How to Make Oatmeal

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

Prep time: PT2M

Cook time: PT2M

Total time: PT4M

Rating

5 stars (9105 reviews)

Keywords

brunch, easy, healthy, Kid Friendly

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
1 cup water
Pinch salt
2-3 tablespoons milk of choice
1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
½ banana (sliced)
2 tablespoons walnuts
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup strawberries (sliced )
1 tablespoon half and half
2 teaspoons honey
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons chocolate chips
1 teaspoons roasted peanuts

Cuisine

American

Steps

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.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 171 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Sodium: 171 mg
Sugar: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g

Reviews

Margaret Leung on 2025-06-22 (5 stars):
It is good with easy available ingredients , and very healthy
Karen on 2025-05-30 (5 stars):
Oh my!! This was SO SO good! I made the maple/brown sugar one. I didn't have pecans so I added walnuts, and then I added a small handful of raisins and 1/2 a chopped apple. It was like eating dessert...fabulous!! No more instant packets for me!
Madelone on 2025-05-23 (3 stars):
I love making oats and decided to try a new recipe! I made the chocolate peanut butter version, but it came out super watery in the microwave despite adding cooking increments of 15 seconds and letting it cool. I’m going to try again on the stovetop! Love the additions.
Ma on 2025-02-03 (5 stars):
Haven't made fresh oatmeal since we moved from FL to ND almost 4 yrs ago. Husband always went with the instant stuff because we had a lot going on at that time and it just stuck until today. Had a container full of oats my husband has for cookies and such (he makes cookies I make pies/cakes lol). I decided to make what I call "real oatmeal" and found your site. It came out great. I did tweak it a bit by doing 1/2 &1/2 on water and milk for a creamier texture. I added the cinnamon and maple syrup in half way through. He likes bananas in his oatmeal so I topped it off with some cinnamon sugar (just a sprinkle). But the oats cooked just right even though I broke the first cardinal rule of boiling liquids...I turned my back for a few seconds and yep, it boiled over a bit. Lol thank you for sharing this recipe.
Masa on 2025-01-03 (4 stars):
A very good recipe! Thanks for the ratio! For future reference watch the oatmeal so then it doesn't overcook.
Bonnie on 2024-12-03 (5 stars):
I have made this twice using the stove method, it was good ! Came out exactly as she said. I have to watch my sugar, so I used sugar free maple sugar for some flavor, so good. Ty!
Bonnie on 2024-11-30 (5 stars):
Lorenz said it correctly, I stand with him!