If you are wondering what to do with that leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, I have just the recipe for you. Take a look at this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Oatmeal Breakfast. It is so simple to make and a healthy breakfast after the big meal!
What Makes This Oatmeal So Good?
If you have not had cranberries in your oatmeal before, let me just tell you that you need to! I love the sweet and tart flavor they add.
This is a healthy breakfast. If you have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, there is a good chance you have been overeating the day before. Oatmeal is a great, healthy way to get back on track.
This breakfast is really simple to make. I used regular oats, and even with that it took under 10 minutes, and very little of that was hands-on.
It only uses 7 ingredients and 3 of those are for toppings and optional. All ingredients are really simple to find.
Ingredients
- Milk- I love to use milk for a creamier oatmeal. For this recipe I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
- Oats- I used regular oats, but if you prefer quick-cooking, you can use those too.
- Leftover Cranberry Sauce- If you are looking for a great cranberry sauce recipe, I have just the one. It is loaded with tasty cranberry orange flavor and is so good! If not, you can also use leftover canned cranberry sauce as well.
- Salt- Just a touch.
- Maple Syrup- I use this for a sweetener, you could use honey or even brown sugar if you prefer.
- Butter- This isn't necessary, but a little pat goes really well with this oatmeal.
- Pecans- These aren't necessary, but really good with the cranberry sauce and maple syrup.
How To Make
Heat your milk and salt over medium heat. Once it is boiling, add in the oats. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until the oats are tender.
Then just before it is done cooking, add in the cranberry sauce. Mix to combine and heat it all the way through.
Remove from heat and add to your bowls.
The oatmeal is really good on its own, but I like to top it with pecans, a pat of butter, and maple syrup. This is the ultimate combo, in my mind!
Why Is Oatmeal So Healthy?
They are gluten-free. This makes them a whole grain that even someone with intolerances or allergies can eat.
Oats have been proved to lower cholesterol, help with heart disease, and are full of nutrients and minerals.
This makes them a really great way to start your day!
Notes
I made my oatmeal with steel-cut oats. If you choose to use quick-cooking oats, make sure and reduce your cooking time as directed on the package. Quick-cooking oats cook much faster and you do not want to end up with mush.
If you double this recipe, the oatmeal makes a great meal prep. It is easy to reheat and makes a delicious and healthy breakfast on the go.
You don't have to use the maple syrup, butter, and pecans I recommended. This is my preferred method, but it is up to you to enjoy the oatmeal how you like!
If you have leftovers, this oatmeal will hold well in the fridge for at least 5 days!
FAQ
It is really easy to make this vegan, simply switch the butter out for vegan butter. Done!
You can, but I really don't like the texture of the thawed oatmeal after it has been frozen.
I love any type of nuts on this oatmeal, but my favorites are pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Or my favorite blend of spices to use with cranberries is cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It only takes a touch of each.
Other Cranberry Recipes
- Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Swirled cranberry bread
- Layered white chocolate mousse and cranberry sauce
- Cranberry Orange Mocktail
- Cranberry Orange Brioche Star Bread
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup milk I used nonfat vanilla almond milk, you can use any type you choose.
- pinch salt
- ¾ cup regular oats you can use quick cooking if you prefer, just reduce cooking time.
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- pecans optional, I used about 2 tablespoons per bowl.
- maple syrup optional, I used about 1-2 tablespoons per bowl.
- butter just a pat, optional as well.
Instructions
- Bring milk to a bowl over medium heat. Add salt and oats. Mix occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid has cooked out. Last, add in cranberry sauce and mix well while continuing to cook. Remove from heat and add to your bowls. I topped mine with pecans and maple syrup. The oatmeal is already sweetened from the cranberry sauce, so it won't take much of the syrup. Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!