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Learn how to make a simple and delicious bowl of wholesome oatmeal in under 10 minutes! With just three main ingredients, you can make this beloved, nutritious breakfast staple day after day. We do!
Easy Oatmeal Recipe
A creamy bowl of oatmeal is my go-to breakfast a couple of times a week. I love the taste, the texture, and all the ways you can mix it up. Plus, it keeps me full for hours!
I was at a friend’s house recently when her son asked for oatmeal. She pulled out a packet and zapped it in the microwave, and I was shocked. No, no judgment! Not everyone loves to cook. But when I asked if she’d ever tried making it from scratch, she said, “Who has time for that?!” I told her, “Girl, it takes five minutes!” And for mornings when even that feels like too much, my overnight oats are the move. They practically make themselves while you sleep.
How To Make Oatmeal
Making delicious oatmeal doesn’t take a lot; you need a saucepan, rolled oats (not quick-cooking oats!), milk, and water. Cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, also help. Honey, sugar, or Maple syrup, too.
- Combine. Grab a 2-quart saucepan and add in a cup of rolled oats, a cup of milk, a cup of water, and a bit of salt; bring to a boil.
- Simmer. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir it frequently so it doesn’t burn on the bottom of your pan.
- Serve. Remove from heat, transfer to bowls, and serve. That’s it. That is all there is to it.
How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave
Don’t want to deal with a saucepan? Cook the oats in your microwave.
First, combine 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup milk, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Stir and serve.
Add-Ins & Toppings
But now comes my favorite part! Oatmeal is like a blank canvas waiting for its pop of color. First things first, I always add a drizzle of honey. Then come the toppings:
- berries
- bananas
- nutella
- strawberry sauce
- nuts
- chocolate granola
- chocolate chips
You could eat oatmeal every day, switch up the toppings, and never get bored. And if you want an even quicker breakfast with oats, try my berry baked oatmeal or apple baked oatmeal! You can make them ahead and reheat servings during the week.
FAQs
Absolutely. I love my oats with Almond Milk. With any homemade oatmeal you can use non-dairy milk in place of milk.
This recipe serves 2, but you can definitely double it to make more. Just use a 2-quart saucepan or bigger.
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How To Make Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- generous pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- drizzle of honey, or maple syrup
- sliced almonds, chopped pecans, berries, raisins, bananas, etc…, for serving
Instructions
- Combine. In a 2-quart saucepan combine the oats, milk, water, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Serve. Remove the oatmeal from the heat and pour it into two individual bowls. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, add toppings of choice, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
How To Store
- Store your oatmeal in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 5 to 6 days.
Was looking for a way to cook enough oatmeal to eat this morning and the remainder of the week. This was it. 2 cups milk, 2 cups water, 2 cups oats, cinnamon, salt, blueberry’s, break up a couple slices of toast, some butter, (oh yeah I used Almond Milk). Didn’t have nutmeg, vanilla, or organic syrups or honey. Following your instructions; didn’t have to worry so much about sticking to the pan (hardly any), which made cleanup a lot less trouble. I would guess, although I didn’t exactly time it but you probably cut my usual total time by at least 50 percent. That’s from prep to clean up time. Thank you very much! And as was said I can doctor this so many different ways I could have it for breakfast all week and if fact with this batch I plan on doing that. So I will put a shortcut to this web site on my desk top and this will be my first go to when I need help or teaching.
Thanks again, Rolen
Thank you so much! I’m so glad the recipe worked well for you and saved you time. It’s great to hear that you can customize it for the whole week. I appreciate your kind words and am happy to be your go-to for help! Enjoy your oatmeal! 😊