Wondering how to make a basic oatmeal recipe? With just 6 simple ingredients you can have stove-top oatmeal in 10 minutes and even less in the microwave! 4 flavor variations included.
Over the years I’ve shared many many oatmeal recipes. It’s been fun to experiment with different flavors and combinations but I also realize that in the last 11 years of food blogging I’ve yet to share my basic oatmeal recipe. Not only is this a classic recipe that everyone should have in their back pocket, but it also serves as a base to so many different variations. I’m including a couple of my favorite combos below but first it’s important we learn how to make oatmeal.
Skip the Store-Bought Oatmeal!
I know it can be so tempting to buy the pre-mixed oatmeal packets but trust me when I tell you that it is just as easy to make oatmeal at home with your own ingredients. Not only is it more economical, but those store-bought packets often contain a bunch of added sugar and other ingredients that simply are not necessary. I’m going to teach you how to make oatmeal at home using simple ingredients and two different methods.
Different Types of Oats Explained
Before we get into how to make oatmeal let me explain the different types of oats available:
- Old Fashioned Rolled oats – these are the classic oats you imagine when you picture oatmeal. For rolled oats the oat groats have been steamed and rolled (hence the “rolled oats” name) so they are slightly more processed but still a very healthy breakfast option. Steaming and rolling the oats helps to speed up the cooking time so these are a great option for busy mornings.
- Steel-Cut Oats – These are the least processed of all of the oat varieties. The oat groat in this case has been cut into 2 or 3 parts but otherwise left whole. This makes them the healthiest option and also the highest in fiber but they do take longer to cook.
- Quick or Instant Oats – these are the most processed of all the oat varieties. Like old fashioned rolled oats the oat groat has been steamed and rolled but in this case they are rolled even more and then cut up smaller. This means they cook extremely fast but I also find the texture a bit mushy and you don’t get that creamy oatmeal we all know and love.
Ingredients Needed for Classic Oatmeal Recipe
- Old fashioned Rolled Oats – This recipe will work for quick oats too but I do not recommend subbing in steel-cut oats since the ratio is different and the cooking time is much longer.
- Water or Milk – You can use water or any variety of milk. Almond milk and oat milk are my favorites but dairy milk works too.
- Cinnamon – I love including cinnamon in my oatmeal recipe but feel free to sub in other spices (I like adding a pinch of nutmeg!) or omit spices entirely.
- Salt – this helps to amplify flavors.
- Vanilla Extract – you can omit but it adds a sweetness that is delicious.
- Maple Syrup – My choice for sweetener but see suggestions below for other sweeteners.
How to Make Oatmeal on the Stove-Top
Add all ingredients to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Bring oatmeal to a boil and then lower to a simmer for 5-10 minutes or until oats have soaked up all the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Top with desired toppings (suggestions below).
How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave
Add all ingredients into a large microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. Cook in 40 second increments until all liquid has been absorbed and oats are cooked through. Top with desired toppings (suggestions below).
Recipe Tips
- Old fashioned oats require a 1:2 oat to liquid ratio. You can choose what type of liquid you use (water, plant-based milks or even dairy milks are all great) but be sure to stick to this ratio.
- Pick your sweetener – I like sweetening my oatmeal with maple syrup but honey, brown sugar or even mashed banana are all great options.
- Use gluten-free oats if necessary – while technically oats are gluten-free, if you’re celiac be sure to grab gluten-free certified oats to ensure there hasn’t been any cross-contamination.
FAQs
Yes! Oatmeal is a great option for breakfast, as a snack or truly any meal of the day. It’s high in fiber which makes it filling (and helps you poop!) and is a good source of plant-based iron. Check out this post to learn more about oatmeal benefits.
Unfortunately oats themselves are not high in protein, however they can serve as a great base for protein. I love stirring in some greek yogurt or topping with a dollop of nut butter (I like almond butter or peanut butter) to get in an extra dose of protein.
It is not essential to add salt to your oatmeal but adding a pinch of salt does help to amplify the flavors.
Yes you can, however I don’t find it to be much faster than the stove top or microwave. I also find it can get a little mushy. If you do want to use the Instant Pot I recommend using steel-cut oats. Here’s a recipe.
How to Store Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on stovetop or in microwave. I recommend adding a splash of milk and mixing it in before you heat it up.
Freezer: You can definitely freeze your oatmeal. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and then reheat on the stove top. Alternatively for individual servings you can freeze in silicone cups in a muffin tin and reheat a couple at a time.
4 Flavor Variations
Very Berry Oatmeal – Just mix in a 1/3-1/2 cup of mixed berries like strawberry, raspberries, blueberries and blackberry. You could also use any of your favorite fresh fruit.
Banana Nut Oatmeal – Add in 1/2 a sliced banana and 1-2 tbsp of chopped pecans, walnuts or your favorite nut.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal -1/2 an apple of choice, an additional 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. I like to roll my apple in the spices to coat them well.
Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal – 1 tbsp of peanut butter + 1-2 tbsp of chocolate chips.
More Topping Ideas:
- Fruit – I’ve given you a couple of fruit options above but truly any fresh or frozen fruit works great as a healthy oatmeal topping.
- Spices – cinnamon is my go-to when it comes to adding spices to oatmeal but feel free to add whichever spices you prefer. Nutmeg, cloves, ginger and cardamom are all great additions!
- Nuts & Seeds – for a little added crunch you really can’t go wrong with nuts and seeds. Almonds, pumpkin seeds or even cashews are delicious. You can also had a dollop of any nut butter.
- Yogurt – For a protein boost and a little added creaminess add a scoop of your favorite yogurt.
- Protein Powder – You can always add your favorite protein powder to your bowl of oatmeal. Note that sometimes protein powder can make oatmeal a little dry and thick so you’ll want to add a little extra liquid.
- Sweeteners – Brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup or even date syrup are all delicious toppings on your oatmeal recipes.
Love oatmeal? Here are some of my favorite oatmeal recipes:
How to Make Oatmeal
Wondering how to make a basic oatmeal recipe? With just 6 simple ingredients you can have stove-top oatmeal in 10 minutes and even less in the microwave! 4 flavor variations included.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Cook
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup, to taste.
Very Berry Oatmeal:
- 1/3–1/2 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries etc…)
Banana Nut Oatmeal:
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1–2 tbsp chopped nuts (I like walnuts or pecans)
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:
- 1/2 apple, chopped
- 1/4 tsp additional cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal:
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- Add all ingredients to a medium pot over medium-high heat.
- Bring oatmeal to a boil and then lower to a simmer for 5-10 minutes or until oats have soaked up all the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Top with desired toppings as indicated above and serve.
Notes
To make in the microwave:
Add all ingredients into a large microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. Cook in 40 second increments until all liquid has been absorbed and oats are cooked through. Top with desired toppings (suggestions below).
