How to Make Oatmeal

5 from 9100 votes

This is a guide for how to make oatmeal on the stovetop and in the microwave, plus four ways to customize. It's a heart-healthy easy staple breakfast recipe

Course Breakfast, Tutorial

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 2

Total Time 4

Servings serving

Calories 171kcal

Author Yumna Jawad

Equipment

Ingredients

Base Recipe

½ cup rolled oats
1 cup water
Pinch salt
2-3 tablespoons milk of choice

Maple Brown Sugar

1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Banana Nut

½ banana sliced
2 tablespoons walnuts
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Strawberry & Cream

½ cup strawberries sliced
1 tablespoon half and half
2 teaspoons honey
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Peanut Butter

2 teaspoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons chocolate chips
1 teaspoons roasted peanuts

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.

Video

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