This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details.
Oatmeal is a comforting, versatile breakfast staple that has been loved for generations. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a healthier meal or enjoy a warm bowl of oats on a chilly evening, learning how to cook oatmeal perfectly can make all the difference.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about cooking oatmeal, from ingredient substitutions and variations to essential tips and frequently asked questions.
If you love oatmeal recipes, try my Easy Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe and Delicious Oatmeal Jam Cookies some day. They are such delicious treats!
Why You’ll Love Oatmeal
- Customizable: You can easily tailor oatmeal to your taste preferences by adding different toppings, sweeteners, and spices.
- Filling: Oatmeal is a wholesome breakfast choice that keeps you full and energized.
- Versatile: Oatmeal can be enjoyed sweet or savory, hot or cold, making it a versatile option for any meal.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in minutes.
Common Types of Oatmeals
Before diving spoon first into a delicious bowl of oatmeal you will want to decide what kind of oats to use for your morning bowl! Here are the most common types of oats and what you should know about them before making your bowl.
- Steel-Cut Oats: Made from whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces, steel-cut oats have a chewier texture.
- Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats: These are whole oat groats that have been steamed and rolled into flakes.
- Instant Oats– These oats are pre-cooked and then dried for the quickest cooking time. As the name implies these oats cook instantly and are traditionally made in the microwave.
- Quick Oats: These are rolled oats that have been cut into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
Ingredients Needed to Cook Oatmeal
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the dish, providing a perfect balance of chewiness and creaminess.
- Milk or water: Determines the richness and creaminess of your oatmeal.
- Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar): Adds sweetness to your liking.
- Topping: Add fruits, nuts, chocolate chips or any toppings you like.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Toppings: Customize your oatmeal with fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or peanut butter for added texture and taste.
- Milk Alternatives: Swap regular milk with almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia instead of sugar for different levels of sweetness.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a pinch of salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to elevate the flavor.
Best Oatmeal Cooking Methods
Cooking oatmeal is as easy as pouring love into a bowl. Let’s keep it simple and delightful. Here are 5 ways to cook oatmeal using the most common types of oatmeal.
How To Cook Oatmeal In Microwave
Cooking oats in the microwave is a convenient and quick way to prepare a healthy breakfast. Here’s a simple guide to cooking both quick oats and old-fashioned oats with water in the microwave.
Quick Oats
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup of quick oats, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Microwave: Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 1-2 minutes. Start with 1 minute, then check the consistency. If the oats are too watery or undercooked for your liking, continue to cook in 15-30 second intervals until the oats are tender and the water is absorbed.
- Stir and Rest: Stir the oats well after cooking to ensure even consistency, then let them sit for about 1 minute to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Enjoy your oatmeal plain or with added milk and your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or sweeteners.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Microwave: Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 minutes. Start with 2.5 minutes and check the texture. If the oats need more cooking, continue in 15-30 second intervals until they reach your desired consistency.
- Stir and Rest: Stir the oats thoroughly after cooking and let them sit for 1 minute. This allows the oats to absorb any remaining water and thicken up.
- Serve: Serve your oatmeal hot, plain, added milk or any desired toppings, such as fresh berries, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for Cooking Microwave Oatmeal
- Adjust Cooking Time: Microwave wattages vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your microwave. Keep an eye on your oats as they cook to avoid overflows.
- Use a Large Microwave-Safe Bowl: Oats can bubble up as they cook, so use a bowl that’s large enough to prevent overflow.
Cooking Oatmeal On Stovetop
Stovetop Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 4 cups water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Add the Oats: Once the water is boiling, add 1 cup of steel-cut oats to the pot.
- Simmer the Oats: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the oats, uncovered, for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For creamier oats, stir more frequently during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Cook until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the water. If you prefer a thicker consistency, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let the oats sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Stovetop Old-Fashion Rolled Oats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups water (or milk for creamier oatmeal)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or milk for a creamier texture) to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Add the Oats: Once the water is boiling, stir in 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Reduce Heat and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the oats simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Oats: Continue to cook the oats for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired consistency. For thicker oatmeal, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes; for thinner oatmeal, add a bit more water or milk.
- Remove from Heat: Once the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the oatmeal sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, honey, cinnamon, or brown sugar. Enjoy warm.
Tips for Cooking Stovetop Oats
- Adjust Liquid to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, use less water or milk. For a creamier texture, use more liquid or replace some of the water with milk.
Prepping Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a simple, no-cook breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings. By soaking oats in liquid overnight, they soften and absorb the flavors, resulting in a creamy, delicious meal that’s ready to eat when you wake up. Here’s a basic guide on how to prepare overnight oats.
Basic Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra thickness and nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or agave, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar, bowl, or container with a lid, combine the 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (if using), 1 tablespoon of sweetener (if using), 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until the oats are fully coated and well combined with the liquid.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the jar or container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the oats soak overnight. This soaking time allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen them up. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, or any other toppings you enjoy.
- Enjoy: Overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold, but you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer them slightly warmer.
How to Cook Oatmeal In Instant Pot
Steel-cut oats are a hearty and nutritious breakfast option that offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor. Cooking them can take some time on the stovetop, but an Instant Pot can speed up the process significantly.
Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of steel-cut oats, 3 cups of water, and a pinch of salt (if using) to the Instant Pot.
- Seal the Lid: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Set Cooking Time: Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. This helps the oats finish cooking and prevents any splattering if the steam is released too quickly.
- Release Remaining Pressure: After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid once the pin drops.
- Stir and Serve: Give the oatmeal a good stir to combine and thicken. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, nuts, sweeteners, or spices.
How to Cook Oatmeal in The Oven
Baked oatmeal is a versatile and delicious breakfast option that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Below are several ways to make baked oatmeal, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients.
- 3 Ways to Make Baked Oats
- Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Healthy Oat Banana Bread
Tips to Cook Oatmeal
- Liquid to Oats Ratio: Generally, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats (e.g., 2 cups of water or milk for 1 cup of oats).
- Experiment with Liquid Choices: Use milk (dairy or plant-based) for a creamier texture, or opt for water for a lighter version. You can also use a combination of both.
- Adjust for Texture: For creamier oatmeal, use more liquid; for thicker oatmeal, use less. Adjust based on your texture preference.
- Stir Frequently: For stovetop oatmeal, stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
Best Oatmeal Toppings
I think my favorite part about eating oatmeal has to be the toppings! Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create endless combinations of delicious and satisfying oatmeal breakfasts.
- Fruit– sliced bananas, blueberries, sliced strawberries, cinnamon, apples.
- Granola– basically crunchy oats on top of soft oats!
- Spices: Add Cinnamon or nutmeg for a dash of flavor.
- Nuts and seeds- flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sliced almonds, salted peanuts.
- Extras topping– shredded coconut, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips.
- Spreads: peanut butter, melted chocolate, Nutella spread, and lotus spread.
- Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can definitely cook a large batch of oatmeal ahead and reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also prepare overnight oats in advance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For Thicker Oatmeal: Use less liquid or cook the oats longer.
For Creamier Oatmeal: Use more liquid or stir in a bit of milk or yogurt after cooking.
There are certified gluten-free oats if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. Oats are often processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains, so certified gluten-free oats are tested to be free of gluten contamination.
Yes, you can freeze cooked oatmeal. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid to restore consistency
Add Protein: Stir in Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds or protein powder.
Increase Fiber: Add chia seeds or flaxseeds.
Include Healthy Fats: Mix in nut butters.
Other Nutritious Breakfasts
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups
- Avocado Toast With Eggs
- Homemade Fruit and Nuts Bar
- Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Oatmeal is a game-changer for busy mornings, ensuring you start your day with a delicious and filling meal. By understanding the different types of oats and how to prepare them, you can tailor your oatmeal to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a classic bowl of creamy oats, a decedant batch of baked oatmeal, or the convenience of overnight oats, there are endless ways to enjoy this wholesome meal.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook |Instagram |Pinterest for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
How to Cook Oatmeal
Ingredients
Old Fashioned Oats Recipe
- 2 cup water or milk
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 pinch salt, (optional)
- sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or milk for a creamier texture) to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Add the Oats: Once the water is boiling, stir in 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
- Reduce Heat and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the oats simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Oats: Continue to cook the oats for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired consistency. For thicker oatmeal, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes; for thinner oatmeal, add a bit more water or milk.
- Remove from Heat: Once the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the oatmeal sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, honey, cinnamon, or brown sugar. Enjoy warm.
Notes
-
-
- Choose the Right Oats: Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect texture.
- Liquid Ratio: Follow the recommended liquid-to-oats ratio for the specific type of oats you’re using. Adjust based on your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Liquid Choices: Use milk (dairy or plant-based) for a creamier texture, or opt for water for a lighter version. You can also use a combination of both.
- Sweeten Wisely: Start with a modest amount of sweetener and adjust to taste.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings like berries, nuts and chocolate chips.
-
I don’t know why people say to add the oats after the water is boiling. Add the oats to the water at the start and as it comes to a boil the oats will be done much more quickly!
I almost died eating this. I love this so much. It sent me to the ER. My child who is fatherless was almost scared to death like me. But thankfully I eat more so I didn’t need to take care of him anymore. He lives with this Grandparents who are supportive and very good. Thank you for everything Oatmeal Recipe. 10/10