Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal
No more boring breakfasts for you! My Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal is a great combination of tangy dried cranberries and pistachios mixed into hearty oats. It’s quick and easy for a busy morning and just as good on a lazy weekend. This recipe is guaranteed to perk up your morning routine.
Oatmeal has long been a breakfast staple in many homes, ours included, and for good reason. It’s a quick, nourishing way to start the day.
But let’s be honest—plain old oatmeal can feel a bit dull after a while. That’s where my Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal comes in. By adding a few simple, flavorful ingredients, you can transform ordinary oats into a breakfast worth getting up for.
This recipe takes a humble bowl of oatmeal to the next level with the addition of dried cranberries and pistachios. And it’s as pretty as it is delicious!
Recipe Quick View
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 4
Primary Ingredient(s): Old fashioned oats, dried cranberries, pistachios, brown sugar
Skill Level: Easy
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- It’s ready in just about 10 minutes.
- It’s a hearty breakfast with natural sweetness.
- Makes your everyday breakfast feel a little fancy.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
“What a great combination of flavors! The perfect way to start the day.”
— Kellie
Ingredient Notes
- Dried Cranberries: There are several brands available, but the most popular is “Craisins.” They’ll add a tangy sweetness to the recipe.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: My preference for quick cooking results. You may choose another type of oats such as steel cut or quick oats. If you do, be sure to check the cooking time, as it will vary.
- Shelled Pistachios: The pistachios add a nice crunch and pretty color along with their nutty flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Gives its caramel-like sweetness to the oatmeal.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How I Make Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal
- Place a medium saucepan over high heat, and add the water and dried cranberries. Bring the water to a boil. This will slightly plump and soften the cranberries.
- When the water has reached the boiling point, stir in the oats and the salt.
- Turn the heat down to medium and cook the mixture, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until the oats are creamy.
- Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the pistachios and brown sugar, mixing until the sugar completely melts into the oats.
- Divide the oatmeal into bowls, and top each with a pat of butter and a drizzle of cream for a finishing touch.
Recipe Variations
- Top with fruit such as sliced bananas or fresh berries.
- Make a spiced version with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee, and add a side of buttered toast or a simple fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Oats will thicken as they sit, so you’ll need to add a splash of milk or water before reheating in the microwave.
Questions About Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions because steel-cut oats take quick a bit longer to cook.
Alternatives to brown sugar might be honey, agave, maple syrup, or simply mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Absolutely! Replace the cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Recipe
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Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups water
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup shelled pistachios
- ½ cup light brown sugar
For serving:
- Butter
- Cream
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, over high heat, bring the water and dried cranberries to a boil.
- Stir in the oats and salt.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pistachios and brown sugar. Stir until sugar has completely melted.
- Serve with a pat of butter and a drizzle of cream.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on September 9, 2015. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
What a great combination of flavors! The perfect way to start the day.
Thanks, Kellie! Oatmeal always starts my day right.
Oh, I wish I was a breakfast person. This would probably be a good idea. Alas, my idea of breakfast is more like brunch, and it should occur somewhere around 9:30 to 10….. when I am up to my elbows in paper.
Miss P
I remember that you’ve never liked breakfast/breakfast foods. I seem to recall you having leftover spaghetti for breakfast when we were kids :-)
Leftover spaghetti – Breakfast of champions. Nuff said.
Miss P
Delicious and pretty way to dress up your oatmeal – the combo almost makes it sound like a cookie recipe!
Oh…you just gave me a great idea for a new recipe!!!
Oatmeal is my go-to cold weather breakfast, and now that I’m starting to feel a little nip in the morning air, I think it’s time to reacquaint myself with my old friend. Love this combo of dried cranberries and pistachios… it sounds like a nice change from my trusty old Maple Brown Sugar! :)
Thanks, Isabelle. Yes, it’s a nice change for me, too, from my usual honey and cream :-)
Love the pistachios! I enjoy these often and never thought to put them in my morning oatmeal!
Give it a try, Marjory. I think you’ll like it!
I love oatmeal in the morning, and the pistachio and cranberry combination sounds incredibly delicious!
It’s just a nicely different way to freshen up a boring old bowl of oatmeal :-)
You KNOW I love the cranberry-pistachio combo Lana! :-) Sounds like the perfect way to start my day!
I do know, Martha!
This sounds perfect on a cool September morning!
Doesn’t it? It’ll be October/November before we have a really cool morning here :-)
That is one delicious looking bowl of oatmeal! Since pistachios are one of my favorite nuts, I would gladly eat this every single day!
Me too, Renee! Cranberries and pistachios really compliment each other.
Once the temps cool down, I look forward to warm, cozy bowls of oatmeal…even as a snack. Now I’ve got to try your cranberry version. Pistachio is a favorite of mine!! And that brown sugar…:))
It really is best on a cool Fall morning, isn’t it? And yes, the brown sugar really makes it wonderful.
Oatmeal is eaten on a regular basis at our house too. love this combo
Thanks, Teresa. It’s a favorite here.
This is anything but a boring bowl of oatmeal! Adding cranberries and pistachios makes it a very special breakfast!!!
I think so too, Liz!
What a great way to enjoy oatmeal in the mornings!
Thanks, Tasha! It’s a nice change from the usual.