Oatmeal is an amazing food made with whole grains that are really good for us. Maybe you already know that oatmeal contains lots of fiber but did you know that the fiber found in oats, beta-glucan, can help lower cholesterol? Oatmeal is also packed with antioxidants and iron and can fight inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease and help you lose weight. Learn more about the health benefits of oats in 10 Unique Facts About the Almighty, Healthy Oatmeal to Make You Love Your Oats Even More and Why Every Athlete Needs Oats.

Now you might be saying, “Sure oatmeal is healthy, but it’s so boring.” Well, we’re here to tell you that’s just not true. That’s probably why today, October 29th, is National Oatmeal Day. Oatmeal can be a delicious and exciting; it’s all in how you prepare it. Think of the oatmeal as a blank canvas waiting for you to paint it with the colors and flavors of fresh fruit, warm spices, crunchy nuts and seeds, sweet syrups and chocolate – yes, chocolate!

It’s not that you don’t want oatmeal for breakfast. You just need better recipes. Try these 10 Healthy and Flavor Packed Oatmeal Bowls and try this trick of soaking overnight oats in coconut yogurt for added flavor and nutrition. Still not convinced? Try starting your day with these 12 vegan oatmeal dishes and we guarantee you’ll understand that oatmeal is a food worth celebrating!

1. Ambrosia Overnight Oatmeal

This Ambrosia Overnight Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast version of a classic Midwestern and Southern dessert. Ambrosia traditionally contains oranges, banana, coconut, pineapple, Maraschino cherries, and marshmallows. There is lots of fruit in this plus healthy coconut. It’s like having dessert for breakfast but better.

2. Matcha Oatmeal Pancakes

Who says oatmeal has to be served in a bowl? These Matcha Oatmeal Pancakes are a different way to enjoy your morning cereal. The healthy oats and superfood matcha will give you an energy boost in the morning that is sure to last all day. Plus, they’re only sweetened with banana, so you don’t have to worry about loading up on sugar first thing.

3. Grilled Pineapple and Dark Chocolate Oatmeal

Here’s a really creative twist on oatmeal. This Grilled Pineapple and Dark Chocolate Oatmeal takes an ordinary bowl of oats and makes them extraordinary. Grilled pineapple is perfectly balanced with the dark chocolate that makes this breakfast seem more like dessert.

4. Snickerdoodle Cookie Baked Oatmeal

Did you know snickerdoodle cookies have been shown to improve your overall mood by 57 percent (not a real statistic)? Bearing that in mind, what could be better than a breakfast of Snickerdoodle Cookie Baked Oatmeal? Nothing, so whip up this dish with the cinnamon and sugar topping and watch everyone’s smiles get wider and brighter.

5. Bananas Foster Oatmeal

Banana lovers, get ready to fall in love. This Bananas Foster Oatmeal takes our favorite fruit and dresses it up. The bananas are caramelized and a little boozy with rum extract. It’s creamy, delicious and so fancy! Whoever you serve it to will think they’ve forgotten it’s a holiday or your anniversary even if it’s just breakfast.

6. Chai Spiced Oatmeal Tart With Warm Coconut Vanilla Sauce

Who says you can’t have pie for breakfast? Combine your love of chai tea with your favorite breakfast, sprinkle in some dessert and voila! This Chai-spiced Oatmeal Tart with Warm Coconut Vanilla Sauce is like having dessert for breakfast or is it breakfast for dessert? We vote for both!

7. Maple Spice Oatmeal Bowl of Goodness

Sometimes a delicious breakfast is as simple as adding a spoonful of peanut butter to some maple quick oats. This Maple Spice Oatmeal Bowl of Goodness is that simple and that delicious but you can put your creativity to the test and add even more to it. You can never have enough goodness.

8. Baked Almond Butter and Apricot Oatmeal

If you like peanut butter and jelly, you’ll love this Baked Almond Butter and Apricot Oatmeal. Besides the almond butter which is already mouthwatering, there are dried apricots, bright orange juice and zingy ginger and cinnamon. There’s a lot of amazing flavor going on in this dish.

9. Savory Kale Oatmeal Cups

Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast for most of us, and sneaking some greens into this whole grain makes it a hearty breakfast or brunch. These Savory Kale Oatmeal Cups have lots of kale so they are nutritious and delicious. These are a nutritious breakfast that will keep everyone happy all day but they’re also great for lunch or a midday snack.

10. Mocha Baked Oatmeal With Almond Butter Center

This Mocha Baked Oatmeal has lots of favorite ingredients: chocolate, coffee, banana, almond butter, and happiness. Yes, happiness. Instead of topping the oatmeal with almond butter, it’s tucked inside like a happy surprise. Feel free to make your own choices, but this is a fun and easy way to switch it up.

11. Chinese Oatmeal

Have you ever imagined eating oatmeal with chopsticks? It’s so much fun and after having this Chinese Oatmeal dish, you’ll eat your oatmeal with chopsticks too! Filled with veggies like corn, bell peppers, cabbage and carrots and seasoned with Asian flavors, this is a great way to break the monotony of oatmeal.

12. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats are a great way to start your day. All the flavors of autumn are here with pumpkin, toasted pecans, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Part nutritious powerhouse, part decadent dessert – what could be better than that?

13. Apple Oatmeal with Chocolate Tahini and Coconut

14. Autumn Oatmeal Breakfast Bake

Waking up in the morning can feel like a chore. This Autumn Oatmeal Bake will have you jumping out of bed in the morning. The warm, caramel flavor of persimmons complement the sweet honey-like taste of figs so well in this autumn-inspired oatmeal dish!

15. Chocolate Cranberry Overnight Oats With Cashew Cream

See? Oatmeal can be exciting, indulgent and delicious – even while it’s busy being one of the healthiest dishes you can eat. With these incredible recipes, you’ll believe that oatmeal is something great to wake up to!

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Maple Spice Oatmeal Bowl of Goodness