The 7 Top Savory Oat Recipes That Delivered Major Flavor in 2020

Dietitians' favorite breakfast food got an umami upgrade in 2020.

"Savory oatmeal has been a popular go-to in the nutrition community for a few years, but I love that I'm seeing it go mainstream this year," says Elizabeth Shaw, RDN.

We actually called the savory oatmeal trend back in December 2019, and Instagrammers agree: As one #savoryoats fan aptly posted in October 2020, "If you never had savory oatmeal I'm sorry, because you are clearly missing out!"

Too true. But the trend didn't stop at oatmeal — people happily dug into lots of different savory oat recipes throughout the year. Take our oat-packed Organic Chicken Breakfast Patties: It's our fourth most popular recipe for all of 2020, and was consistently in the top 15 top recipes for every single month of the year.

Don't count on this being a passing fad, by the way: Oat sales have increased every year since 2016 and are projected to reach $3.53 billion by 2027, according to an October 2020 report from market research firm Fortune Business Insights.

But the fanfare's about more than just flavor. Fiber-rich oats are nutritional gold. "Savory oatmeal allows consumers to lower their added sugar intake by layering their bowls with healthy fats and proteins over the traditional brown sugar or maple syrup," Shaw says.

This spinach-, dill- and feta-topped porridge will keep you full for hours thanks to its protein and fiber. The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet dish makes for a balanced meal first thing in the a.m., Shaw says.

If you're a fan of curries with noodles or rice, try swapping in oatmeal instead. "I love the idea of a soup-style oatmeal for breakfast, and the flavor combo here is on point," Shaw says.

Brimming with pork belly, mushrooms and edamame, this savory recipe is proof that oatmeal isn't just for breakfast. It's a protein-packed dinner the whole family will love, Shaw says.

Enjoy these bite-sized turkey sausages as a snack or crumble them into a whole-grain tortilla with scrambled eggs for a fresh take on breakfast tacos, Shaw says. Either way, you'll get oatmeal's hearty, nutty goodness in every bite.

The protein in the turkey sausage and eggs and the fiber in the oatmeal will keep you satisfied for hours. "This bowl is a winner in my dietitian heart," Shaw says.

Featuring flavors like apple and sage, these sausage-like patties get an extra fiber (and flavor) boost from rolled oats. "I would highly recommend pairing them with a slice of whole-grain toast for a power-packed way to start the day," Shaw says.

Ground turkey and oats get a welcome kick from Cajun spices, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes and scallions. With 30 grams of high-quality protein, this dish makes for a filling breakfast, lunch or dinner.