Honey and Oats: Oatmeal, Granola, Bars and Baking

Types of oats

All oats start as whole oat groats, but processing changes cooking time and texture:

Oats and fiber

Oats contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Harvard Health Publishing notes that oats are a whole grain rich in this fiber, which forms a gel in the gut. The FDA allows certain heart health claims for oat beta-glucan as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Plain oats are a better base than flavored instant packets, which often contain a lot of added sugar.

Classic honey and oats oatmeal

Bring one cup of water or milk to a simmer, stir in half a cup of rolled oats and a pinch of salt, and cook for about five minutes, stirring now and then. Take it off the heat, then top with a teaspoon of honey, sliced fruit and a handful of nuts.

Adding honey at the end keeps its aroma and lets you control sweetness better than cooking it in.

• 1 cup water or milk
• Half a cup rolled oats
• Pinch of salt
• Cook about 5 minutes
• Top with honey, fruit, nuts

Honey granola

Mix three cups of rolled oats, one cup of chopped nuts, a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Warm a third of a cup of honey with a quarter cup of olive or canola oil and pour over. Spread on a lined tray and bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once. Let it cool completely to crisp up.

For big clusters, press the mixture flat and do not stir until it cools.

Chewy honey oat bars

Stir two cups of oats with half a cup of nut butter, a third of a cup of honey, a quarter cup of dried fruit and a quarter cup of seeds. Press into a lined pan and chill for an hour, then cut into bars. Our peanut butter and honey guide has flavor ideas.

Overnight oats

Mix half a cup of rolled oats with half a cup of milk, a quarter cup of yogurt and a teaspoon of honey. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add fruit. Our article on honey and kefir has a tangy kefir version.

Baking with honey and oats

Oatmeal cookies, oat muffins and honey oat bread are classic bakes. When swapping honey for sugar, use about three quarters as much honey, reduce other liquids a little and lower the oven by 25°F. Our baking with honey guide explains more.

Savory oats with a touch of honey

Oats are not just for sweet dishes. Cook them in broth, top with a fried egg, sautéed greens and a few drops of chili oil. A tiny drizzle of honey balances the heat. Honey-roasted oats also make a crunchy topping for salads and soups.

Which honey suits oats

Raw Buckwheat Honey, harvested in New York State, is dark and malty, perfect for hearty winter oatmeal with apples and cinnamon. Raw Clover Honey, also from New York State, is mild for everyday bowls and granola. Raw Wildflower Honey adds a floral lift to overnight oats with berries.

Toppings that pair well

Try banana and walnuts, berries and almonds, apple and cinnamon, pear and ginger, or dates and tahini. Our articles on honey and banana and honey and berries have more ideas.

Gluten and oats

Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often contaminated with wheat during growing or processing. People with celiac disease should choose oats labeled gluten-free and check with their doctor.

Honey and oats for kids

Oatmeal with a little honey is a warm breakfast for children over 12 months. Never give honey to babies under 12 months; plain oatmeal with mashed fruit is a sweet alternative for them.

The takeaway

Honey and oats are a timeless, flexible pairing. Use plain oats, add honey at the end for the best flavor, and turn them into granola, bars and bakes when you want something different.

Baked honey and oats

Baked oatmeal is a make-ahead breakfast for busy weeks. Mix two cups of oats, two cups of milk, two eggs, a quarter cup of honey, a teaspoon of baking powder, cinnamon and a cup of berries. Pour into a greased dish and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes. Slice into squares and reheat through the week.

Honey for your oats

Drizzle Raw Buckwheat Honey on winter oatmeal and Raw Clover Honey on everyday bowls. Save with a 3 jar or 6 jar pack of any honey, and orders over $50 ship free. Visit our shop.