
Oatmeal may not steal the spotlight, but it plays a key supporting role. To enhance its flavor, pair the mild, earthy oats with bold, exciting tastes and textures. A good starting point? Think of your favorite comfort foods. Pizza, for example, is a perfect match. Pizza crust is basic bread, oatmeal is basic oats—anything that works on pizza will work on oatmeal. It’s just science.
Oatmeal may not be the star of the dish—it’s more of a fiber-packed sidekick. To make it truly delicious, pair its subtle, earthy flavor with bold ingredients and textures. A great source of inspiration? Your favorite foods. Take pizza: its crust is just simple bread, and oatmeal is, well, simple oats. Anything that works on pizza crust will pair perfectly with oatmeal. That’s science for you.
Cook your regular oatmeal as usual, following the package instructions or to your preference. I brought one cup of water to a boil and added a half cup of oats, cooking until the water was absorbed and the oats softened. Add two or three generous tablespoons of shredded mozzarella—measuring it by the pinch with my fingers. Stir in the cheese until it melts into the hot oats, then mix in two tablespoons of marinara sauce and a pinch of salt.
The cheese transforms into velvety, stretchy strands, and the tomato sauce bursts with bright, tangy, and sharp flavors. It’s like a pizza in a bowl. I opted for a simple tomato sauce with garlic and onions, but next time I might try something heartier, like a meat sauce such as bolognese. This is a ‘plain slice,’ but if you're a fan of toppings, now's the perfect time to go wild. I added some sliced olives and extra cheese. You could also go for pepperoni slices, torn basil, caramelized onions, crumbled sausage, anchovies, or, to make me proud, some ham and pineapple. Mix it all in or arrange them on top for that classic pizza vibe.
