Quarantine Cuisine: 30 Healthy Recipes You Can Easily Make at Home Right Now
Who knew quarantine cooking could be so tasty?
Oatmeal is the quintessential Western breakfast grain, but it’s not exactly something most people salivate for.
It can be though!
As you’ll see with these 20 inventive recipes, oatmeal makes a great base for everything from the routine, like berries, to the downright unusual, like zucchini.
For example, try Berry Shortcake Overnight Oats, which are reminiscent of the classic dessert, and can be prepared the night before for an effortless morning meal. Or whip up some sweet and savory Lemon, Thyme & Honey Oatmeal, which combines lemon zest and lemon juice with Greek yogurt, fresh thyme and pure honey.
With an oatmeal recipe list like this, you’ll look forward to waking up each morning and trying another one!
Enjoy!
This breakfast might be simple, but it’s the kind of oatmeal you’d pay way more for in a restaurant. Yet at home, you can make it in 10 minutes, and the recipe is adaptable to use any fruit or nuts you have on hand.
Make the oatmeal in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Once it’s finished, stir in the protein powder and berries. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt, and sprinkle almonds on top.
275
Calories33 g
Protein27 g
Carbs5 g
Fat1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
Pinch of salt
1 scoop WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
1/2 cup blueberries
1 Tbsp. vanilla Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp. slivered almonds
Get the RecipeOnce you try one of these wholesome oatmeal cream pies, you won’t go back to Little Debbie’s. Instead of tasting like sugar with a creamy sugar filling, this dessert is full of bananas and peanut butter.
Start by baking a double batch of vegan oatmeal banana cookies, so you wind up with about 4 dozen. Then make buttercream that replaces half of the butter (or non-dairy alternative) with all-natural peanut butter.
294
Calories4 g
Protein41 g
Carbs14 g
FatOatmeal Banana Cookies:
2 overripe bananas, mashed
2/3 cup grapeseed oil
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 cups rolled oats
Peanut Butter Banana Buttercream:
1/2 cup Earth Balance buttery spread (or butter)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 overripe banana
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
Get the RecipeTo make a bowl of protein oatmeal, you just need three ingredients – and that includes the oats and liquid. It’s plain, which makes it a good base for everything from peanut butter and jam to bacon and cheddar.
If you have fresh pears or apples and some extra time, cook the fruit in boiled water until soft. The warm pears are especially delicious when preparing to brave the cold weather, and you’ll have leftovers to reheat for a nourishing dessert.
288
Calories20 g
Protein62 g
Carbs8 g
FatProtein Porridge:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 Tbsp. whey protein isolate
Stewed Pears:
5 pears
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. brown rice syrup
Get the RecipeBoxed oatmeal bars don’t have anything on these. Instead of corn syrup, there’s vanilla protein powder. That means there’s more protein than carbs in these peanut butter chocolate oatmeal bars, although the exact amounts vary depending on the kind of protein powder used.
No matter what, they beat the packaged oatmeal bars in terms of flavor and nutrition – with no added sugar.
218
Calories20 g
Protein17 g
Carbs9 g
Fat1 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Get the RecipeMost oatmeal cookies are not a nutritious breakfast. Try this protein shake instead. It tastes like your favorite cookie without any butter or sugar, and you can choose to use honey, maple syrup, agave, or stevia to sweeten this smoothie.
With non-fat cottage cheese, this oatmeal smoothie has practically zero grams of fat. And if you pick a protein powder like LEGION that doesn’t contain fillers, the combo of whey and cottage cheese can add up to 45 grams of protein per shake.
296
Calories45 g
Protein21 g
Carbs4 g
Fat1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese
1 scoop WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
1 tsp. honey (or 1 packet stevia)
Handful of ice
1/2 cup water (or more for thinner consistency)
2 Tbsp. old-fashioned oats
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Get the RecipePie for breakfast? This baked oatmeal is served up like strawberry pie, so it’s guaranteed to be a delicious start to your day.
It’s also nutritious with vitamin C and minerals like copper from the strawberries, fiber from the coconut, and slow-digesting carbs from the oats. For a boost of protein, serve with Greek yogurt.
277
Calories4 g
Protein57 g
Carbs6 g
Fat2 cups Special K Red Berries (or other strawberry cereal), divided
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup strawberries, mashed or pureed
3 cups sliced strawberries, divided
Get the RecipeShortcake with berries and cream is a classic summer dessert, and with this easy oatmeal, now you can have it for breakfast too.
Stir all the ingredients together the night before, and you’ll have chilled oatmeal ready in the morning. It’s a great way to prepare a make-ahead breakfast without eggs or baking. Overnight oats are also well-balanced nutritionally with over 20 grams of protein but less than 5 grams of fat.
290
Calories23 g
Protein42 g
Carbs4 g
Fat1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2 Tbsp. (1/2 scoop) WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
1/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Tbsp. pure honey (or stevia)
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1/8 tsp. butter flavoring (optional)
1/4 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup blueberries
Whipped topping (optional garnish)
Get the RecipeAlthough these look like muffins, they’re made with double the oats for a mini version of baked oatmeal. Nutritionally, these are closer to a bowl of oatmeal since they have no flour. But if you’re used to making muffins, the preparation will feel familiar.
Start by mixing together all the dry ingredients in one bowl. Then, gently stir in most of the wet ingredients – eggs, applesauce, and mashed banana, and honey – and add the milk last. Divide between muffin cups, and bake for a half hour.
140
Calories4 g
Protein27 g
Carbs2 g
Fat2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 banana, mashed
1/2 cup pure honey (or 1 1/2 tsp. stevia powder)
4 cups rolled oats
2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 1/4 cups low-fat milk
Get the RecipeThese three-ingredient pancakes are easier and healthier than starting with a prepared mix. Whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, and oats. Then add the batter to a greased pan to cook.
You can also add all kinds of mix-ins to these cottage cheese pancakes, including peanut butter, fresh fruit, or spices. Toppings like a PB2 yogurt drizzle can also add flavor and nutrition.
446
Calories38 g
Protein33 g
Carbs18 g
FatThis oatmeal is inspired by apple pie. While it has many of the same ingredients – fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans – there’s no butter. And all you have to do to prepare this is cut up the apples and measure the ingredients, making it great for busy mornings when you can’t bear to skimp on breakfast.
This pie-flavored oatmeal is also delicious enough to have on holidays or serve to houseguests.
282
Calories7 g
Protein44 g
Carbs10 g
Fat1 1/2 cups skim milk
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups rolled oats
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Get the RecipeThis savory oatmeal combines breakfast favorites in an unexpected way. A plate of bacon and cheesy eggs is perfect in the morning, and a bowl of oatmeal can also hit the spot. So why not combine them in one awesome breakfast?
With so many components, it will take more time to assemble than a regular bowl of oatmeal. That makes it great for weekends and holidays.
509
Calories31 g
Protein18 g
Carbs36 g
Fat3 slices bacon
4 oz. crimini mushrooms
2 large eggs
1/2 cup steel-cut oats
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 cup low-fat milk
1 cup (4 oz.) sharp white cheddar, grated
2 cups water
Get the RecipeHow can you make chocolate suitable for breakfast? Add oats, to start. This also has chai tea to kick start your morning with a blend of spices and a bit of caffeine (unless you choose decaf).
And since the flavor only comes from a couple teaspoons of cocoa powder, this bowl of chocolate oatmeal delivers less than 5 grams of fat. To make it richer, however, you can choose to stir in peanut butter or coconut oil.
178
Calories7 g
Protein30 g
Carbs4 g
Fat1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 chai tea bags
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. pure honey (or sweetener to taste)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Get the RecipeTake overnight oatmeal a step further. After soaking the oats, apples, and dates in almond milk overnight, they can be blended together for a breakfast smoothie. Since there’s no frozen fruit, this breakfast smoothie is more suitable for chilly mornings.
It’s a good idea to add a scoop of protein powder before blending, although you might need more almond milk to reach the desired consistency.
467
Calories11 g
Protein94 g
Carbs10 g
Fat1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 medium apple, peeled and cored
2 Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Get the RecipeSince these oatmeal cookies are full of tropical fruit, they don’t require any added sugar or alternative sweeteners. There’s plenty of flavor from the banana, pineapple, and coconut.
And if you can’t find MELT spread, substitute an equal amount of coconut oil, plus a squeeze of honey or sprinkle of brown sugar.
141
Calories3 g
Protein15 g
Carbs8 g
Fat1 ripe banana
1/2 cup honey MELT organic spread
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
Get the RecipeThis oatmeal apple crisp is lightly sweetened, making it good for breakfast or dessert. As an Amish recipe, it keeps things simple with oats, butter, and spices. And you can make this baked oatmeal even easier by omitting the apples altogether.
Or, get creative with mix-ins like nuts and dried fruit. Just stir them into the flour before adding the milk and eggs.
231
Calories6 g
Protein32 g
Carbs10 g
Fat3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbsp. butter (or coconut oil), melted
2 large apples, peeled and diced
Get the RecipeIt might seem healthy to have a piece of zucchini bread for breakfast, but sometimes those low-sugar baked goods are loaded with fat in the form of butter or oil. This bowl of oatmeal has the flavor you love in zucchini bread, and it only requires a handful of ingredients.
Mix together the oats, milk, and spices in a pot, and bring to a boil. Then stir in grated zucchini and brown sugar to simmer until cooked.
242
Calories7 g
Protein36 g
Carbs8 g
Fat1/3 cup oats
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup grated zucchini
1 Tbsp. brown sugar (or sweetener or choice)
Get the RecipeThis oatmeal is both sweet and savory. Lemon zest and lemon juice are the dominant flavor, with fresh thyme to complement it. This might sound like it’s better suited for chicken breast, but thyme can also be used in desserts.
The earthy herb also pairs well with blueberries or apricots, so either fruit would work as a topping.
304
Calories21 g
Protein46 g
Carbs5 g
Fat1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp. lemon zest
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup milk
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tsp. pure honey (plus more to serve)
Get the RecipeMost overnight oats wind up being chilled, which is good for warm weather. But this is a warm overnight oatmeal that doesn’t require a Crock Pot.
Instead it stands at room temperature overnight. Then in the morning, heat it over the stove until the mixture comes to a boil. This process helps break down the oats for digestion, and it’s adaptable to use up whatever suits your diet.
212
Calories6 g
Protein38 g
Carbs5 g
Fat2 cups rolled oats
2 cups water
2 Tbsp. lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. buckwheat or rye (optional)
Get the RecipeThis bowl of protein-packed oatmeal is made to fuel muscle growth. And believe it or not, getting 50 grams of protein for breakfast doesn’t require any protein powder.
This recipe relies on egg whites, peanut butter, cottage cheese, and 5 grams of protein from the oats themselves. It makes a massive serving that you can easily share with a friend, especially with a selection of toppings like nuts, fruit, or seeds.
589
Calories50 g
Protein50 g
Carbs21 g
Fat1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
4 large egg whites
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. peanut butter
1/2 banana
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Get the RecipeOatmeal doesn’t have to be bland. Instead, transform those oats into a healthy version of dessert.
This recipe uses lemon juice and sugar-free pudding to make overnight oatmeal that tastes like pie. If it’s easier to use plain Greek yogurt and vanilla pudding for convenience, simply add more lemon juice to taste.
You can also boost the flavor by mixing in a teaspoon of lemon zest.
494
Calories51 g
Protein59 g
Carbs6 g
Fat1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Tbsp. coconut flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 scoops WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 banana
1/4 cup nonfat lemon Greek yogurt
1 serving lemon sugar-free instant pudding
Get the RecipeWho knew quarantine cooking could be so tasty?
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We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!
Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you’re outside the USA, your order ships free when it’s over $199.
Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.
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