Savoury Oatmeal Spinach Poached

Featured in: Breakfast

This dish features rolled oats cooked until creamy, paired with fresh spinach sautéed in olive oil and fragrant garlic. A delicately poached egg crowns the bowl, adding richness and texture. Simple seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan or nutritional yeast elevates the flavors. Ready in 25 minutes, it offers a balanced, wholesome start to the day with plant-based and protein elements. Variations like miso additions or kale substitutions allow personalized twists.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:11:00 GMT
Creamy savory oatmeal with spinach and poached egg, a beautiful, comforting breakfast scene. Save
Creamy savory oatmeal with spinach and poached egg, a beautiful, comforting breakfast scene. | cheerfulchefs.com

A hearty, visually appealing breakfast twist on classic oatmeal, featuring creamy oats, sautéed spinach, and a silky poached egg. Nutritious, budget-friendly, and satisfying.

I started making savoury oatmeal when I craved something warm and comforting for breakfast but wanted extra vegetables. Combining spinach and poached egg with creamy oats felt fresh and satisfying; it’s been my go-to morning meal ever since.

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: 1 cup, for the oatmeal base
  • Water or milk: 2 cups (can use half water, half milk for creaminess)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Olive oil: 2 teaspoons, for sautéing
  • Fresh spinach: 2 cups, washed and chopped
  • Garlic clove: 1 small, minced
  • Large eggs: 2, for poaching
  • White vinegar: 1 tablespoon, for poaching water
  • Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast: 1 tablespoon (optional garnish)
  • Fresh black pepper: to taste
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil: pinch, optional for serving

Instructions

Prepare the oatmeal:
Combine oats, water, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, 6–8 minutes.
Sauté spinach:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.
Poach the eggs:
Fill a medium saucepan with 2–3 inches of water, add vinegar, and bring to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup. Swirl the water and gently slide in the eggs. Poach for 3–4 minutes, or until whites are set but yolks are still runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
Assemble and serve:
Divide oatmeal between two bowls. Top each with sautéed spinach and a poached egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast, extra pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
Enjoy immediately:
Serve right away while hot.
A close-up of savory oatmeal topped with spinach, a runny egg, ready to eat. Save
A close-up of savory oatmeal topped with spinach, a runny egg, ready to eat. | cheerfulchefs.com

My family now expects savoury oats whenever there's spinach in the fridge, and everyone customizes their bowl with different toppings. It’s become a weekend tradition that kids and adults both enjoy.

Required Tools

For best results, you’ll need a saucepan for the oats, a skillet for spinach, a slotted spoon, and measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs and milk (if using dairy milk or Parmesan). Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies, and swap out items for suitable alternatives as needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is approximately 285 calories, with 10 g fat, 37 g carbohydrates, and 14 g protein.

Hearty savory oatmeal, featuring sautéed spinach and a perfectly poached egg, ready to savor. Save
Hearty savory oatmeal, featuring sautéed spinach and a perfectly poached egg, ready to savor. | cheerfulchefs.com

This breakfast is delicious as is or alongside toast. Customize it with your favorite veggies and toppings to make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

What type of oats work best for this dish?

Rolled oats are ideal as they cook to a creamy texture without becoming mushy, providing a hearty base.

How can I perfectly poach the eggs?

Use gently simmering water with vinegar, swirl before adding eggs, and poach for 3–4 minutes until whites set but yolks remain runny.

Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or chard work well, offering similar texture and flavor when sautéed.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace milk with plant-based alternatives and omit Parmesan, using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What adds extra flavor to the oatmeal base?

Stirring in a tablespoon of miso or soy sauce enhances umami depth and enriches the taste.

Savoury Oatmeal Spinach Poached

Creamy oats combined with sautéed spinach and a poached egg for a wholesome, satisfying start.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Breakfast

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background Modern

Portions 2 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Oatmeal Base

01 1 cup rolled oats
02 2 cups water (or 1 cup water and 1 cup milk for creaminess)
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Spinach

01 2 teaspoons olive oil
02 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
03 1 small garlic clove, minced

Poached Eggs

01 2 large eggs
02 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching water)

Garnishes

01 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)
02 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
03 Pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare oatmeal base: Combine oats, water, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 02

Sauté spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Poach eggs: Fill a medium saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of water, add vinegar, and bring to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small cup, swirl the water gently, and slide in the eggs. Poach for 3 to 4 minutes, until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.

Step 04

Assemble and serve: Divide oatmeal between two bowls. Top each portion with sautéed spinach and a poached egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast, additional black pepper, and red pepper flakes or chili oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains eggs and milk if dairy milk or Parmesan are used. For a dairy-free variation, substitute plant milk and nutritional yeast. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 285
  • Fats: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Proteins: 14 grams