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Learn how to make oatmeal – the best oatmeal recipe made with milk or water plus toping ideas for sweet or savory bowls! This recipe is so creamy and delicious!
Oatmeal is a staple in my house because it’s healthy, delicious, versatile and easy to make. We have it most mornings, with overnight oats in the summer and slow cooker steel-cut oats in winter. This simple, nourishing recipe made on the stove can be customized endlessly with toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or spices. It is a go-to option for a quick and easy breakfast.
Oatmeal is one of those staples that every kitchen should have. I love that it keeps you full and gives you energy all morning long.
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Pin It NowTypes of Oats for Oatmeal
Learning how to make oatmeal is an important kitchen basic that I cannot recommend enough. Luckily, it is also one of the easiest meals to learn as well. All it takes is a bit of patience and some creativity.
There are many types of oats you can use to make oatmeal:
- steel cut oats
- rolled oats
- old-fashioned oats
In this recipe, we are making oatmeal with old-fashioned oats.
- Old fashioned oats are less processed than rolled oats but cook faster than steel-cut
- They are the perfect balance of texture and cooking time
Steel cut oats can take up to 30 minutes to make while old-fashioned oats take about 5 minutes.
If you are gluten free, be sure to get certified gluten free oats. While oats are naturally gluten free, they are processed in facilities that also process wheat products, so may be contaminated with gluten.
How To Make Oatmeal
I like to make oatmeal with milk instead of water in my basic recipe because of the added flavor and creaminess. If you are wondering how to make thick oatmeal, use milk and slightly decrease the amount that you use. Butter and salt aren’t required but enhance the flavor of the oats. These ingredients also work well in both sweet and savory oatmeal. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Combine ingredients. Mix the oats, milk, salt, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the oatmeal. Stir the mixture until it begins to bubble and the oats soften. This should take about 5 minutes and the mixture should look thick and creamy. Add more milk or water if you prefer a thinner oatmeal.
- Add your mix-ins. This oatmeal is delicious as is, or mix-ins can be added. Read more on ways to flavor your oatmeal below.
The Perfect Ratio
Whether you prefer to make your oatmeal with milk or water, I recommend using a ratio of 1:2, one part oatmeal to two parts liquid. For one serving, I use 1/2 cup oatmeal with one cup of milk. If you want a thinner oatmeal, add more until you reach your desired consistency.
Oatmeal Mix-Ins
When making your oatmeal, you can get as creative as you want when it comes to adding flavor! I prefer to include mix-ins at two stages of making my oatmeal. In the saucepan just before the oats are ready, I will include things like peanut butter or cheese, ingredients that work best when melted and thoroughly incorporated into the oats.
I like to add more mix-ins like dried or fresh berries, nuts, or diced bacon after I put my oatmeal in my bowl. Here are a few ideas on how to add flavor to your oatmeal:
- Sugar, cocoa powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, coconut flakes, or peanut butter make great sweet mix-ins.
- Cheese and herbs can be added for savory oatmeal.
- Fruit like bananas, berries, apples, or peaches are delicious.
Microwave Oatmeal
While this is THE BEST oatmeal recipe made on the stovetop, I do have a guide for how to make oatmeal in the microwave.
Oatmeal is such a versatile recipe. Once you know how to cook oatmeal, you can get as creative as you’d like with all of your toppings and add-ins. Enjoy!
How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water and stirring halfway through.
Other Oatmeal Breakfast Recipes
For another great oatmeal recipe, try my Instant Pot Maple Banana Bread Oatmeal. It’s delicious!
If you try this simple oatmeal recipe or any of my other recipes, please let me know by leaving a comment below!
How to Make Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- mix-ins as desired
Instructions
- Mix together the oats, milk, salt, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture until it begins to bubble and the oats soften. This should take about 5 minutes and the mixture should look thick and creamy. Add more milk or water if you prefer a thinner oatmeal.
- Add in any mix-ins that you desire. Sugar, cocoa powder, brown sugar, or peanut butter make great sweet mix-ins to add. Alternatively, you can consider cheese and herbs for savory oatmeal.
- Pour the cooked oats into a bowl. Add in any other mix-ins as desired such as nuts, dried berries, or bacon.
Fresh fruits, nuts and seeds, nut butters, or even eggs and avocados are all great healthy options to top oatmeal with.
A 1:2 ratio works best – use 1 cup of old-fashioned oats and 2 cups of milk or water.
Use milk instead of water to make oatmeal creamier.
