Oatmeal is a breakfast staple for many, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and packed with nutrients to kickstart your day. As someone who enjoys a comforting bowl of oatmeal almost every morning, I often get asked about the best way to make it. Whether you’re new to oatmeal or looking to perfect your technique, this guide will show you exactly How To Make Oatmeal that’s delicious, healthy, and satisfying. Say goodbye to bland breakfasts and hello to a world of warm, customizable goodness!
What makes oatmeal such a winner? Beyond its simplicity, oatmeal is incredibly adaptable to your taste preferences. You can personalize it with a wide array of toppings and flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic source of sustained energy, keeping you feeling full and focused throughout your morning. Having a reliable and nourishing breakfast like oatmeal is a wonderful way to establish a healthy and consistent morning routine.
Essential Ingredients for Making Oatmeal
Making oatmeal from scratch requires just a few basic ingredients. At its core, you’ll need rolled oats (also known as old fashioned oats), liquid (water or milk), and a pinch of salt. These four components are the foundation for a perfect bowl of oatmeal.
When it comes to oats, you have a few options to choose from, each with slightly different textures and cooking times:
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Quick Oats: These are the most processed type of oats, cut into very small pieces and pre-cooked. They cook in mere minutes, making them convenient. However, they can become mushy easily and lack the texture of other oat varieties. While quick oats save a little time, the minimal time difference isn’t always worth sacrificing the texture and slightly more processed nature.
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Steel Cut Oats: Also known as Irish oats, these are the least processed. They are whole oat groats that have been cut into smaller pieces. Steel cut oats have a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. They require the longest cooking time, usually around 20-30 minutes on the stovetop. If you’re interested in this variety, I have a detailed guide on how to cook steel cut oats for a perfectly textured result.
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Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned Oats): Striking a balance between quick oats and steel cut oats, rolled oats or old fashioned oats are oat groats that have been steamed and then rolled into flakes. This process makes them cook faster than steel cut oats but retain more texture than quick oats. Rolled oats offer a pleasant chewy texture and cook in about 5 minutes on the stovetop or a couple of minutes in the microwave. For this guide, we’ll be focusing on rolled oats as they are ideal for a quick, delicious, and texturally satisfying oatmeal.
Quick and Easy Microwave Oatmeal Instructions
For a speedy single serving of oatmeal, the microwave is your best friend. The key is getting the ratio of oats to liquid right.
The standard ratio for oatmeal is 1 part rolled oats to 2 parts liquid. A common serving size is ½ cup of rolled oats to 1 cup of water. While you can use milk instead of water for a creamier result, water cooks oatmeal effectively in the microwave. Many prefer to use water for cooking and then add a splash of milk at the end to adjust the consistency, or use a combination of water and milk from the start as shown below.
To microwave oatmeal:
- Combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 cup water (or milk/water mix), and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to prevent boil-over.
- Place the bowl in the microwave uncovered. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Check the consistency. The oatmeal should be thickened and creamy. If it seems too liquidy, microwave for another 15-30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become gummy.
- Stir well and let it cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
Stovetop Oatmeal Cooking Guide
For a slightly richer flavor and more control over the cooking process, the stovetop method is excellent. The ratio of oats to liquid remains the same as microwave oatmeal.
Here’s how to cook oatmeal on the stovetop:
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of liquid (water, milk, or a combination) to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gently pour in ½ cup of rolled oats.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. You’ll notice the oatmeal thickening as it absorbs the liquid.
- Cook until the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency – creamy and thick, but not dry.
- Remove from heat and let it stand for a minute or two before serving. This allows it to thicken a bit more.
Whether you choose the microwave or stovetop, you’ve now mastered the basic technique of how to make oatmeal. The result is a warm, comforting bowl of creamy oatmeal ready for your creative toppings.
Delicious and Healthy Oatmeal Recipe Ideas
Plain oatmeal is a blank canvas ready for flavor. While I enjoy simple oatmeal with just a touch of brown sugar, exploring different flavors keeps breakfast exciting and nutritious. Here are a few healthy and delicious oatmeal recipe variations to inspire you:
Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal: This classic flavor combination is a comforting treat, far superior to pre-packaged versions. To make it, stir in brown sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and some chopped pecans or walnuts after cooking.
Banana Nut Oatmeal: Another classic oatmeal flavor, elevated with fresh ingredients. Slice half a banana and add it to your cooked oatmeal along with walnuts or pecans, ground flaxseeds for extra nutrients, and a dash of cinnamon. For added sweetness and crunch, consider making a batch of candied walnuts to sprinkle on top.
Strawberry & Cream Oatmeal: A delightful and fruity combination. Add fresh sliced strawberries to your oatmeal, along with a splash of half-and-half, coconut cream, or your favorite non-dairy creamer for richness. Sweeten with a touch of honey and a hint of vanilla extract for a truly dreamy breakfast.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal: A fun and kid-friendly (and adult-approved!) option. While the oatmeal is still warm, stir in cocoa powder or cacao powder until it turns chocolatey. Enhance the chocolate flavor with chocolate chips and top with a spoonful of peanut butter and crunchy peanuts for a satisfying and slightly indulgent, yet still wholesome, breakfast.
Endless Oatmeal Topping Ideas
These recipe ideas are just the beginning. Think of oatmeal as a base for endless topping combinations. Toppings not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value.
Here are more ideas to spark your creativity:
- Fruits: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped apples, diced peaches, fruit zest, applesauce, jams, dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, dates, apricots, or shredded coconut, frozen fruits like berries or mangoes.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds (ground or whole), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. Nut butters and seed butters like almond butter, peanut butter, or tahini also add creaminess and protein.
- Cooked Grains: Add a spoonful of cooked quinoa, amaranth, or wheat germ for extra texture and nutrients. Granola adds a delightful crunch.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, or a dash of turmeric for warmth and flavor.
- Dairy and Creamers: A splash of milk, cream, half-and-half, yogurt (Greek or regular), or non-dairy milk and creamers like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
- Protein Boosters: Protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored) can be mixed in after cooking. Start with half a scoop and adjust to taste.
- Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, agave syrup, or your preferred sugar substitute.
Expert Tips for Perfect Oatmeal
To ensure your oatmeal is consistently delicious, keep these tips in mind:
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Choose Rolled Oats for Ideal Texture: While other oats have their place, rolled oats offer the best balance of cooking time and texture for everyday oatmeal. Steel cut oats require significantly longer cooking, and quick oats can become too mushy. Rolled oats deliver a creamy yet slightly chewy texture that most people find appealing.
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Master the Oat to Liquid Ratio: The 1:2 ratio (½ cup oats to 1 cup liquid) is a great starting point. Too little liquid and your oatmeal might be undercooked and dry. Too much liquid, and it can be watery. Stick to the ratio initially, and then adjust the consistency after cooking by adding more liquid (milk or water) for thinner oatmeal or by cooking slightly longer for thicker oatmeal.
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Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of salt might seem insignificant, but it makes a world of difference in oatmeal. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the oats, bringing out their subtle sweetness and nutty notes and preventing it from tasting bland. Just a small pinch is all you need to elevate the overall taste.
Say goodbye to pre-packaged oatmeal and embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of making your own oatmeal at home. It’s just as easy, more economical, and significantly more flavorful and customizable. The best part is you have complete control over the ingredients and toppings, allowing you to create the perfect bowl of oatmeal tailored to your preferences every time.
Explore More Oatmeal Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed learning how to make oatmeal and are looking for more creative oatmeal recipes, be sure to check out other healthy and delicious oatmeal recipes on Feel Good Foodie!
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How to Make Oatmeal
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for making perfect oatmeal on the stovetop and in the microwave, along with creative customization ideas. Enjoy this heart-healthy and easy breakfast staple!
5 from 9102 votes
Author Yumna Jawad
Servings 1 serving
Course Breakfast, Tutorial
Calories 171
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 4 minutes mins
Video
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice
Maple Brown Sugar
Banana Nut
Strawberry & Cream
- ½ cup strawberries sliced
- 1 tablespoon half and half
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Peanut Butter
Instructions
Microwave Instructions
- Place the oats, water, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on high for 90 seconds. Then add 15-second increments, if needed, until the oatmeal is puffed and softened. This is only necessary the first time you make it. Then you can gauge the exact time needed and repeat in the future. Add milk and stir before serving.
Stovetop Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the oats. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Add the milk, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 2-3 minutes.
Assembly
- Stir in the toppings and let rest for a few minutes to cool. Thin with a little more milk, if desired. Serve warm.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition label is for base oatmeal recipe only and does not include additions/toppings. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last about 5 days in the fridge. Make Ahead Tips: You can make the oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop in advance. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or water and microwave for 1 minute. Substitutes: For best results, follow the recipe as is. However, you can use all milk or all water in the recipe instead of doing half milk/half water. You can also use any type of milk you’d like. * Please note the nutrition label does not include any toppings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bowl, Calories: 171kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 171mg, Potassium: 147mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 175mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Cuisine American
Course: Breakfast, Tutorial
