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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    No-Bread Oatmeal French Toast

    Published: Aug 19, 2021 · Modified: Nov 5, 2022 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links · 46 Comments

    Jump to Recipe  ↓

    No-Bread Oatmeal French Toast - A genius way to combine two of breakfast's favorite dishes: French toast and oatmeal!

    Oatmeal French toast recipe without bread

    This recipe is one I hope you'll find intriguing enough to try, as it is not only healthy, but delicious.

    It's also a recipe from way back, circa 2012!

    French toast made from cooked oatmeal. Yes, only a blog with 'oatmeal' in the title would bring you such a dish.

    The basic premise is the same as polenta, which is where I got the idea.

    Polenta is basically cooked cornmeal. You can make it sweet or savory, depending on what you add in, and you can create a kind of cake with it by pouring it into a dish and letting it set.

    In this recipe, I just subbed the cornmeal for oats!

    Healthy French toast made from whole rolled oats

    From oatmeal to French toast

    Once the cooked oats set, you cut them into small squares, which act as your 'toast' component.

    After dipping the oatmeal squares into a custard, you fry the squares just as you would pieces of bread.

    The result is that the oat squares get nice and crisp on the outside, while still being soft and creamy on the inside...and you're eating oatmeal, people!

    Quite awesome, if I do say so myself.

    If you enjoy breakfast recipes, try some of my others!

    Energizing Blueberry Breakfast Pudding

    Oatmeal Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

    Banana Sunbutter Pancake for One

    Oatmeal French toast recipe without bread
    Print Recipe
    3.88 from 40 votes

    No-Bread Oatmeal French Toast

    A delicious combination of two breakfast favorites!
    Prep Time2 hrs
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time2 hrs 20 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Gluten-Free, Healthy
    Servings: 9 pieces
    Calories: 77kcal

    Ingredients

    BASE:

    • 2 ¼ cup water
    • 1 ½ cup rolled oats
    • ¼ tsp sea salt

    CUSTARD:

    • 2 large eggs
    • ⅔ cup milk of your choice
    • 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
    • dash sea salt
    • ½ tsp vanilla
    • ½ tsp cinnamon

    Instructions

    BASE:

    • Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
    • Stir in the oats.
    • Cook, uncovered, until the oats are done and the water has completely evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Pour the cooked oatmeal into an oiled 8 x 8 baking dish.
    • Put the dish into the fridge, UNCOVERED, for at least 2 hours until set and firm to the touch. I usually do this step the night before and leave it in the fridge, uncovered, until morning.

    CUSTARD:

    • When ready to make, preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
    • Mix the custard ingredients.
    • Pour the custard mix into shallow dish, such as a pie plate.
    • Cut the chilled oatmeal into nine equal squares.
    • Dip oatmeal squares into custard mixture, allow to soak for 30 seconds on each side.
    • Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil in a non-stick pan. 
    • Place 2-3 slices of oatmeal 'bread' at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. 
    • Remove from pan and place on a baking sheet and into the oven for 5-10 minutes. 
    • Repeat with all squares.
    • Serve immediately with maple syrup or your favorite topping.

    Notes

    Nutrition facts based on using unsweetened almond milk and maple syrup.
    WW Points: 3

    Nutrition

    Sugar: 1.6g | Fiber: 1.5g | Calories: 77kcal | Fat: 2.3g | Protein: 3.3g | Carbohydrates: 11.1g

    Some of the items I use to make this recipe include:



     

    No bread French toast recipe on a fork

    For funsies, here's an old picture of Jade and Natalie. I have to do a comparison of Nat and Mickie, because they look SO similar as babies!

    Shared with: Thursday Favorite Things, Fiesta Friday, Home Matters, Create, Bake, Grow, and Gather, Full Plate Thursday

     

     

     

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    Filed Under: Breakfast, Oatmeal Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Miz Helen

      September 07, 2021 at 9:39 am

      We sure have enjoyed featuring your awesome post on Full Plate Thursday, 552. Thanks so much for sharing with us and come back to see us soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    2. Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist

      September 01, 2021 at 6:34 am

      LOVE this! What a fabulous recipe and so easy too. I will definitely have a go xx

      Reply
    3. Donna @ Modern on Monticello

      August 24, 2021 at 11:25 am

      Now this is a recipe my husband would totally embrace and enjoy! Thanks for sharing it. Pinned. #HomeMattersParty

      Reply
    4. June

      August 21, 2021 at 11:09 am

      Lauren, this looks delicious!

      For a vegan version do you recommend just substituting flax eggs?

      BTW...I am enjoying Jade and Natalie's blogs...they are both creative and excellent writers!

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        August 21, 2021 at 11:48 am

        Hi June!
        I'm not sure on the flax eggs. If you've tried that in other vegan French toast recipes, it may work. I've had luck in the past with chickpea eggs, which is basically water mixed with chickpea flour. Thanks for reading the girls' blogs and commenting! They get such a kick out of it. 🙂 ♥

        Reply
    5. Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook

      August 21, 2021 at 12:08 am

      I am very impressed with the no-bread oatmeal French toast! I love how it's cooked to perfection. Yum!! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!

      Reply
    6. undrgrndgirl

      March 19, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      how well does this keep?
      i can't eat a full recipe by myself (or shouldn't;))

      Reply
      • Lauren

        March 21, 2019 at 12:16 pm

        The oatmeal itself should keep for 3-5, covered and refrigerated. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sarah

      February 23, 2018 at 9:40 pm

      I loooove this french toast! Everyone loved it! These are great because you can add so many things to the oatmeal mixture. I’ve added raisins and cinnamon. I’ve added grated carrot and walnuts. The last time I made it I added chocolate chips, delicious. The possibilities are endless. I think next time I’ll add some chopped apple or maybe banana. Awesome recipe! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 24, 2018 at 12:11 pm

        That's great Sarah, I love all your variations!

        Reply
    8. Janet

      February 02, 2016 at 1:10 pm

      The recipe doesn't mention the type of oats. May I use steel oats?

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 02, 2016 at 7:18 pm

        Hi Janet,

        This recipe uses rolled oats. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Nancy

      April 25, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      Could you just pour the Custard over this and bake ole a French toast casserole? Also is this meant to be 3 servings or more? I have to try this regardless. Your recipes are really creative!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        April 26, 2015 at 8:28 am

        Thanks Nancy! I've never tried it that way, but it may work. The serving size varies depending on how much you eat, but three is a good guess. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Kelly Lehmann

      February 23, 2014 at 10:09 am

      We loved this recipe! I'm going to jazz up the oats next time, maybe some cinnamon and raisins? Thanks for the great idea!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 23, 2014 at 4:50 pm

        That's great Kelly, thanks for letting me know! 😀

        Reply
    11. Kelly

      January 18, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      Just made these tonight for breakfast for dinner. These were great. My five year old liked them too. I made a thin peanut butter syrup to go on top. Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        January 18, 2014 at 5:22 pm

        That's great Kelly! Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    12. Corinne

      July 18, 2013 at 9:52 am

      Perhaps I missed something, but why did you preheat the oven? I never saw any baking instructions.
      These look really good & I'll try them soon.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        July 18, 2013 at 1:19 pm

        Hi Corinne,
        After the slices fry, you place them on a baking sheet in the oven for 5-10 minutes to get the outside extra crispy. The instructions are right above the second to last picture. 🙂

        Reply
        • Corinne

          July 18, 2013 at 3:49 pm

          Thanks. I was sure it was there, but I just didn't see it anywhere.

          Reply
    13. Kacina

      December 23, 2012 at 8:03 am

      This recipe is delicious! I've made it twice now and it was a HUGE hit with the whole family (And it's super easy to make!). I did change just a few things...I added the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and syrup to the oatmeal mixture instead of the custard. The oatmeal squares had a lot more flavor that way. I also brushed the top of each square with maple syrup before baking it in the oven to impart more maple flavor. Absolutely delicious! We topped ours with banana, walnuts, and a tad more syrup. Thank you so much for this amazing recipe!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 23, 2012 at 5:02 pm

        Thank you Kacina! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Great idea about adding the spices to the oat mix. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Heidi

      October 17, 2012 at 8:25 pm

      This looks really, really good! If I'm not mistaken, GF oats are a lot cheaper than GF pancake mix and four. I'm trying this for sure. If you haven’t already, I'd love for you to visit my Gluten-Free Monday party at OneCreativeMommy.com and link up this and any other GF idea you would like to share. I hope to see you there.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        October 20, 2012 at 8:03 am

        Hi Heidi! I'll definitely check it out, thanks for letting me know! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Gina

      October 01, 2012 at 6:37 pm

      I made this for my son and I for breakfast this morning (the vegan version), oh my goooosh so good. This is for sure going to be a staple, he is 20 months old and ate almost 2 squares!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        October 01, 2012 at 7:38 pm

        Oh Gina, that's awesome! Thank you for the feedback!

        Reply
    16. Rachel @ Almonds and Avocados

      September 22, 2012 at 7:25 am

      Omigosh, this looks delicious!!! I love French toast and have been missing it desperately! Such a clever idea! Also, I love the mini matching UGGs--that's just precious 🙂

      Reply
    17. freshlifefindings

      September 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm

      Ah your girls are so precious! Love the baby uggs, I definitely want those and baby TOMS for my kids one day 🙂 I started drinking acv every morning because of Jenn too! It's been great and I think has made my skin softer, but who knows! This recipe looks awesome, I love french toast and using oats is such a great substitution! Good luck on your move! We have to be out of our apartment next weekend!

      Reply
    18. Natalie @ Free Range Human

      September 19, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      Wow! How original! I've never seen anything like this....definitely putting on the must try list!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        September 19, 2012 at 3:12 pm

        Oh thank you! Let me know if you try it!

        Reply
    19. Ellie@Fit for the Soul

      September 19, 2012 at 10:08 am

      Oh dannnnng this is a beautiful and clever recipe Lauren!!!! . Wow, I can't imagine how good that must be! And healthy of course.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        September 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm

        Thanks Ellie! ♥

        Reply
    20. Alex @ therunwithin

      September 19, 2012 at 7:54 am

      that is such a great idea!

      Reply
    21. Eating 4 Balance

      September 19, 2012 at 7:16 am

      That baked oatmeal/french toast looks fantastic, and I will definitely be checking out the egg-free version! Have you ever tried making it with anything other than oatmeal? I can't eat it due to allergies, but I'm wondering if a similar "grain" flake might work...

      Reply
      • Lauren

        September 19, 2012 at 8:38 am

        I haven't, but I know there are wheat and barley flakes at Whole Foods. If it's gluten you're having trouble with, you could just use polenta (cornmeal)! Short brown rice might even work!

        Reply
    22. jessielovestorun

      September 19, 2012 at 7:06 am

      Wow, I've never heard of using oats for french toast. What an awesome idea!! I'll definitely need to remember this!

      Reply
    23. inherchucks

      September 19, 2012 at 12:42 am

      Love that idea for Oatmeal French Toast! I can't wait to give it a go 🙂

      Thanks for sharing. Happy WIAW...

      Reply
    24. Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli

      September 18, 2012 at 11:51 pm

      Oh Lauren, what a great idea! Breakfast is DEFINITELY my thing...pancakes, French toast, oatmeal, eggs...I could go on and on! And I don't discriminate when it comes to vegan options either...I made a fantastic vegan pumpkin French toast last fall that you just reminded me of (http://www.kissmybroccoliblog.com/2011/09/24/vegan-pumpkin-spice-french-toast/). And now I'm totally craving it!

      I do the ACV every morning too...on its own, it doesn't do anything for my energy levels, BUT it has worked wonders on my complexion! I know because I stopped taking it for about a week and ended up having a breakout within a couple of days...crazy!

      Happy WIAW love! And omg, I can't believe it's almost officially fall! Eeeek!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        September 19, 2012 at 8:40 am

        That's great to know about the ACV. I think Jenn said that as well about her skin...even if that's the only benefit, it's worth taking it! I'll definitely have to check out your french toast!

        Reply
    25. Ksenija @ Health Ninja

      September 18, 2012 at 11:24 pm

      Oatmeal french toast? Genious! Need to fit this in my prepare-for-the-week plan 😉 How long do you think will they be good if kept in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Lauren

        September 19, 2012 at 8:42 am

        I would guess around a week? Keep it covered until you decide to make it though, that way it doesn't dry out. I only uncover it the night before to sort of 'stale' the oatmeal. That way it soaks up the custard better and gets that crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside taste.

        Reply
    26. theresa @ aspoonfulofsunshine

      September 18, 2012 at 10:30 pm

      Wow, I have never seen a oatmeal french toast recipe like this before, I am so intrigued! Aren't baby Uggs just so darn cute?!?!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        September 18, 2012 at 11:09 pm

        Haha, yes they are! My first daughter grew out of her first pair, so I had to buy her new ones! She's quite the 'girly girl'.

        Reply

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    Hi there, I'm Lauren Goslin, and I've been a food blogger for over ten years. My goal with this blog is to show you healthy, lower sugar recipes that my family and I enjoy.

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