Name: Cheesy Savory Oatmeal with Sweet Potatoes and Fried Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup steel cut oats; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 3 cups water or chicken broth; 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil (or more as needed); 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced small); 1/4 cup shallot (minced); 2 cups spinach; 3 eggs; Green onion for garnish; Hot sauce for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and hearty breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then you absolutely must try this Cheesy Savory Oatmeal with Sweet Potatoes and Fried Eggs Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy oats, naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and perfectly fried eggs that bring an indulgent, yet nourishing twist to your bowl. Every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and that irresistible satisfyingly cheesy goodness that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, this dish will quickly become your go-to when you want something cozy and delicious without much fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a frying pan with a cooked mix of small orange cubes and fresh green spinach leaves inside. The orange cubes are soft and lightly browned, scattered evenly throughout the pan. The spinach leaves are wilted but still hold their deep green color, mixed naturally with the orange cubes. Small bits of translucent cooked onion are visible among the vegetables. The pan has a smooth gray interior and a shiny metal handle with some cooked food marks inside. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors of the vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is delightfully straightforward but relies on some key ingredients that bring each element together beautifully. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the sharpness of cheddar and the fresh brightness of spinach and shallots, these simple components make all the difference.

Olive oil: Adds a light, fruity richness and helps roast the sweet potatoes to tender perfection.
Sweet potato: Peeled and diced small, it brings subtle sweetness and a lovely soft texture that complements the savory oats.
Shallot: Offers a mild onion flavor that elevates the overall savory profile without overpowering.
Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of green, plus a gentle earthiness to balance the richness.
Steel cut oats and rolled oats: A combo that cooks up creamy with just the right bite and heartiness.
Water or chicken broth: Using broth injects extra savory depth, while water keeps it clean and simple.
Salt: Essential for bringing all flavors alive—season carefully and adjust to taste.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey, it melts into the oats for that crave-worthy cheesy vibe.
Eggs: Fried to your preference, these add a luscious richness and visual wow factor.
Green onion: Garnishes with a mild crispness and freshness at the end.
Hot sauce (optional): For those who like a little kick, it brightens and adds contrast brilliantly.

How to Make Cheesy Savory Oatmeal with Sweet Potatoes and Fried Eggs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When that shimmering olive oil is ready, toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. This little bit of roasting brings out their natural sugars and creates a perfect base for your savory oatmeal.

Step 2: Cook the Oats

While your sweet potatoes are cooking, combine steel cut oats, rolled oats, water or chicken broth, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring it all up to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let the oats soften fully, transforming into a creamy, hearty texture that’s just begging for cheese.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Spinach

Add minced shallots and fresh spinach right into the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook them together for about 2 minutes until the shallots are tender and the spinach wilts delicately. This simple step infuses the dish with a mellow onion flavor and a burst of green vibrancy.

Step 4: Fry the Eggs

Lightly spray a separate skillet with nonstick spray and fry the eggs just how you like them—sunny side up, over easy, or fully cooked. The silky yolks that seep into every spoonful of oatmeal are seriously irresistible and bring a new level of comfort to this dish.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

When the oats are perfectly tender, remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts instantly, creating that luscious, creamy, cheesy texture that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the cheesy oatmeal evenly among three bowls, spoon on the sweet potato and spinach mixture, then crown each serving with a fried egg. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little heat. Add some extra salt and pepper to taste and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Savory Oatmeal with Sweet Potatoes and Fried Eggs Recipe

A white speckled bowl holds a layered dish starting with a creamy, light brown base of oatmeal filling the bottom half, topped on the left by a sunny-side-up egg with a bright orange yolk and white edges sprinkled with black pepper and chopped green onions. To the right, sautéed dark green spinach and small orange cubes of cooked sweet potatoes sit side by side, adding bold color contrast. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl near the egg, and a small bowl of chopped green onions is visible in the background on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped green onions add a crisp freshness and a wonderful mild sharpness to contrast the creamy oats. A light drizzle of hot sauce awakens the palate with zing and warmth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer to savor the natural flavors. An extra sprinkle of black pepper or flaky sea salt can also elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish stands proud on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a side of crispy bacon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts is fantastic for added crunch and protein. A light salad of arugula dressed with lemon juice complements the hearty oats wonderfully, providing balance and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the sweet potatoes and spinach inside the oats rather than just spooning on top, giving every spoonful a bit of surprise. Serve in pretty bowls to showcase the vibrant orange and green colors, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an extra-special touch that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesy savory oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the fried eggs separate if possible, as they reheat better when cooked fresh. The oats will thicken as they sit, but a splash of water or broth when reheating will bring back their creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked oats and sweet potatoes mixture (without eggs) in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and prepare eggs fresh on the day you serve.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently and add a small amount of water or broth to loosen the mixture. Fry fresh eggs to top off your reheated oatmeal for that perfect creamy and runny finish every time.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats only instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Using only rolled oats will create a creamier, softer texture. The steel cut oats add a bit of chew and heartiness, but rolled oats alone still make a delicious, comforting bowl.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe?

You can easily make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan twist, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and replace the fried eggs with tofu scramble or avocado slices.

How spicy should I make it with hot sauce?

The hot sauce is completely optional and up to your personal taste. Start with a small drizzle if you’re unsure and add more if you enjoy a little heat to balance the cheese and sweetness.

Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

You can, but sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness that’s a key contrast to the savory oats and cheese. Regular potatoes won’t provide that same flavor depth but will still give you a satisfying texture.

What’s the best way to cook the eggs for this dish?

Fried eggs with runny yolks are ideal because the yolk adds richness and creaminess that meld beautifully with the oats. However, cook them to your liking for the best enjoyment of this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Savory Oatmeal with Sweet Potatoes and Fried Eggs Recipe is more than just a breakfast — it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will brighten your mornings and warm your heart. I promise once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation for those moments you want something comforting, nourishing, and a little bit special. So grab those ingredients and dive into this deliciously cozy bowl today!