Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal
A quick, nutritious twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly flavor, this oatmeal is creamy, protein-packed, and perfect for breakfast or meal prep. Ready in just 7 minutes, it combines fiber-rich oats, chia seeds, and peanut butter for a heart-healthy, satisfying start to your day.
Equipment
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 Bowl (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 3 Tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp strawberry jam
- 1 Tbsp peanuts
Instructions
- Warm the Milk: Pour 1 cup of your preferred milk—dairy or plant-based—into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the milk to gently warm. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top and to distribute the heat evenly, creating a smooth base for your oatmeal.
- Add Oats and Chia Seeds: Once the milk is warm, stir in 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Mix thoroughly so that the oats are fully submerged and the chia seeds are evenly dispersed. This ensures that every spoonful will have a consistent texture and nutritional boost.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep a close eye on the saucepan, as milk can foam up quickly. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and scorching. The oats and chia seeds will start absorbing the liquid, releasing their natural thickness.
- Simmer Until Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the oats from clumping and to encourage a creamy consistency. The chia seeds will begin to swell, adding natural thickness and a subtle gel-like texture. Continue stirring until the oats reach a soft, creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your oatmeal to check the texture. If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, add a splash more milk. For a richer flavor, you can gently stir in a tiny pinch of salt. This step helps balance the natural sweetness of the jam and peanut butter.
- Transfer to Serving Bowl: Using a spoon or spatula, carefully pour the hot, creamy oatmeal into a bowl. Make sure to scrape all of the mixture from the saucepan so none of the goodness is left behind.
- Add Peanut Butter: Dollop 3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter on top of the oatmeal. For extra creaminess, you can gently swirl it into the oats using the back of a spoon, or leave it as a soft topping that melts slightly with the residual heat.
- Top with Strawberry Jam: Spoon 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam on top of the peanut butter layer. You can create little pockets of jam for bursts of fruity sweetness or swirl it into the oats for an even distribution of flavor.
- Garnish with Peanuts: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of peanuts over the top to add a satisfying crunch. This adds texture contrast, protein, and healthy fats, making each bite both delicious and nutritious.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm for a comforting breakfast or a quick meal any time of day. Optional: pair it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats for a creamier, chewy texture; quick oats will cook faster but may become mushy.
- Chia seeds add natural thickness and a nutritional boost; you can substitute flax seeds if desired.
- Milk choice impacts creaminess and flavor—dairy milk offers richness, while almond, soy, or oat milk keeps it plant-based.
- Peanut butter should be natural or unsweetened to avoid excess sugar and keep the dish healthy.
- Peanuts on top provide crunch and extra protein; lightly roasting them enhances flavor.
- Jam options can be customized—strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry all work well.
