How to Make Oatmeal

4 bowls of oatmeal, showing the variety of toppings

4.95 from 89 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

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Total Time 4 minutes

Servings serving

Calories 227kcal

Author Yumna Jawad

Ingredients

Base Recipe

½ cup rolled old fashioned oats
½ cup milk of choice
½ cup water
Pinch of salt

Maple Brown Sugar

1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 teaspoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons pecans chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Banana Nut

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

Strawberry & Cream

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

Chocolate Peanut Butter

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

Instructions

Microwave Instructions

Place all the ingredients into a medium microwave safe bowl and stir together. Heat in the microwave on high for 2 minutes. Then add 15-second increments 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. Stir before serving

Stovetop Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring the water and milk 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. Remove from the 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

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.

Nutrition: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This information should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. The nutrition value is for one serving without any toppings.

Nutrition