25 Easy Leftover Oatmeal Recipes and Ideas (2024)

The next time you make too much breakfast, try one of these easy and delicious leftover oatmeal recipes!

From cookies to pancakes, I know you’ll love them.

25 Easy Leftover Oatmeal Recipes and Ideas (1)

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox.

I don’t know about you, but I always make too many oats and end up with half a pot left over.

(Measuring isn’t my thing first thing in the morning!)

But luckily, I’ve found a whole slew of leftover oatmeal recipes, so I never have to waste food again.

And let me tell you: they’re so good, you’ll start making extra oats on purpose!

Chewy Leftover Oatmeal Cookies and More!

1. Leftover Oatmeal Muffins With Raisins

If you’re looking for muffins that’ll have everyone begging for seconds, consider these oatmeal muffins with raisins.

They make your entire home smell divine while baking.

Better yet, the marriage of oatmeal and raisins makes for the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

They’re just what you need to kick start your day – without a sugar overload.

2. Leftover Oatmeal Cookies

If you’re the kind of person who likes to make use of everything in the kitchen, then these cookies are a must-try.

They’re wonderfully chewy and sweet like every cookie should be. And the added moisture and texture from the oats are so yummy.

Throw in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or M&Ms to make them even more special.

3. Leftover Oatmeal Pancakes

Yesterday’s oatmeal is today’s stack of pancakes!

Pancakes are always the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and use up those leftovers in one heavenly bite.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox.

Combine them with a handful of nuts or dark chocolate chips for crunch or some spices and brown sugar for sweetness.

Serve these pan-friend delights with a dollop of yogurt and seasonal fruits to enjoy the ultimate breakfast treat!

4. Leftover Oatmeal Cakes

Oatmeal cakes are a fantastic way to turn yesterday’s porridge into a delicious dessert!

From the sweet taste of rich butter to the almost creamy oats, the flavors here are out of this world.

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for even more warmth.

5. Leftover Oatmeal Muffins With Salted Honey Butter

These muffins are a delicious snack any time of day, but they truly shine when served fresh out of the oven!

Filled with oats, chopped nuts, and cacao nibs, they’ll tantalize your taste buds and keep you fueled until lunch.

To top it off, you’ll drizzle them with a blend of melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt. Delish!

6. Leftover Oatmeal Chocolate Muffins

Crispy on the outside and insanely moist on the inside, these decadent muffins are more dessert than breakfast.

They boast a heavenly combination of sweet chocolate and chewy, coarse oats.

Serve up a piping hot portion with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an out-of-this-world experience.

7. Leftover Oatmeal Bread

This is one of those recipes that everyone can enjoy. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also absolutely delicious and even kid-approved.

This comforting yet subtly sweet bread has the perfect amount of crunch, and it’s insanely soft and tender in the middle.

Toast it with butter and jam for breakfast, sandwich some bacon inside for lunch, or use it to mop up your soup for dinner.

You can’t go wrong either way.

8. Oatmeal Waffles

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this deliciously easy oatmeal waffle recipe!

Effortless to make, hearty, chewy, light, and sweet, it’s everything you want in breakfast and more.

Serve it with fresh berries and a teaspoon of crème fraîche. Or go all out with bacon, caramelized bananas, and whipped cream.

9. Leftover Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

If you thought oatmeal was just for breakfast, prepare to have your mind blown.

These chocolate chip bars whip up in a flash, and you’ll only need a few pantry staples.

So impress your friends and family at the next gathering (with minimal effort) by serving this chewy and chocolatey treat.

10. Chocolate Leftover Oatmeal Cake

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and clever way to use up that leftover oatmeal, look no further than this cake.

It’ll wow your family and friends with its fluffy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and hint of vanilla.

And they’ll never guess it was made with yesterday’s breakfast.

11. Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins With Leftover Oatmeal

I know, I know, it’s another muffin recipe. But once you see how good they are, you’ll see why there are so many!

And this one is loaded with warm cinnamon and sticky molasses.

I’ll admit I was disappointed these “coffee cake” muffins didn’t include a streusel on top. So, I went ahead and made some with butter, brown sugar, and flour.

And yes, it made all the difference!

12. Light Oatmeal Spice Cake

This decadent cake combines all the warmth of classic spices with the chewy texture of oats.

Serve it warm, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra bit of indulgence.

Or enjoy a slice with an afternoon cup of tea to take advantage of its comforting and homey flavors.

13. Leftover Porridge Cake

Leftover porridge cake is an unconventional yet utterly delicious treat you’ll fall for fast.

It’s super straightforward to make, using up leftovers in a way that’ll make any food lover sing with delight.

Serve hot or cold – though it might not last long enough to go cold.

14. Leftover Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Cookies

Chewy oatmeal with pockets full of warm melted white chocolate chips and juicy bursts of plump blueberries…need I say more?

If you’re looking for an indulgent snack, or need something special to make an upcoming gathering, then these cookies are the answer.

Best served hot with a big glass of cold milk, they’re too good to miss.

15. Leftover Oatmeal Biscuits

This wartime recipe transforms those leftovers into fluffy biscuits for dinner!

Okay, so they’re not quite as light and airy as from-scratch biscuits. But they’re a terrific way to save on food waste.

Plus, I love the added texture you get from the oats. It makes a nice change, and I think you’ll agree.

16. Pan-Seared Oatmeal With Fresh Fruit and Yogurt

This truly amazing combination of flavors will have you drooling all the way to the breakfast table.

The nuttiness and crunch from the oatmeal are complimented perfectly by the tartness of the yogurt.

Meanwhile, the sweet fruits and velvety creaminess tie it all together just right.

17. Icelandic Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal pancakes are a staple in Iceland. They’re wholesome, lightly sweet, and perfect fuel for the day to come.

But don’t forget that a stack of these pancakes also makes for an ideal dessert.

Serve with freshly whipped cream, honey, or maple syrup. However you choose to do it, you won’t be disappointed.

18. Leftover Oatmeal Breakfast Parfait

Turn those chewy oats into a light, bright breakfast parfait!

If you’re not a fan of overnight oats but like the idea (and enjoy oatmeal), this recipe is just the thing.

You get that same fruity, creamy goodness but the thick and chewy texture of oatmeal.

Give it a try today, and I think you’ll like it.

19. Super Crispy Oatmeal Pancake

This winning combination is sure to put a smile on your face.

Made from pantry staples, you can easily whip it up anytime you need a quick meal.

As for the flavors? Think back-of-the-box childhood cookie nostalgia combined with a fluffy malty oaty pancake.

You’ll love it, and so will your taste buds.

20. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups

This recipe technically calls for instant oats, but it also works with leftover oatmeal.

It’s like a cross between your favorite chewy oatmeal cookie and Reese’s peanut butter cup!

You’ll need the oatmeal to be pretty thick, so this is best made the next day when the oats have been in the fridge for a while.

21. The Leafy Cafe Leftover Oatmeal Cake

Need a soft, chewy, sweet cake in a rush? Try this leftover oatmeal cake with banana and coconut.

It’s a simple blend of canola oil, sugar, mashed banana, soaked flaxseeds, and oatmeal.

Once that’s soft and well combined, you’ll add sifted four, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

When it comes out of the oven, it’s light and fluffy like a cake but chewy and sweet like an oatmeal cookie. Yum!

22. Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

Power up your morning on the go with this strawberry smoothie recipe.

Juicy and sweet fruit with hearty oats is sure to keep you going until lunch. Or try it as an afternoon pick-me-up that’s both energetic and tasty.

Enjoy it with a bowl of fruit salad, or pack it away to make those deskside lunches extra enjoyable.

23. Cooked Oatmeal Scones

Like the biscuits above, these scones aren’t as light and fluffy as you may be used to.

But again, this is a fantastic way to use up leftovers and get something tasty to boot.

Just keep in mind, if you added spices or flavor to the oatmeal, the scones will take on that flavor too. So it’s best with lightly sweetened oatmeal.

24. Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is like a warm hug, and it’s the perfect balance of nostalgia with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

Add some wholesome banana and coconut oil, and it’s just what you need for a snack or quick breakfast.

25. Oatmeal Coffee Cake

This classic recipe combines spicy cinnamon with nutty oats to create a warm, comforting dish.

Perfect for any day of the week – morning or night – this treat will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you coming back for more.

25 Easy Leftover Oatmeal Recipes and Ideas (2)

25 Easy Leftover Oatmeal Recipes and Ideas

The next time you make too much breakfast, try one of these easy and delicious leftover oatmeal recipes! From cookies to pancakes, I know you’ll love them.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious leftover oatmeal recipe in 30 minutes or less!
25 Easy Leftover Oatmeal Recipes and Ideas (3)

Did you like the recipe?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Thanks!

Share on social media:

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Related posts

25 Best Leftover Corned Beef Recipes (+ Tasty Meal Ideas)27 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes23 Best Leftover Pork Chop Recipes (Easy Ideas)20 Best Oatmeal Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)17 Easy Oatmeal Recipes17 Best Savory Oatmeal Recipes for a Tasty Breakfast

25 Easy Leftover Oatmeal Recipes and Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What to do with old oatmeal? ›

If your oatmeal is expired but free from mold, you can repurpose it instead of throwing it away. Oatmeal is great for the skin, especially dry or irritated skin. You can use oats past their prime to make scrubs, face masks, or a dry scalp treatment.

How long is cooked oatmeal good for in the fridge? ›

Similarly to soups and stews, previously cooked or prepared oatmeal shouldn't be kept longer than about 3–4 days before you toss it. However, if you freeze it, it can be kept safely for up to 3 months (2, 4).

What is a fun way to eat oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal Toppings

Here are some additional ideas you could try: Fresh fruit – you can't go wrong with bananas and berries, but almost any fruit will work. I personally love my strawberries and cream and blueberry oatmeal. Dried fruit – add raisins, cranberries, dried cherries or dates to your bowl of oats.

How to jazz up oatmeal? ›

Additions for taste
  1. Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, apples, peaches, mango, or pears.
  2. Spices: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg.
  3. Natural sweeteners: a dash of maple syrup or honey.
  4. Unsweetened or lightly sweetened chocolate: shaved dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of 70% or more)
Apr 19, 2022

Is there a use for expired oatmeal? ›

But what happens when you just don't get around to eating it and your oatmeal gets old and stale in your cupboard? Don't throw it out! Put it to use to improve your skin, soothe your pets, neutralize odors, make crafts, and more.

Can you eat week old oatmeal? ›

Prepared oats, which should be stored in the refrigerator, go bad much more quickly than dry oats, which can be shelf-stable for years. Like most prepared foods, prepared oats will probably last only 36 hours to seven days in the fridge.

Is it safe to eat cooked oatmeal left out overnight? ›

If not refrigerated and left at room temperature, bacteria can start to grow in cooked oatmeal, which is a concern for food safety. As such, any cooked oatmeal left outside of the fridge for 2 or more hours should be considered as expired, and consequently, put in the trash.

Can dogs eat oatmeal? ›

According to the American Kennel Club, you can typically feed dogs around one tablespoon (15 grams) of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds (9 kg) of body weight (16). Given its rich content of soluble fiber, oatmeal has also become an increasingly common ingredient in many types of commercial dog food ( 17 ).

How to reheat leftover oatmeal? ›

Recipe notes

Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk and cover with lid (knob lifted). Cook for 1-2 minutes per portion, or until the oatmeal is creamy and warmed through. Parent trick: Add some fresh fruit to each compartment for a variety of flavors.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  • Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  • Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  • Chocolate chips or other candy.
  • Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  • Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes.
  • Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

What does eating a bowl of oatmeal everyday do? ›

Benefits include lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protection against skin irritation, and reduced constipation. In addition, they are very filling, can be enjoyed several ways, and have many properties that should make them a food helpful for weight loss.

How to flavor oatmeal without sugar? ›

How To Sweeten Your Oatmeal Without Sugar
  1. 1. Fruits. Using the natural sweetness of fruits to your advantage is an easy way to add a sweet flavor to your oatmeal. ...
  2. Plant Milks. Oatmeal is delicious with plant milk like cashew, soy, or almond. ...
  3. Syrups and Nectars. ...
  4. Seed and Nut Butter. ...
  5. Spices. ...
  6. Extracts. ...
  7. Protein Powders.
Mar 7, 2023

What can I add to plain oatmeal to make it taste good? ›

8 Easy Ways to Make Oatmeal Taste Amazing (Seriously)
  1. Whip in Thinly Sliced Banana for Creamy Sweetness. ...
  2. Cook Oats in Milk to Boost Flavor and Protein. ...
  3. Add Apple and Spices for a Bowl That Tastes like Pie. ...
  4. Prefer Carrot Cake? ...
  5. Use a Spiced Tea Bag to Add Serious Flavor. ...
  6. Whisk in an Egg for High-Protein Breakfast Pudding.
Mar 17, 2021

What seasonings to add to oatmeal? ›

Add different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves. Add different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh fruit. Add a dollop of yogurt or Greek yogurt to your oatmeal for extra creaminess and protein.

How to make oatmeal a full meal? ›

Follow this formula for a balanced oatmeal:
  1. Start with oats. Gluten free? ...
  2. Add protein. Choose 1-2 of the following to add into cooked oats: 8 oz milk or soy milk or 1-2 scoops protein powder like collagen peptides, pea and rice protein powder or whey protein.
  3. Add healthy fat. ...
  4. Top with fresh seasonal fruit.
Jul 28, 2020

Can I use expired oatmeal as fertilizer? ›

Can oatmeal that has expired be used for plants? If you want to use it as a fertilizer, you need to compost it first. Otherwise it will just get moldy and become a real threat to your plants.

How do you freshen stale oatmeal? ›

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the old fashioned oats in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the oats for 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become fragrant.

Can I use expired oats for a bath? ›

But if you can't stand the taste or smell of expired oats? They can also be used to make homemade face masks, scrubs, and bath bombs — so feel free to get creative if you aren't ready to throw yours out just yet.

Does oatmeal absorb odors? ›

Oats are very absorbent and can even absorb unpleasant odors. Keep an open container of oats in your fridge and smell the difference! You can also leave oats out like an air freshener in any room of your house that could use a little freshening up.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 5664

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.