Recipes Using Oat Milk

Introduction to Oat Milk

Oat milk has quickly become a popular plant-based milk alternative. Made by blending soaked oats and water, then straining, it has a creamy, nutty taste that works well in both savory and sweet recipes. It’s naturally high in fiber and low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice. With its neutral flavor, oat milk can seamlessly replace dairy in everything from morning coffee to baked goods. Read on to discover how to incorporate oat milk into all kinds of delicious dishes!

The Rise of Oat Milk in Culinary Use

Once a niche item found mainly in health food stores, oat milk is now widely available and used in home and professional kitchens.

“I’ve seen a huge surge in interest for oat milk over the past couple of years,” says Claire, a barista at a popular local cafe. “It steams and foams really well for lattes and cappuccinos.”

Factors driving the growth of oat milk include:

• Dietary preferences – It appeals to vegans, vegetarians, and the dairy-averse. The gluten-free status also attracts followers of that diet.
• Nutritional benefits – High fiber and low saturated fat make it healthier than cow’s milk. The low carbohydrate profile appeals to some dieters.
• Environmental impact – Oat milk generally requires less land and water to produce than almond or soy milk.
• Taste – The subtly sweet, grainy flavor works well in applications from cereals to baked goods.

As more consumers become aware of oat milk’s versatility and nutritional attributes, they are finding more ways to utilize it at home. From whipping up lattes to baking chocolate chip oat milk cookies, they are embracing it as a tasty and sustainable option.

Comparing Oat Milk to Other Milks

Oat milk has unique properties that distinguish it from other non-dairy milks like almond, soy, and coconut. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Taste – It has a mild, slightly sweet taste that’s less overpowering than coconut or almond milk.
• Texture – The consistency is creamier and more milk-like than watery nut milks.
• Use in coffee – Foams well due to natural fat content. Has more neutral flavor than soy/almond milk.
• Baking – Has more body than thinner milks and can often replace dairy 1:1.
• Nutrition – Higher in fiber and certain minerals compared to nut milks. Contains iron, unlike coconut milk. Lower in protein than soy milk.
• Allergies – Less allergenic than nut or soy milks for those with food sensitivities.
• Environment – Generally requires less water to produce than almonds or soybeans.

When choosing a milk alternative, consider the recipe, nutritional needs, and environmental impact. Oat milk is a versatile choice suitable for many applications.

Here are some delicious recipes using oat milk:

Recipes using Oat Milk – Pancakes

Fluffy oat milk pancakes are a delicious breakfast treat. The oat milk gives them a creamy texture while adding extra fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Mix oat milk with apple cider vinegar and set aside for 5 minutes to curdle. This creates a buttermilk substitute that will make the pancakes fluffier.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Make a well in the center and pour in the oat milk mixture and oil. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or pan over medium heat. Pour batter by 1/4 cups onto the griddle.
5. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip with a spatula and cook for 1-2 more minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve pancakes warm with your favorite toppings like fruit, syrup, or nut butter.

Make a big batch on the weekend for quick breakfasts all week! Kids will love them too.

Oat Milk Breads and Pastries

The mild flavor and creamy texture of oat milk make it a great substitute for cow’s milk in all kinds of bread and pastry recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

Oat Milk French Toast

• Soak bread slices in oat milk mixed with eggs and cinnamon before pan-frying until crisp on the outside.
• “The oat milk makes the French toast taste so eggy and custard-like without needing heavy cream.”

Oat Milk Bread

• Substitute oat milk 1:1 for the cow’s milk or water in any bread recipe.
• For best results, allow the dough to rise slowly in the fridge overnight to develop flavor.
• “These oat milk rolls came out light and moist with a hint of sweetness.”

Oat Milk Pie Crust

• Use oat milk instead of water when mixing the dough.
• Its hints of fat and sugar will help create a tender, flaky crust.
• “My vegan oat milk pie crust rivals any classic butter crust.”

Oat Milk Scones

• Add a touch more liquid when using oat milk in scone dough.
• It will make them soft and cakey on the inside with a tender crust.
• “These oat milk blueberry scones are my new breakfast obsession.”

Oat milk is endlessly versatile in baking. Experiment with it in pancakes, cookies, cakes, and more!

Creamy Oat Milk Pasta Sauces

The natural creaminess of oat milk makes it an excellent base for rich, dairy-free pasta sauces. For best results, opt for an unsweetened variety. Here are some sauce ideas:

Oat Milk Alfredo

• Saute minced garlic in olive oil.
• Whisk in oat milk, salt, pepper, and Parmesan or nutritional yeast to taste.
• Let thicken then toss with hot pasta.

Oat Milk Pesto

• Blend basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Stream in oat milk until a smooth sauce forms.
• Toss with pasta and top with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Oat Milk Vodka Sauce

• Simmer diced onions and garlic in olive oil.
• Add vodka and let cook down.
• Stir in tomato puree and seasonings, then add oat milk.
• Simmer until thickened. Toss with penne and serve.

Oat Milk Mac and Cheese

• Make a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter with flour and mixing in cheese and oat milk.
• Cook pasta, then mix with sauce and bake topped with breadcrumbs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with oat milk in all your favorite pasta dishes!

Oat Milk Coffee Creations

Baristas love using oat milk in coffee drinks because it steams up smoothly with a velvety texture. Try these delicious ways to enjoy oat milk coffee at home:

Iced Oat Milk Latte

• Brew strong coffee and let cool.
• Froth chilled oat milk with a milk frother or blender.
• Pour coffee over ice, then top with frothy oat milk.

Oat Milk Cortado

• Brew espresso and warm oat milk separately.
• Mix 2 parts warm espresso with 1 part steamed oat milk.

Oat Milk Frappe

• Combine cold brew coffee, chocolate sauce, and milk in a blender.
• Add ice and blend until frothy and cold.

Oat Milk Macchiato

• Brew espresso, then pour into a cup.
• Use a spoon to gently pour foamed oat milk over the espresso.

Oat Milk Chai Latte

• Simmer chai tea concentrate with oat milk and spices.
• Mix with espresso and froth with a milk frother.

Be your own barista and elevate your at-home coffee routine with oat milk! It adds a tasty new dimension.

Gluten-Free Options

One of the advantages of oat milk is it’s naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Here are some recipe ideas:

Oat Milk Banana Pancakes – Use gluten-free oat flour instead of wheat flour.

Oat Milk Chicken Soup – Simmer chicken in seasoned oat milk for a creamy, comforting soup.

Oat Milk Smoothies – Blend oat milk with fruit and yogurt or protein powder.

Oat Milk Ranch Dressing – Whisk oat milk with vinegar, herbs and spices for salad dressing.

Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding – Thicken oat milk with cornstarch and cocoa powder, then chill.

Oat Milk Bread – Make bread with oat milk and gluten-free flours like rice or tapioca.

Oat Milk Mashed Potatoes – For lighter mashed potatoes, use oat milk instead of cream.

Oat Milk Risotto – For a creamy vegan risotto, use oat milk when cooking the rice.

Oat milk is a handy staple that makes it easier to adapt recipes for gluten-free diets. Get creative with savory and sweet dishes!

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

While convenient to buy at the store, homemade oat milk allows you to control the ingredients and customize the taste. Here’s the tradeoff:

Store-bought

• Widely available flavored and unsweetened varieties
• Longer shelf life of 7-10 days unopened
• No equipment or effort required
• More expensive per ounce

Homemade

• Make your own flavors like cocoa or vanilla
• Use quality ingredients like organic oats
• Lasts 3-4 days in the fridge
• Requires a blender and cheesecloth
• Much cheaper to produce

When deciding, consider your budget, how often you use it, and whether you want total control over ingredients. Store-bought works for occasional use while homemade is ideal for oat milk lattes daily!

Essential Kitchen Tools

Making oat milk at home doesn’t require any fancy equipment – just a few affordable kitchen tools:

• High-speed blender – This thoroughly purees the oats with water into a smooth liquid. Models like Vitamix work best.
• Cheesecloth – For straining the milk, you’ll need layers of fine cheesecloth or a nut milk bag.
• Gallon jar – After straining, store the oat milk in a glass gallon jar with a lid. Canning jars work well.
• Funnel – A funnel helps guide the blended oat milk cleanly into the jar without spilling.
• Storage bottles – Transfer servings of milk to smaller containers like mason jars for easy use.
• Frother – An optional battery-operated frother makes oat milk extra foamy for coffee drinks.

Having the right tools on hand makes whipping up homemade oat milk simple. Get creative with flavors by adding cocoa powder, vanilla, or berries!

Refrigeration and Shelf Life

Like dairy milk, oat milk needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last:

• 7-10 days unopened – Store-bought oat milk in a sealed container should last about 10 days as long as the “use by” date allows.
• 3-4 days after opening – Once opened, transfer milk to an airtight container and use within 3-4 days.
• 2 days for homemade – Homemade oat milk has a shorter shelf life of only 2-3 days due to the lack of preservatives.

To extend the lifetime, fill reusable glass bottles to the top to minimize air exposure and slow spoilage. Some separation is natural – just shake before using!

Oat milk freezes well too. It will last 6-8 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Allergies and Intolerances

One benefit of oat milk is it’s less allergenic than other plant milks. It’s naturally:

• Dairy-free – Does not contain lactose, ideal for the lactose intolerant. Always verify dairy-free on labels.
• Nut-free – Safe for people with tree nut allergies, unlike almond or cashew milk.
• Soy-free – Good for those avoiding soy who cannot drink soy milk.
• Gluten-free – Oats themselves are gluten-free, but some risk cross-contamination with gluten grains. Opt for verified gluten-free oats.

However, oat milk is not suitable for anyone with an oat allergy or sensitivity, especially celiac disease. As with any change in diet, consult your doctor first if you have any food restrictions or concerns.

Kid-Friendly Snacks

Oat milk’s mild flavor and natural sweetness make it a perfect choice for kid-friendly snacks and beverages. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Fruity oat milk smoothies – Blend oat milk with bananas, berries, and a date for sweetness.
• Chocolate oat milk – Heat up oat milk and mix in cocoa powder, then let kids dip cookies.
• Overnight oats – Soak oats in oat milk and maple syrup for ready-to-eat breakfast parfaits.
• Oat milk popsicles – Freeze blended oat milk with fruit juice in popsicle molds for a healthy summer treat.
• Warm oat milk – Gently heat oat milk with cinnamon and serve as a comforting bedtime drink.

Getting kids to eat healthy can be a challenge. Oat milk makes it easier by adding extra nutrition to their favorite foods and drinks!

Summer Refreshers

When the weather heats up, oat milk is the perfect base for smoothies, milkshakes, and other frosty drinks. Beat the heat with these refreshing recipes:

Watermelon Slushies – Blend watermelon, lime juice, and oat milk for a sweet slushy treat.

Berry Oat Milkshake – Mix oat milk with strawberries, vanilla, and a touch of honey in a blender.

Mango Lassi – Combine oat milk, mango, and Greek yogurt for a tropical twist.

Iced Oat Latte – Pour shots of espresso over ice and mix with cold foamy oat milk.

Green Smoothies – Blend oat milk with spinach, bananas, pineapple, and avocado for a filling vegetarian breakfast.

Overnight Oats – For grab-and-go morning fuel, soak oats overnight in oat milk with chia seeds and fruit.

Quench your thirst this summer with refreshing recipes using nutritious oat milk! They are super quick and easy to make at home.

Asian-Inspired Dishes

With its neutral taste and smooth texture, oat milk adapts well to Asian cuisines. It shines in these dishes:

Oat milk boba tea – The tapioca pearls soak up the oat milk’s creamy flavor.

Oat milk Thai curry – Simmer vegetables in coconut curry with oat milk for mellowed spice.

Oat milk matcha latte – Frothy oat milk is the perfect complement to bitter matcha green tea.

Oat milk chai tea – Boil oat milk with black tea and warming spices for a cozy drink.

Oat milk mochi – Use oat milk instead of water when making chewy mochi rice cakes.

Oat milk pot stickers – Brush dumpling wrappers with oat milk instead of egg wash before pan-frying.

Oat milk stir fry sauce – Whisk together oat milk, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch for an easy veggie stir fry sauce.

Oat milk adds rich creaminess while letting the true flavors shine through. Try using it in your favorite Asian recipes!

Incorporating into Weight Loss Diets

Thanks to its nutritional profile, oat milk can be included as part of many popular diet plans:

Low carb diets – Oat milk is lower in carbohydrates than milk and many plant milks, with just 2 grams net carbs per cup.

Keto diet – The small amount of natural sugars means oat milk can potentially fit into a ketogenic diet in moderation.

Intermittent fasting – Having just 90 calories per cup, oat milk works well for intermittent fasters’ eating window.

High protein diets – Mix oat milk with protein powders or use in high protein oatmeal and smoothies.

Low fat diets – With just 2.5 grams of fat per cup, oat milk can help minimize fat intake.

Gluten-free diets – Certified gluten-free oat milk eliminates gluten for those with celiac disease.

Vegetarian/vegan diets – Provides vitamin D and calcium for plant-based eaters avoiding dairy.

While everyone’s nutrition needs differ, oat milk can be an asset for many goals thanks to its versatility and light profile.

Fusion Recipes

One fun way to experiment with oat milk is fusion cooking – blending elements from different cuisines into creative combinations. Try out these recipes:

Chai oat milkshake – Blend strong-brewed chai tea with oat milk, cinnamon, ginger, and ice.

Bibimbap breakfast bowl – Top white or brown rice with sauteed veggies, egg, and gochujang sauce. Pour over oat milk for creaminess.

Mexican hot chocolate – Heat oat milk and mix in cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne for some spice.

Coconut curry oats – Cook oats in oat milk then mix in coconut milk, veggies, and Thai red curry paste.

Overnight masala chia pudding – Soak chia seeds in oat milk and Indian spice blend. Top with fresh mango.

Matcha pancakes – Add matcha powder to fluffy oat milk pancake batter. Serve with fresh berries.

Mochi waffles – Use oat milk instead of water in mochi waffle batter for perfect crispness. Top with fruit and whipped cream.

Don’t limit yourself to expectations of what oat milk “should” go with. Let your creativity run wild in the kitchen to discover tasty new flavor combinations!

The Bottom Line

With its smooth and pleasantly sweet taste, oat milk has proven itself as so much more than just a coffee creamer. It can seamlessly replace dairy milk and enrich both sweet and savory recipes. From frothy morning lattes to dairy-free mac and cheese, the possibilities are endless. Even kids enjoy oat milk’s versatility in smoothies, dipping sauces, and more. Home cooks benefit from controlling ingredients and reducing food waste. With options ranging from store-bought to homemade, adding oat milk to your cooking routine is an easy choice. This wholesome and sustainable “milk” alternative is here to stay in home kitchens. Let your imagination run wild as you experiment with oat milk and find new favorite recipes!