I’ll be honest—I’m an oatmeal enjoyer. But I tend to opt for more complicated recipes, like a baked oatmeal or a slow-cooked batch of steel-cut oats to prep on Sunday and eat all week long. Until recently, I kept quick cooking oats around in case of a breakfast emergency, but I rarely ate them. I just couldn’t see the appeal of having a bowl of oatmeal right off the stovetop or out of the microwave. Wouldn’t it be unthinkably bland?

Then I got some advice from an oatmeal expert. Contributing writer and registered dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD, isn’t just our former senior digital nutrition editor—she might be one of the biggest oatmeal fans of all time. And honestly, I see where she’s coming from. These adaptable whole grains may have a bland reputation, but they are loaded with fiber and healthy carbs.

Thankfully, Valente does agree that eating plain oatmeal is a no-go. Her strategy is to think of a bowl of oats as a blank canvas—so it’s all about finding healthy, delicious ingredients to paint with. Here are her four best tips for a bowl of oatmeal that’s equal parts tasty and filling.

Don’t Forget The Cinnamon

Here’s your first tip: make a beeline for the spice cabinet.

“Cinnamon adds flavor and brings out sweetness without any added sugar,” Valente says. “It also may keep your blood sugar stable and even lower your blood pressure. It’s so delicious and smells amazing!”

I love adding cinnamon to my oats, but I’ll sometimes trade it for a big pinch of pumpkin pie spice, which typically contains ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. If you keep lots of warming spices on hand, try a few different things out and see what works for you. Cinnamon pairs deliciously with plenty of different spices.

Our High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal and Chai-Spiced Oatmeal recipes are great ways to dive into the world of spiced-up oatmeal. Plus, those high-protein oats make a great breakfast option for those who love a morning workout.

Use Milk or Non-Dairy Milk Instead of Water

“Growing up all I ate was oatmeal made with water, but now I use milk—either whole milk or unsweetened soy or almond milk—and my oatmeal is so much creamier,” Valente says. “Milk also adds natural sweetness and protein.”

I always add a splash of milk to my oatmeal these days, even if I’m just making a big batch of steel-cut oats for the week. All milks add creamy texture, but dairy milk can also offer sweetness without added sugar, plus a bit of protein and some vitamin D. And have you seen all the alternative milks at the grocery store these days? You’ve got plenty of fun options to shake things up. Grab some unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk to bring some more flavor to your bowl, or use something like coconut milk for a touch of sweetness and potassium.

Our High-Protein Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Overnight Oats recipe uses creamy soy milk for richness and bonus protein, making it a cool and filling morning meal that will stay with you until lunch o’clock strikes. But if you prefer hot oatmeal, recipes like our classic Quick Cooking Oats use dairy milk to level up creaminess in every bite.

Toss in Some Mashed Banana

“Adding mashed or very finely diced banana into your oatmeal also makes your bowl creamier and sweeter,” Valente says. “Not to mention, if you like banana bread, you’ll probably love this combo. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and give your breakfast a bonus fruit serving.”

Plus, bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the U.S. for good reason. Bananas are a great way to get in fiber, potassium and B vitamins, and they’re packed with beneficial antioxidants. If you want to take the banana bread vibes even further, a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts will give your bowl even more cozy charm. (Our Banana Bread Baked Oats and Banana Bread Overnight Oats can also help you get exactly the comfort and flavor you’re looking for.)

I’m a fan of following our classic Banana Oatmeal recipe, cooking the oats in milk with mashed banana but also saving some banana slices to serve on top of each bowl. But there are also options like our irresistible Banana Cream Pie-Inspired Overnight Oats that are well worth your time.

Don’t Forget the Protein

“Always add nuts, nut butter, seeds or something with protein to help give your bowl staying power,” Valente says.

Valente notes cottage cheese is another solid option, and if you’re making your oats on the stovetop, adding some egg whites can be a great choice. Personally, I’ve become a big fan of adding Greek yogurt to my bowl after cooking the oats. Usually, I’ll stir in a big spoonful while the oats are hot, then reheat them slightly in the microwave. You can also add yogurt while the oats are on the stovetop or opt for a dollop of peanut butter for extra protein and staying power.

If you want to try adding yogurt to your bowls, start with recipes like our Key Lime Pie–Inspired Overnight Oats or Tiramisu-Inspired Baked Oatmeal. And if you’re really interested in something new, try adding some protein-packed quinoa to your oatmeal with something like our Quinoa & Chia Oatmeal Mix.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal is one of the healthiest and most versatile breakfast options out there. The whole grain is packed with soluble fiber, making it a gut-healthy ingredient that helps keep you full all day long. Spices, milk, fruit and extra protein can help make your bowl even tastier and more filling. You can add plenty of fun ingredients to your bowls of oatmeal, whether you opt for shredded coconut, strawberries and almond milk or peanut butter, bananas and chocolate chips. As long as you find a combination you love, you’re in great shape. Get started with these oatmeal recipes that might just make you think you’re having dessert for breakfast.