorb the liquid and become tender.
Step 7: After 8 minutes, remove the lid and check the consistency. The oatmeal should be thick and creamy, with most of the liquid absorbed. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too wet, let it cook uncovered for another minute or two.
Step 8: Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it’s completely melted and creates a wonderfully creamy sauce. Finally, fold in most of the fresh parsley or chives, saving a little for garnish.
Step 9: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while it’s hot and wonderfully creamy, garnished with the remaining fresh herbs.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reviving: Stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette — The peppery, acidic greens provide a fantastic fresh contrast to the rich, creamy oatmeal.
- Sautéed mushrooms with thyme — Their earthy, umami flavor deepens the savory profile of the dish beautifully.
- Buttery roasted asparagus — The tender, slightly charred spears add a lovely vegetable element and a different texture.
Drinks
- A crisp, dry cider — Its bright acidity and slight sweetness cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese perfectly.
- Bloody Mary or Virgin Mary — The spicy, savory notes in the drink are a fantastic flavor companion for the oatmeal.
- Iced green tea with lemon — A refreshing, non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites.
Something Sweet
- Warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream — The transition from savory and spicy to sweet and tart is an incredibly satisfying end to the meal.
- Dark chocolate espresso brownies — A small, rich square of chocolate provides a decadent, bittersweet finish.
- Lemon sorbet — Its bright, clean, and icy texture is the perfect palate-cleanser after a hearty savory dish.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Using quick or instant oats. They absorb liquid too quickly and break down, resulting in a gluey, mushy texture instead of the desired creamy consistency with a slight chew.
- Stirring too frequently while the oats are simmering. Constant stirring releases too much starch from the oats, making the final dish gummy rather than creamy. Let it do its thing with the lid on.
- Adding the cheese over high heat. If the heat is too high when you stir in the pepper jack, the cheese can seize up or become oily instead of melting into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Skimping on the sauté time for the vegetables. If the onions and peppers aren’t properly softened, they’ll retain a raw, crunchy texture that clashes with the creamy oats.
Expert Tips
- Tip: For a deeper, more complex flavor, try browning the sausage in a cast-iron skillet before transferring it to the saucepan. The fond (those browned bits) left in the skillet is packed with flavor; deglaze it with a bit of the broth and add it to the oats.
- Tip: If you want to prep this for busy mornings, cook the sausage and vegetable base ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, simply reheat the base, add the oats and broth, and cook as directed. It cuts the morning cook time in half.
- Tip: For an extra-creamy texture, swap out ½ cup of the broth for whole milk or heavy cream, adding it during the last two minutes of cooking. It adds a luxurious richness that’s absolutely divine.
- Tip: If you find the oatmeal has thickened too much upon standing (oats continue to absorb liquid), simply stir in a few tablespoons of warm broth or water to bring it back to a creamy consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage crumble or even a cup of cooked lentils for a different texture. Use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian. The pepper jack cheese and spices will still provide plenty of savory, spicy flavor that makes this dish so addictive.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oats will thicken significantly as they cool. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat and stir in a splash of broth, water, or milk until it reaches your desired creamy consistency again. Microwaving works too, but stir it every 30 seconds to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
You can, but it requires a major adjustment. Steel-cut oats need more liquid (about 3 to 3.5 cups of broth for 1 cup of oats) and a much longer cooking time (25-30 minutes). You would follow the same initial steps but allow for a longer, slower simmer until the oats are tender. The result will be chewier and less creamy, but still delicious.
What other cheeses can I use?
Pepper jack is fantastic for its meltability and subtle heat, but other great options include sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, gouda for a smokier note, or even fontina for ultimate creaminess. If you use a less melty cheese, you might want to add a tablespoon of cream cheese to help create a smooth sauce.
Is this a suitable make-ahead breakfast?
It’s a great make-ahead option for the week! Cook the entire recipe, let it cool completely, and portion it into containers. It reheats beautifully. For the best texture, I’d recommend eating it within 3 days. The convenience of having a warm, savory breakfast ready in minutes is a total game-changer for busy mornings.
Sausage And Pepper Jack Oatmeal
Discover savory Sausage and Pepper Jack Oatmeal! This easy one-pot recipe makes a creamy, protein-packed meal perfect for breakfast or dinner. Try it tonight!
Ingredients
For the Ingredients & Tools
-
1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
-
½ lb mild or hot Italian sausage (casings removed)
-
½ medium yellow onion (finely diced)
-
1 small bell pepper (any color, finely diced)
-
2 cloves garlic (minced)
-
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)
-
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
-
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
-
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
-
salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil or butter in your saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sausage, using your spoon to break it up into small, bite-sized crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You’ll notice the fat rendering out, which will help cook the vegetables next. Don’t drain the fat—that’s pure flavor!01
-
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan with the sausage. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent. The aroma at this stage is just incredible—savory and sweet all at once.02
-
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to one minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. This quick bloom in the sausage fat will unlock its full aromatic potential.03
-
Add the rolled oats to the pan and stir to coat them in the savory sausage and vegetable mixture. Toast the oats for about one minute—you’ll hear a faint sizzle. This toasting step adds a lovely nutty flavor to the final dish.04
-
Pour in the broth, add the smoked paprika (if using), and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer.05
-
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook gently for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the temptation to stir too often; you want the oats to absorb the liquid and become tender.06
-
After 8 minutes, remove the lid and check the consistency. The oatmeal should be thick and creamy, with most of the liquid absorbed. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too wet, let it cook uncovered for another minute or two.07
-
Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it’s completely melted and creates a wonderfully creamy sauce. Finally, fold in most of the fresh parsley or chives, saving a little for garnish.08
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while it’s hot and wonderfully creamy, garnished with the remaining fresh herbs.09
Not what you're looking for?
