Loaded Banana Oatmeal

Do you ever have trouble deciding which kind of oatmeal to make in the morning because you kind of just want everything??

If so, this one's for YOU. It's like an Everything Bagel, without the garlic.

Normally, when we hear the word "loaded," we think of heart attacks like loaded chili or loaded baked potatoes, which usually feature bacon, sour cream, and junk food like "Funyuns." No, thanks.

THIS loaded concoction can be as healthy (or unhealthy) as you like. For a healthier route, look for toppings like fresh fruit, dried fruit, peanut butter, puffed rice, any type of yogurt, nuts, raw chia or hemp seed, banana butter, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, granola, or more sliced banana. You could also add maple syrup or honey on top.

For an unhealthier mix, try ingredients like chocolate chips, marshmallows (or marshmallow fluff), pretzels, various boxed cereals (why would you have COLD cereals in your pantry when you can have OATMEAL!?!), crushed Oreo's (or any type of cookie), whipped cream, ice cream, or basically anything that you might put on an ice cream sundae (caramel sauce, hot fudge, strawberrry topping, crushed candy bars, etc).

To be perfectly honest, typing up that second list made me twitch uncomfortably. I do not even purchase 99% of those items (the exception is chocolate chips). I can't even imagine putting junk food on my oatmeal! But, hey, if you want to, I'm not going to stop you. Like I always say, it's your breakfast! :)

My only word of caution: take caution with your toppings. Don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach! As you can see, I don't have a mountain of toppings on mine. I decided to do a large variety of toppings, but to just do a small amount of each. If you know you want a full mountain of toppings--but you have a small stomach like I do--I suggest reducing the amount of actual oatmeal and/or only using half a banana instead of a full one.

This one is fun. Be creative and see what you can come up with!

Loaded Banana Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 2 min

Cook Time: 5 min

6051270

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1 ripe banana (or just 1/2)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (omit if it won't complement your toppings)
• pinch of salt
• whatever toppings you want!

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. I also add a spoonful of milled flax at the same time as my oats.
2. Mash up banana and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, a tiny pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Stir.
4. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice, and then pile it high with any toppings you want! As for the order, I recommend putting bulky items like peanut butter, yogurt, jams, etc. first; then dried and fresh fruits, nuts, pretzels, etc.; and end with items like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, maple syrup, honey, caramel sauce, etc...but the order doesn't really matter. ;)

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**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account!  You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!