Ultimate Oatmeal & Toppings Bar Ideas

ByChris Posted on

An oatmeal toppings bar is perfect for stylish brunch entertaining. Find out how to set up a self-serve breakfast station that your guests will love!

Hot Cereal Breakfast Bar brunch entertaining

If you’re looking for breakfast bar ideas, why not add this oatmeal toppings bar for easy entertaining! There are lots of choices including fruit and protein, and it’s easy to do!

I’m not a big breakfast eater during the week, but on the weekends we love to host brunch parties. This DIY oatmeal & toppings buffet is something you can create for overnight guests, family, and friends.

I started by cooking a batch of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 8 grain Hot Cereal and transferring it to a small crock pot to keep it warm. Make things easier by giving the cooking task to your partner while you set up the food table.

The hot cereal is filling and provides a blank canvas for flavors! Follow my tips and topping suggestions, and for more self-serve ideas check out this ultimate bagel bar brunch and this donut bar with toppings. 

Breakfast Bar set up for brunch in white dishes and colorful bowls
dried fruit and granola in bowls for Cereal Breakfast Bar
nuts in bowls for Hot Cereal toppings
colorful brunch buffet overhead view
breakfast bar for brunch entertaining
colorful tea glasses on breakfast bar
oatmeal bowl
hard boiled eggs and yogurt cups
topping hot oatmeal
Bobs Red Mill hot cereal in small crock pot

How to Set Up a Self-Serve Oatmeal Bar

I like my hot cereal sweetened but not TOO sweet so I like that I can add just the amount of sugar I want.

Sweeteners

  • Brown Sugar
  • Honey
  • Real Maple Syrup
  • Nutella

Fruit 

Dried and fresh fruit is a great way to add texture and layer on more flavor.

  • Cranberries, dried
  • Apricots, dried
  • Dried pineapple
  • Yogurt covered raisins
  • Fresh Strawberries are great but freeze dried strawberries add a tasty crunch
  • Blueberries, fresh

Nuts

When you start your day with something like cereal you need to balance those carbs with plenty of protein. Nuts, nut butters, and seeds are a great way to do that.

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Almond butter
  • Sunflower seeds

Extras

  • Crunchy Granola adds texture and more flavor. There are tons of great varieties you can buy, or make your own simple granola.
  • A small carafe of half & half turns your cereal bowl into a traditional treat. Think “strawberries & cream” or “peaches & cream.”
  • Round out your breakfast bar with more protein options like hard boiled eggs and Greek yogurt. Put single servings of yogurt in a large bowl filled with ice to keep them chilled during the meal.
  • Provide milk and a couple of juice options to wash it all down. Set up a coffee bar too if you like.
  • Choose from a wide variety of Bob’s Red Mill hot cereals to serve at your breakfast bar.

PARTY TIP: Use a small crock pot to keep the oatmeal warm. Use the Low or Warm setting.

Favorite Oatmeal Bowl Combinations

Top a bowl of oatmeal with these delicious combos.

  • Honey, strawberries, cream, and walnuts.
  • Almond butter, blueberries, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
  • Bananas and Nutella.

Table Decor

Style the brunch table with an eclectic mix for a Casual look

  • A mélange of colors brightens up the table in the morning. I used a pretty fabric square as a table cloth and draped it casually over the table.
  • An assortment of decorative mini serving bowls {from Target} continue the color and pattern play on the table. The colorful fruit actually becomes part of the decorative palette.
  • A tall ceramic canister is used as a flower vase. The vibrant colors echo those of the table setting.
  • Serve drinks in Moroccan style tea glasses.
  • Serve cream, milk, and juice from carafes to eliminate commercial packaging.

What oatmeal toppings and combinations would you put together?

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7 Comments

    1. Thanks Tori. I think the colors are a real ‘pick-me-up’ during these cold winter months 🙂

  3. 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…. : )

  4. 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.

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