Ultimate Oatmeal Toppings Bar Ideas

How to set up the ultimate oatmeal toppings bar with the best ideas for topping combinations, how to keep oatmeal warm, and how to create an inviting breakfast bar that’s perfect for parties and entertaining.

table set up with lots of bowls filled with toppings for oatmeal bar.

One of my favorite ways to entertain is with food stations, especially breakfast buffets. This oatmeal bar is a crowd pleaser that makes a great start to your day during winter months, holidays, or weekend gatherings. 

Follow my tips and ideas for setting it all up, and hosting with ease. And for more self-serve brunch ideas check out the ultimate bagel bar brunch and this donut toppings bar

Why You’ll Love This Idea

  • Hot oatmeal is filling and provides a blank canvas for a variety of flavors and textures that range from healthy to indulgent. It’s fun to create for overnight guests, family, and friends!
  • Nothing brings people together in a more natural way than a self-serve food bar. It’s a conversation starter as guests mingle over the selections. Great for meetings or church groups.
  • It’s easy on the host, and can be prepped ahead. Set things up the night before so all you have to do in the morning is cook the oatmeal and fill the serving bowls. As for guests, they get to create their own custom meal.
  • A DIY oatmeal bar can be integrated into almost any brunch occasion from showers, to birthday celebrations, to holidays. Incorporate one into Christmas morning or Easter brunch.
5 bowls of oatmeal with different toppings on each.

What You Need

  • Oatmeal. My favorite brand is Bob’s Red Mill and you can get it in 1-pound or 2-pound bags which will feed about 8 to 15 people respectively. I’ve provided instructions for cooking in the recipe card below, but the best thing to do is follow the directions on the package for your specific brand. You can make more or less depending on your crowd. 
    • Look for “Old Fashioned Rolled Oats’. You do not want to use instant oatmeal! 
    • Using a multi-grain “Hot Cereal” is also a terrific option. I used 5-Grain Hot Cereal here. It contains a blend of oats and other delicious whole grains.
  • Liquid. I like to use water to cook the oatmeal for a crowd because you know it will fit into everyone’s diet and it’s readily available. However, if you’re making small batches and want to add some creaminess, you can use milk or milk substitute instead.
  • Toppings. The assortment can be as big or small as your budget allows. Most people are partial to sweet toppings but there are a few savory options as well. See the full list below, and remember you’ll need enough bowls, jars, and other vessels to place them in.

Quick Tip

The golden ratio for cooking oatmeal is 1:2, meaning 1 cup of rolled oats to 2 cups of liquid (water or milk). Always add salt when cooking. If you’re using ‘hot cereal,’ the ratio is 1:3, cereal to liquid.

two photo collage of oatmeal bowls with various toppings.

Best Toppings

This list includes my favorite items to create your oatmeal bowl. Some are on the healthy side while others are more indulgent. In addition you could include a small pitcher of nut milk, soy milk, cream, or half and half for guests to add.

Sweeteners

This includes pourable and stir-in ingredients that can act as a base to sweeten the oatmeal. 

  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Real maple syrup
  • Peanut butter
  • Almond butter
  • Cookie butter
  • Jam or fruit preserves
  • Nutella

Fresh Fruit

For quick and simple preparation, provide fresh berries that don’t need to be sliced.

  • Berries. Blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, cherries. I suggest you choose 1 to 3 fresh berries so there are choices but not overwhelming.
  • Bananas. I recommend getting smaller bananas and make sure they have a bit of dark coloring on the peel. That way you know they’ll be soft and sweet.
  • Apples. I prefer to cut them into small chunks, but thin slices also works. Honey Crisp apples are good to use because they don’t turn brown after being cut. For other apples you can toss the chunks in lemon juice to stop the browning.
  • Peaches, sliced
  • Kiwi, diced or sliced

Dried Fruit

Add 2 or 3 options with different flavor profiles. For example, dried cherries, dried pineapple, and banana chips. However, if you’re already serving the fresh variety, there’s no need to double up with the dried variety of the same fruit.

  • Cranberries (Craisins) 
  • Raisins
  • Apricots, diced
  • Pineapple
  • Chopped dates
  • Mango
  • Papaya 
  • Cherries
  • Freeze dried strawberries
  • Banana chips
  • Yogurt covered berries
two photo collage of oatmeal bowls with different topping combinations.

Crunchy 

I’m a big fan of texture so adding these crunchy toppings brings the dish alive!

  • Granola. Make it homemade or purchase.
  • Coconut. Toasted flakes or shaved coconut.
  • Trail mix. Any combination you like will work.

Nuts & Seeds

These add crunch and savory balance to the sweet toppings. When lightly toasting the nuts, heat them in a 375º F oven for about 7 to 10 minutes or until they start to turn a shade darker and become fragrant. Do this several days ahead and store in an airtight container.

  • Almonds, lightly toasted. Whole, sliced, or slivered
  • Pecans, lightly toasted. Halves or chopped is best. To make a sweet version, try candied pecans.
  • Walnuts, lightly toasted
  • Pistachios
  • Cashews 
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) 

Spices

A little pinch or a sprinkle of spices can add depth to the flavors in your bowl.

  • Cinnamon
  • Pumpkin spice
  • Ground Nutmeg
  • Ground Ginger

Indulgent Toppings

These toppings are a category all their own as it includes items not typically served on oatmeal (or breakfast in most cases). However, they certainly add a special touch and are a winner with kids!

  • Chocolate chips or chunks
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Apple pie filling in lieu of fresh diced apples; also cherry or blueberry filling can work.
  • Chopped candies. Peanut butter cups, Snickers, Kit Kat, Twix, etc.
  • Crushed cookies. Oreos, Nutter Butters, Biscoff cookies, etc.
  • Cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Captain Crunch, Fruit Loops, etc.

Savory Toppings

As I mentioned above, sweet toppings are where it’s at for topping plain oatmeal. But if you want to delve into the savory side, here are some good choices.

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, pepper jack)
  • Feta cheese crumbles
  • Goat cheese, crumbled
  • Butter
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Avocado, slices or diced
  • Caramelized onions
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Everything Bagel seasoning 
  • Salt (flaked) and pepper
bowl of oatmeal topped with peanut butter, strawberry preserves, chocolate chips and almonds.

Topping Combinations

The ideas for flavor combos are endless! Here are some suggestions to get you started.

  • Classic PB&J – peanut butter, jam or preserves, nuts.
  • Elvis Presley – peanut butter & bananas.
  • Peanut Butter Cup – peanut butter & chocolate chips.
  • Peanut butter & honey.
  • Banana Nut bread – sliced bananas, walnuts, cinnamon, brown sugar.
  • Bananas, coconut, chocolate chips, chopped apricots.
  • Almond Joy – chocolate chips, almonds, coconut.
  • Apple Pie – diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, pecans or walnuts.
  • Tropical Island Vibes – banana, coconut, dried pineapple, seeds.
  • Peaches & Cream – peaches, cinnamon, pecans, milk or half and half.
  • Strawberries & Cream – fresh strawberries, honey, walnuts, cream.
  • Bacon & Maple Syrup.
  • Blueberries, dried pineapple, coconut, almonds.
  • Banana & Nutella.
  • Blueberries, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, almond butter.
  • Strawberry, Nutella, and Coconut. 
  • Blueberries, bananas, pumpkin seeds, honey.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberries, granola, walnuts, Nutella.
  • Fresh strawberries, bananas, honey or maple syrup, milk. 

PARTY TIP: Lay out all the bowls for toppings the night before. Then you just have to fill them in the morning.

What To Serve With Oatmeal

When you start your day with carbs, you need to balance it with plenty of protein. Here I’ve set out individual yogurt cups on a bed of ice to keep them chilled. All the toppings for the oatmeal can double as toppings for the yogurt too!

white bowl filled with eggs, white bowl filled with yogurt cups, and bottles of juice and milk on table.

You can also fill a medium-size bowl with hard boiled eggs. These are simple to prepare ahead, refrigerate, and serve when ready. To save time you can buy a package of hard boiled eggs already peeled.

Other good protein options are bacon or charcuterie meats, chicken quiche or vegetarian quiche, and scrambled eggs kept in a chafing dish or slow cooker to stay warm.

How To Keep Oatmeal Warm

Once you’ve made the oatmeal on the stove, transfer it to a small crock pot to keep it warm during a party or meeting. Keep it on the lowest setting and serve with a large spoon or ladle. Alternatively, you can use a pretty chafing dish.

table covered with fabric, with lots of small bowls filled with toppings for oatmeal.

How To Set Up A Toppings Bar

Use an area in your home that’s near an outlet. A kitchen counter or island works well, or a dining table that you can push against a wall. Lay a foundation with a pretty fabric that coordinates with your theme or occasion.

small white slow cooker with cooked oatmeal inside.

Place a slow cooker on the table where it can be plugged in, and provide a large serving spoon or ladle so guests can help themselves. 

table set for oatmeal bar, with toppings in bowls.

Add bowls, spoons, and napkins for guests, bowls and spoons for toppings, mini pitchers or jars for liquid items, and spice shakers.

flower centerpiece on table with lots of bowl holding breakfast bar toppings for oatmeal and yogurt.

Add fresh flowers and any seasonal decorations to make it special.

Use cakes stands, tiered servers, or footed compotes to add height and make items in the back easier to reach.

carafes of milk and juice, with colorful tea glasses on the side.

Place juice or milk in bottles, carafes, or pitchers to eliminate commercial packaging. Provide glasses and mugs as needed. Adults may want coffee or mimosas, while kids enjoy orange juice, apple juice, or sparkling cider. 

Helpful Tips

  • Set up the bar the night before so it’s all ready in the morning. All you have to do is open packages and pour into their serving vessels.
  • Cook the oatmeal on the stovetop and then transfer to a warm crock pot. Keep it on a low setting for the party.
  • If you want to have formal seating, create a lovely tablescape separately, that coordinates with your theme.
  • If serving butter, cheese, cold fruit or maple syrup that’s been stored in the fridge, take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before so they can warm up to room temperature. For butter, it’s best to take out an hour ahead.
  • If you’re serving bacon, cook it in the oven for a large quantity at once.
  • Complete the party with a coffee bar where guests can help themselves. Set it up away from the food so there’s no traffic jam.

You and your guests are going to love this oatmeal toppings bar idea, and it’s perfect for hosting a weekend brunch or special occasion.

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Oatmeal Toppings Bar

Oatmeal Toppings Bar

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Host a fun brunch party with an oatmeal bar and toppings galore! Choose from the options below that range from sweet to savory, crunchy to creamy, and healthy to indulgent.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Rolled Oats (not instant)
  • 8 cups Water
  • 1 teaspoons salt

Sweeteners

  • Brown sugar, Honey, Maple syrup, Peanut butter, Almond butter, Jam or fruit preserves, Nutella, cookie butter

Fresh fruit

  • Bananas, berries, apples, peaches, kiwi

Dried fruit

  • Cranberries (Craisins), Raisins, Apricots, Pineapple, Chopped dates, Mango, Papaya, Cherries, Freeze dried strawberries, Banana chips, Yogurt covered berries

Nuts & seeds

  • Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts, Pistachios, Cashews, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds

Crunchy Toppings

  • Granola, Coconut, Trail Mix

Spices

  • Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie spice, Nutmeg, Ginger

Savory

  • Crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, Feta cheese, Goat cheese, diced tomato, avocado, butter, caramelized onions, Everything Bagel seasoning, flaked salt, pepper

Other

  • Crushed cookies or candies, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, apple pie filling, cereal

Instructions

  1. To cook your oatmeal, bring water and salt to a boil. 
  2. Add the rolled oats and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or 12 minutes for a creamier consistency. NOTE: Check the instructions on the package for the cooking time for the particular brand of rolled oats you use.
  3. Choose a few toppings from each category and place them in small serving bowls. Top hot oatmeal with your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Notes

As an alternative to oatmeal, use a 'Hot Cereal' multi-grain mix. Cook according to directions using 1 party cereal to 3 party water.

Keep oatmeal hot in a small crockpot on Low or Warm setting. A chafing dish will also work.

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9 Comments

  1. I’m with Jessica. Bob’s Red Mill is my go to for so many things. Now I want to have company over and do this! I see no reason to not add mimosas…. : )

  2. LOVE Bob’s Red Mill! We buy a ton of these products-ground flax, almond flour, cornmeal and lots more. This is just perfect for a weekend with guests. A nice alternative to a big labor-intensive brunch.

    1. I agree, Jessica. Restaurant style breakfasts are great but sometimes you just want to keep prep simple. This is a fantastic, healthy alternative.