Seriously Delicious Things You Can Make With Oats

Let's face it: Oats don't get the attention they deserve. They often get overlooked as a fun meal, because they're readily available and can seem kind of boring ... unless, of course, you amp them up. Oatmeal can be a delicious and exciting way to start your day, and it's a surprisingly healthy and filling meal. And since oats are inexpensive, you can eat them as often as you'd like without feeling like you're breaking the bank.

Even if you don't like oatmeal, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have some oats in your pantry. Oats are a staple ingredient, as there are a ton of dishes you can make with them — some of which you may have never thought of. If you're looking for some oat recipes that will change the way you think about the ingredient, you've certainly come to the right place. Take a look at these ideas that range from classic to downright innovative. Who knows — oats might just become your new favorite food.

Want something sweet and indulgent for breakfast, but only have some oats in the pantry? No big deal. If you don't want oatmeal, you can always whip up a batch of oatmeal pancakes. By blending up your oats and adding just a few ingredients, you can get some of the best pancakes you've ever made. In fact, they're so good that you may never even use the boxed stuff again.

Since this recipe takes just over a half hour, it's the ideal quick weekend morning breakfast. Don't forget to top your pancakes with butter, syrup, or maybe even some berries if you're looking for a pop of color.

Did you grow up eating Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies? If you did, you know they're one of the most delicious desserts out there. How could you not love these cookie sandwiches that were just sweet enough? It may have been a while since you've had the real thing, but if you're looking for that nostalgic taste, you have to whip up these copycat oatmeal cream pies. They absolutely taste like the real thing — but maybe even better, considering you're making them from scratch. And yes, you use actual oatmeal in this recipe, so you know it's not that unhealthy. (That's what we like to tell ourselves, anyway.)

You've probably had plenty of bowls of plain old oatmeal before. It's a comforting breakfast, and it doesn't take much time to make. That might be why so many people turn to it for a quick breakfast when they're on-the-go.

But that doesn't mean you have to stick to the same oatmeal recipe you've known your whole life. Instead, check out this egg white oatmeal recipe. While oatmeal is already relatively healthy, you're going to love that this dish packs in the protein in the form of egg whites.

It doesn't just make your oatmeal healthier, though. Egg whites can also make the consistency creamier and much more delicious. If you're looking for a fresh way to enjoy oatmeal, this recipe should definitely be on your list.

Who said you couldn't eat healthy and enjoy cookies at the same time? Definitely not us. That's why we came up with these brilliant heart-healthy oatmeal cookies. Since they're made with oatmeal, they're definitely healthier than a lot of cookies on the market these days. But the best part? The recipe is super simple. It'll only take you about 30 minutes to whip these cookies up, so they're a treat you can enjoy all the time.

For many of us, getting up in the morning and making a healthy breakfast is simply out of the question. There's just not enough time in the day. Instead, we want something we can grab while we start working or make our way out the door. That's where overnight oats come in. 

Our recipe for overnight oats will show you how to make this incredibly easy dish. Just add all of your ingredients to a jar overnight, and in the morning, you'll have a perfect breakfast waiting for you. Word to the wise? Don't be afraid to get creative here. Add whatever toppings sound best to you, from berries to nuts to chocolate chips.

Who doesn't love a good homemade dessert? Baked goods can get pretty expensive when you buy them from a bakery, so it makes perfect sense to learn how to make these sweet treats yourself. But when you're not that great with the oven, you may feel intimidated. If that's the case, then this recipe for no-bake oatmeal cookies was meant for you. 

These cookies make the perfect breakfast or dessert, and they come together in just about no time. Since they're so easy to prepare, you can pretty much always have them around.