Holiday Oatmeal is filled with fresh apples, dried fruits, nuts, creamy oats, and brown sugar to create a deliciously filling hot breakfast.
Less than 15 minutes from start to finish and a piping hot, warm, and creamy breakfast can be on your table.
Holiday Oatmeal is a great way to start a crazy fun day of cooking and eating during the holidays or any other day of the year. Holiday morning or not, this oatmeal is a great way to start the day year-round.
This breakfast requires minimal fuss and it will keep the family full until the main eating event of the day.
I’ve made this oatmeal several times this fall already and it has become a tradition for our Thanksgiving breakfast.
You can make this with milk or water and it is great both ways. When I make this with water, I top each bowl with a pat of butter as well.
We’ve been making this oatmeal year-round for almost 8 years now. This is a huge favorite with both Sean and me as well as the kids.
Every guest we’ve ever served this to has requested the recipe. Whenever we have an abundance of apples in the kitchen, it’s a sure bet that they’ll make their way into our oatmeal in the morning.
Check out all of our Oatmeal Recipes! This time of year, Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal is another favorite, as are Slow Cooker Cranberry Almond Oatmeal, and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.
For more great ways to start the day, these Microwave Egg and Vegetable Sandwiches and these Rise and Shine Breakfast Burritos are both terrific on-the-go options.
Brunch Eggs are a great way to feed a crowd and make sure everyone has some protein on their plate too.
Kitchen Tip: I use this pan to make this recipe.
Holiday Oatmeal Recipe
- In a medium-size saucepan over medium heat, combine the oats, milk, apples, cranberries, pecans, and salt.
- Cook, stirring frequently until the oatmeal has thickened. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the bananas. Scoop into bowls and top with a tablespoon or so of brown sugar.
Holiday Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 5 1/2 cups milk or water
- 2 apples diced small, about 2 cups
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 medium bananas sliced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a medium size saucepan over medium heat, combine the oats, milk, apples, cranberries, pecans and salt.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the oatmeal has thickened. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the bananas. Scoop into bowls and top with a tablespoon or so of brown sugar. Enjoy!
Nutrition
{originally published 11/20/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/21/20}
Pam says
Now that is my kind of breakfast! It looks amazing.
Geni says
I would love this any morning!
Rebecca Subbiah says
great seasonal oatmeal recipe love it
Sherry says
That’s an anytime oatmeal … yummy !!
Blond Duck says
I could eat that every day!
Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover says
sound so healthy!
M says
Could this be re-warmed or eaten cold???
Mary says
I’ve never tried eating it cold, but it certainly can be reheated.
dlh says
does it keep to reheat only two of us.
Veronica says
I would like to make a big pot on Sunday and separate it into containers for the whole week. This looks spectacular!
Robyn Stortenbeker says
Anyone have the nutritional value of this please
Robyn Stortenbeker says
Looks absolutely delicious, can sugar be substituted with sweetener?
Rhonda says
Hello,
This recipe looks amazing!
I make breakfast every Christmas morning for my entire family, But we are vegan. Do you think I could use soy milk instead of regular milk and it would be OK? Also what would be a good substitute for brown sugar? Do you think I would be able to use the date sugar
Or just stick with organic brown sugar?
Thank you,
Rhonda ~
Mary says
You can absolutely use soy milk. I make this recipe with water at least half the time. Feel free to use any sweetener that you enjoy.
Laurel says
I have seen Brown Sugar Substitute in the store
Linda fox says
We needed a healthy and tasty recipe to replace fatty and salty meals we are accustomed to. So thankful for this recipe. Breakfast that is or even a cold evening by the fireplace.
Sue says
Looks delicious!! I’m going to try it with steel cut oats I think 🙂
Bev says
Would steel cut oats work? How would I adjust the recipe?
Cynthia says
This looks delicious but I only ever use steel cut oats it cooks for 30 minute could I use that for this? And could I use cashew or almond milk instead of regular milk?
Mary says
Yes, you can cook this with steel cut oats. I’d wait to add the fruit until close to the end of the cooking time though.
Cindy Senn says
Sounds yummy. We love oatmeal. Plan to serve soon.
Liz Hetrick says
This oatmeal looks yummy
Becky says
Looks like a healthy breakfast!
Kara says
Have you ever made this in a crock pot?
mokyfellow says
Sounds like Recipes that are very tasty. Bring them on please !!!!