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6 Old Fashioned Oats Substitutes: Excite Your Recipes

We’ve got those Old Fashioned Oats sitting in the pantry. You know, the ones that never seem to end? Sometimes, we just want to shake things up and try something different.

Whether you’re baking a batch of cookies or whipping up a comforting bowl of porridge, oats can get a little predictable.

That’s why we’ve rounded up six awesome substitutes to make your recipes more exciting. Ready to discover some new flavors and textures?

Let’s get right into it and find out which substitutes will give your dishes a fresh twist!

6 Easy Substitutes for Old Fashioned Oats

As much as we love good ol’ fashioned oats, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up. So here are six substitutes that will give your recipes a new burst of flavor and texture:

1 – Quinoa Flakes

Crunchy and nutty, quinoa flakes are a true delight. We swapped our oats for quinoa flakes in our morning porridge. The result? A rich and nutty flavor with a unique texture that’s both light and satisfying.

Perfect for gluten-free folks, quinoa flakes bring a new twist to your recipes. We’ve used them in cookies, and they added a delightful crispness we never got with oats. Just like oats, you can use them in a one-to-one ratio.

2 – Steel Cut Oats

Steel cut oats are chunkier than your regular rolled oats. They’ve got this incredible, chewy texture that feels way more satisfying. When we use them in our porridge, they make it extra hearty.

If you’re all about that nutty, toasty flavor, steel-cut oats deliver that in spades. They aren’t mushy, providing the perfect bite. We love how they add a more robust texture to cookies too.

You need to cook them longer, but it’s worth it. Their flavor is richer, more complex. If you’ve got the time, give steel cut oats a try.

3 – Barley Flakes

Barley flakes have a chewy texture that’s a nice change from the usual oats. They bring a subtle sweetness and a mild flavor to dishes. We’ve tried them in our morning porridge and loved the slightly nutty taste. They hold up well in cookies, adding a satisfying chewiness.

Barley flakes provide a fantastic texture and flavor. They work in a one-to-one ratio, just like oats. They’re an excellent option for a different twist in your recipes. Give barley flakes a go next time you need a change.

4 – Kamut Flakes

Kamut flakes have a rich, buttery flavor we didn’t expect. They surprised us with their smooth texture. Kamut flakes will make your breakfast stand out. They are great in cookies too, adding a pleasant crunch.

They also offer a different taste that’s almost sweet. We love swapping them for oats in a one-to-one ratio. Compared to oats, kamut has that extra something.

We tried them in our porridge and were amazed by the full, satisfying taste. Kamut flakes are truly a versatile substitute for oats.

5 – Rye Flakes

Rye flakes bring a deep, earthy flavor that’s quite distinctive. They add a lovely chewiness, making them a gutsier substitute.

We tried rye flakes in our morning porridge and enjoyed the robust taste. They work just as well in cookies, with a one-to-one ratio.

Rye flakes give your dishes a hearty, slightly sweet touch. We loved the way they transformed our usual recipes into something richer.

6 – Amaranth Flakes

Amaranth flakes seriously surprised us with their slightly sweet taste and wonderful crunch.

They stood out when we used them as an oat substitute in our morning porridge. The texture was light but filling.

In cookies, they added a crispy texture that we loved. They make every bite special.

For those on a gluten-free diet, amaranth flakes are a great choice. Use a one-to-one ratio just like oats.

We’ve tried amaranth in everything from breakfast to baking, and they’ve consistently delivered a delightful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quinoa flakes instead of old-fashioned oats in baking?

Yes, quinoa flakes provide a similar texture, though they cook faster and have a nuttier taste.

Are steel-cut oats a good substitute for rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and take longer to cook, so they may not work as well in quick recipes.

Which substitute is best for overnight oats?

Barley flakes soak well overnight and provide a similar creamy consistency to old-fashioned oats.

Can I use rye flakes for oatmeal cookies?

Yes, but rye flakes have a slightly earthier taste, so you may need to adjust the sweetness in the recipe.

Do amaranth flakes cook the same way as oats?

Amaranth flakes cook quickly and have a finer texture, making them better suited for porridge than granola.

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