Nutella Oatmeal
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of oatmeal, especially when it’s infused with the decadent flavors of chocolate and hazelnut. Enter Nutella Oatmeal: a deliciously creamy breakfast that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich, velvety taste of Nutella. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a great way to start your day with a nutritious meal that keeps you satisfied until lunch. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish, what you need to make it, and how to prepare it with ease.
Reasons to Love Nutella Oatmeal
Nutella Oatmeal is more than just a breakfast; it’s a delightful experience. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:
– **Comfort Food:** Oatmeal is a classic comfort food that warms your soul, especially on chilly mornings.
– **Nutritious:** Packed with rolled oats, this dish offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals that nourish your body.
– **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the sweetness and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
– **Quick to Prepare:** In just a few minutes, you can whip up a bowl of deliciousness without any fuss.
– **Indulgent Flavor:** The combination of Nutella and cocoa powder creates a rich, chocolatey experience that feels like a treat.
Ingredient List
To make Nutella Oatmeal, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups low fat/skim or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons Nutella (or any healthier hazelnut cacao spread)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons natural sweetener of choice or raw sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats (or quick oats)
- 1 tablespoon light butter (optional; for flavor, can substitute with coconut oil or omit)
- Crushed hazelnuts for topping
- Chocolate chips for extra indulgence
- Extra Nutella for drizzling on top
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right gear on hand:
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the oatmeal.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.
- Bowl: For serving the oatmeal once it’s cooked.
- Knife (optional): For chopping hazelnuts if they are not pre-crushed.
Cook Nutella Oatmeal Like This
Follow these simple steps to create your Nutella Oatmeal:
Step 1: Heat the Milk
In a medium saucepan, pour in 4 cups of low fat, skim, or almond milk. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but do not let it boil.
Step 2: Add Oats and Cocoa
Once the milk is simmering, stir in the 2 cups of rolled oats and 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well to ensure the cocoa is fully incorporated into the milk.
Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture
Add in 2 tablespoons of your chosen natural sweetener or raw sugar. Stir continuously as the oats cook, allowing them to absorb the flavors and thicken.
Step 4: Incorporate Nutella
After about 5-7 minutes, when the oats are cooked to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Nutella, allowing it to melt and blend into the oatmeal, creating a creamy texture.
Step 5: Add Butter (Optional)
If you’re using light butter, add it now for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer coconut oil for a healthier option, feel free to substitute.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Nutella Oatmeal into bowls and top with crushed hazelnuts and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. For a finishing touch, drizzle a little extra Nutella on top.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, consider these swaps:
- Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of low fat or skim milk for a dairy-free option.
- Replace Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread for those with nut allergies.
- Opt for gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free recipe.
- Use a sugar substitute if you’re cutting down on sugar or following a low-carb diet.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Making Nutella Oatmeal is straightforward, but even experienced cooks can make a few common mistakes:
- Not stirring enough: Make sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Overcooking the oats: Keep an eye on your cooking time to ensure the oats stay creamy and don’t turn gummy.
- Using too much cocoa: Balance is key; too much cocoa can overpower the hazelnut flavor.
- Forgetting to garnish: Toppings like hazelnuts and chocolate chips not only enhance flavor but also add texture and visual appeal.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
If you find yourself with leftover Nutella Oatmeal, here’s how to store it:
- Store: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Just remember to leave some space for expansion.
- Reheat: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Handy Q&A
Can I make Nutella Oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use almond milk and omit the butter or use coconut oil as a substitute. Nutella can be replaced with a vegan hazelnut spread.
Can I add fruit to my Nutella Oatmeal?
Yes! Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or raspberries make a great addition and enhance the nutritional value.
How can I make this oatmeal richer in protein?
Consider adding a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter to increase the protein content while enhancing flavor.
Is Nutella Oatmeal suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare a big batch and store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
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- Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Energy Bites
- Berry Almond Smoothie Bowl
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
See You at the Table
Nutella Oatmeal is more than a breakfast; it’s an indulgent way to treat yourself while still fueling your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weekday morning or as a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and let’s savor the delightful flavors together. Your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Nutella Oatmeal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, pour in 4 cups of low fat, skim, or almond milk. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Once the milk is simmering, stir in the 2 cups of rolled oats and 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well to ensure the cocoa is fully incorporated into the milk.
- Add in 2 tablespoons of your chosen natural sweetener or raw sugar. Stir continuously as the oats cook, allowing them to absorb the flavors and thicken.
- After about 5-7 minutes, when the oats are cooked to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Nutella, allowing it to melt and blend into the oatmeal, creating a creamy texture.
- If you’re using light butter, add it now for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer coconut oil for a healthier option, feel free to substitute.
- Spoon the Nutella Oatmeal into bowls and top with crushed hazelnuts and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. For a finishing touch, drizzle a little extra Nutella on top.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- You can replace Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread if needed.
- Consider adding fresh fruits like bananas or strawberries for added nutrition and flavor.
