How to Make Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the most comforting, affordable, and nutritious breakfast options. Whether you are looking for a quick weekday meal or a cozy weekend bowl, oatmeal can be customized to suit any taste. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about making oatmeal from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

At its core, all you need for a basic bowl of oatmeal is:

• Oats (old-fashioned, quick, or steel-cut)
• Water or milk (or a mix of both)
• Salt (just a pinch)

Optional add-ins and toppings include sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, cinnamon spices, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Different Types of Oats Explained

Understanding the type of oats you’re using will help determine cooking time and texture.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

These are oat groats that have been steamed and rolled flat. They cook in about 5 minutes, giving you a soft but chewy texture.

Quick Oats

Quick oats are rolled thinner and chopped, cooking in about 1–2 minutes. They’re softer and tend to get mushy faster.

Steel-Cut Oats

These are whole oat groats chopped into pieces. They take about 20–30 minutes to cook but have a hearty, chewy texture.

Instant Oats

Pre-cooked and dehydrated instant oats are designed for the microwave. They’re convenient but often contain added sugars and salt.

How To Make Stovetop Oatmeal

Basic Stovetop Oatmeal Recipe:

1. Bring 1 cup of water or milk to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Add ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats and a pinch of salt.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let sit for 1–2 minutes before serving.

For steel-cut oats, use 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bowl of Oatmeal

• Use milk or a milk alternative for creamier oats.
• Add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor.
• Don’t over-stir; this can break down the oats and make them mushy.
• Let it rest for a minute before serving so it thickens up nicely.
• Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for meal prep.

How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave

Perfect for busy mornings!

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of oats with 1 cup of water or milk and a pinch of salt.
2. Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes (for rolled oats).
3. Stir and let sit for a minute before serving.

Tip: Place a plate underneath to catch overflow, just in case!

Oatmeal Variations

Switch things up with these delicious flavor combos:

Apple Cinnamon

• ½ apple, diced
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup

Maple Brown Sugar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Banana Nut

• ½ banana, mashed
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
• Dash of cinnamon

Berry Almond

• ¼ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp sliced almonds
• Drizzle of honey

Oatmeal Toppings

Here are some tasty and nutritious ways to finish your bowl:

• Fruits: bananas, apples, berries, peaches, raisins
• Nuts & Seeds: almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed
• Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, agave
• Dairy or Non-Dairy: Greek yogurt, almond milk splash
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom

Mix and match to keep it exciting.

Everything You Need to Make Oatmeal

Equipment:

• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board (for toppings)

Pantry Essentials:

• Oats (your choice of type)
• Salt
• Sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, sugar)
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
• Nuts, seeds, fruits