How to Make Oatmeal [Stovetop + Microwave] - Healthy Insider

Wondering how to make a basic oatmeal recipe? With just 6 simple ingredients, you can have stove top oatmeal in 10 minutes or even less in the microwave! Includes 4 flavors.

4 bowls of oatmeal with different toppings. One is apple cinnamon, one is chocolate peanut butter, one is banana and walnuts, and the other is raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry.

I’ve shared many oatmeal recipes over the years. It was fun trying different flavors and combinations, but I also realized that in the past 11 years of food blogging, I have yet to share my basic oatmeal recipe. Not only is this a classic recipe that everyone should have in their pocket, but it can also serve as the basis for many different variations. I’ve listed some of my favorite combinations below, but first it’s important that we learn how to make oatmeal.

Skip the store-bought oatmeal!

I know it’s tempting to buy pre-mixed oatmeal packets, but trust me when I tell you that it’s just as easy to make oatmeal at home with your own ingredients. Not only is it more economical, but those store-bought packages often contain tons of added sugar and other ingredients that are simply not needed. I’m going to teach you how to make oatmeal at home using simple ingredients and two different methods.

3 glass jars with different types of oats. One is regular rolled oats, one is steel cut oats, and one is quick cooking oats.

Different types of oats explained

Before we discuss how to make oatmeal, let me first explain the different types of oats available:

old fashioned oatmeal – These are the classic oats you imagine when you imagine oatmeal. With oatmeal, the oat groats are steamed and rolled (hence the name “oatmeal”), so they’re a little more processed, but still a very healthy breakfast option. Steaming and rolling oats helps speed up the cooking time, so it’s a great option for busy mornings.
steel cut oats – These are the least processed of all oat varieties. In this case, the oats are cut into 2 or 3 parts, but the other parts remain intact. This makes them the healthiest option and the one with the highest fiber content, but they do take longer to cook.
Quick or ready-to-eat oats – These are the most processed of all oat varieties. Just like old-fashioned rolled oats, rolled oats are steamed and rolled, but in this case they are rolled more and then cut into smaller pieces. This means they cook very quickly, but I also find the texture a bit mushy and you don’t get the creamy oatmeal we all know and love.

Ingredients for a classic oatmeal recipe

Old Fashioned Oatmeal – This recipe also works for quick oats, but I wouldn’t recommend substituting steel cut oats because the proportions are different and the cooking time is much longer.
water or milk – You can use water or any kind of milk. Almond milk and oat milk are my favorites, but cow’s milk works too.
Cinnamon – I love adding cinnamon to my oatmeal recipes, but feel free to add other spices (I like to add a dash of nutmeg!) or omit the spices entirely.
Salt – This helps enhance the flavor.
Vanilla extract – You can omit it, but it adds a delicious sweetness.
Maple sugar – My choice of sweetener, but see suggestions below for other sweeteners.

How to Make Oatmeal on the Stovetop

Place all ingredients in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Bring the oatmeal to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed all the liquid. Stir occasionally to make sure the oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Top with desired toppings (suggestions below).

How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave

Place all ingredients in a large microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. Cook in 40-second increments until all liquid is absorbed and oats are cooked through. Top with desired toppings (suggestions below).

Recipe Tips

old fashioned oats required The ratio of oats to liquid is 1:2. You can choose which type of liquid to use (water, plant-based milk, or even cow’s milk are great), but be sure to stick to this ratio.
Choose your sweetener – I like to sweeten my oatmeal with maple syrup, but honey, brown sugar, or even mashed banana are all great options.
Use gluten-free oats if necessary – While oats are technically gluten-free, if you have celiac disease, be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats to ensure there aren’t any cross-contaminations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oatmeal good for you?

Yes! Oatmeal is a great choice for breakfast, snack, or any meal of the day. It’s high in fiber, which creates a feeling of fullness (and helps you poop!), and is a good source of plant-based iron. Check out this article to learn more about the benefits of oatmeal.

Is oatmeal high in protein?

Unfortunately, oats themselves aren’t very high in protein, but they can serve as a great base of protein. I like to stir in some Greek yogurt or top it with a dollop of nut butter (I like almond butter or peanut butter) for an extra dose of protein.

Do I have to add salt to my oatmeal?

Adding salt to oatmeal is not necessary, but adding a pinch of salt does help enhance the flavor.

Can I make oatmeal in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can, but I’ve found that it’s not significantly faster than a stovetop or microwave. I also find that it can get a little mushy. If you do want to use an Instant Pot, I recommend using steel cut oats. This is a recipe.

How to Store Oatmeal

Oatmeal will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave. I recommend adding a little milk and mixing before heating.

refrigerator: You can definitely freeze oatmeal. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove top. Or, for individual servings, you can freeze them in silicone cups in muffin tins and reheat a few at a time.

On the left is a top view of the muffin tin and on the right is a ziploc bag filled with oatmeal muffins.

4 flavor variations

Very Berry Oatmeal – Just add 1/3-1/2 cup of mixed berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. You can also use any of your favorite fresh fruits.

Banana Nut Oatmeal – Add 1/2 sliced banana and 1-2 tablespoons chopped pecans, walnuts, or your favorite nut.

A bowl of oatmeal topped with bananas and walnuts.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal -1/2 apple of choice, plus 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. I like to roll the apples in the spices to coat them better.

A bowl of oatmeal topped with apple slices, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal – 1 tablespoon peanut butter + 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips.

A bowl of oatmeal topped with chocolate chips and peanut butter.

More hot ideas:

fruit – I gave you a few fruit options above, but really any fresh or frozen fruit can be used as a healthy oatmeal topping.
spices – Cinnamon is my go-to when it comes to spices in oatmeal, but feel free to add whatever spices you like. Nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom are all great additions!
Nuts and seeds – If you want to add a little crunch, you can’t go wrong with nuts and seeds. Almonds, pumpkin seeds and even cashews are delicious. You can also have a dollop of any nut butter.
yogurt – For a boost of protein and a little creaminess, add a spoonful of your favorite yogurt.
protein powder – You can always add your favorite protein powder to your oatmeal. Note that sometimes protein powder can make oatmeal a little dry and stringy, so you’ll need to add a little extra liquid.
sweetener – Brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup and even date syrup are all delicious ingredients in oatmeal recipes.

Tutorial on how to make oatmeal - 4 methods.

Like oatmeal? Here are some of my favorite oatmeal recipes: