Go Back
Overhead bowl of cheesy oats topped with a runny soft egg and glistening red chili crisp oil, sliced scallions on top

Creamy Savory Oats with Soft Egg and Chili Crisp

Broth-and-milk simmered oats loaded with sharp cheddar, topped with a soft fried egg and a spoonful of chili crisp.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 577
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Oat base
  • 120 g old-fashioned rolled oats about 1 1/4 cups
  • 240 ml low-sodium vegetable broth 1 cup
  • 240 ml whole milk 1 cup
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings
  • 90 g sharp cheddar, shredded about 3/4 cup, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp neutral oil or cooking spray, for frying
  • 2 tbsp chili crisp 1 tbsp per bowl
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Method
 

Cook the oats
  1. Combine the oats, broth, and milk in a 2-quart / 1.9 L saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring once or twice.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the oats are thick and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Stir in half the cheddar along with the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cover and keep warm off the heat.
Fry the eggs and finish
  1. While the oats simmer, warm the oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Crack the eggs into the skillet, spacing them apart so the whites don't merge. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are fully set and the yolk is still runny when you nudge the pan.
  3. Divide the oats between two bowls and top each with the remaining cheddar so it melts slightly from the heat.
  4. Slide a soft egg onto each bowl of oats.
  5. Spoon the chili crisp over the top and scatter the scallions over both bowls. Serve right away while the egg is warm and the oats are still creamy.

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs for the cleanest runny yolk when frying.
  • Don't walk away from the skillet, eggs go from soft to overcooked fast.
  • Warm the bowls before serving so the oats stay hot longer.
  • Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if that's what's open in your fridge.