How to Make Oatmeal Tasty

Oatmeal is a basic breakfast dish that is good for you. Yet, so often what is good for you doesn’t taste that great! Here I will show you how to take your oatmeal to the next level.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

– It is very easy to make

– Takes about 15 minutes from start to finish

– A healthy and delicious breakfast idea (goes great with a smoothie)

– Budget friendly ingredients

– Oatmeal can be customized to any flavor with your favorite add ins

How to Make Oatmeal Tasty with These Ingredients

– 1 cup milk (I love using 2.8% milk, but if you want your oatmeal less intense, feel free to substitute a part of milk for water!) For dairy-free oatmeal use plant-based milk!

– ½ cup quick cooking oats (rolled oats work great, too! I just love how creamy quick cooking oats get in no time.)

– 1 tsp of honey (or maple syrup)

– add ins of your choice! Read more on toppings below.

Watch How to Make Oatmeal Tasty in 5 Minutes!

Step by Step Sweet Oatmeal Recipe

STEP 1 – warm the milk up

Pour the milk into a small size saucepan and let it warm up for a minute on medium-high heat (stir constantly to prevent milk from burning).

STEP 2 – add oats

Add your oats and honey, then bring to a boil. Once bubbling, keep it boiling for 10 seconds and turn the heat off. Cover with a lid and let the oatmeal sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

STEP 3 – flavor it up!

Here you have lots of space for imagination! If you want sweeter oatmeal just add some more maple syrup, or honey, or even chocolate! For more vitamins add chopped fruit – banana, kiwi, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry – anything you love!

Peanut butter and nuts are another great option for making your oatmeal tasty. Don’t forget about spices – cinnamon, ground ginger, or nutmeg – all are great options to make oatmeal taste better.

Other Ways To Make Oatmeal

Microwave

Use the same liquid / oats ratio and place into the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add topping of choice and enjoy!

Slow Cooker

If you want to have your oats ready in 8 hours, let’s say right after you get out of bed, then slow cooker can be an option for you! It is best to use a small size slow cooker for oatmeal (unless you are making a breakfast for a family of 8!).

For slow cooker you will need 1:3 ratio of oats and liquid. Use 3 cups of milk / water / or both for 1 cup of oats. Add any sweetened to your taste! Set the cooker on low and your oatmeal will be ready for you in 8 hours.

Instant Pot

To make your oatmeal in a matter of minutes you might want to use an instant pot if you have one! All you need to do is add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of oats to the pot, close the lid and set on high for 3 minutes.

Let your oatmeal sit for another 5 minutes, then you are good to go! Remember to always open the lid of a steaming pot away from your face as it can easily burn your skin.

Overnight Oats

For overnight oats just combine 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of oats, and toppings of choice. Leave in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy a delicious breakfast right out of bed!

My Favorite Oatmeal Toppings and Flavors

– coconut, walnut, cinnamon, and honey

– almond, blueberry, ground nutmeg, and maple syrup

– white chocolate chip, ground ginger, and raspberry

– banana, coconut cream, and kiwi

– cashews, cranberries, and chopped mango with honey

– peanut butter and nutella (did you know you could make your own homemade peanut butter in 5 minutes?)

How to Make Oatmeal Tasty: Tips and Tricks

– add a pinch of salt while boiling to bring out more sweetness from the oatmeal

– experiment with different flavors and add ins

– Try using rolled oats – they will give more bite to your oatmeal and you might like it better!

– You can toast your oats in some butter or coconut oil before adding the milk in. Just keep them on a low heat and add milk when your oats start smelling toasty!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Types of Oatmeal?

There are three main types of oatmeal that differ by the degree of processing they went through.

Steel Cut Oats are the least processed and require more liquid and time to make. You don’t need to buy this type for a breakfast oatmeal!

Another type is Old Fashioned Rolled Oats that are more processed and cook fairly quickly. You only need 1 cup of liquid for ½ cup of Rolled Oats.

Finally, the third type is Quick Cooking Oats – they are my personal favorite as they are so easy to make and yield such a creamy bowl of oatmeal to your table. However, there are people who rather prefer firmer flakes. If you are one of them, then your best choice is Old Fashioned Rolled Oats!

Can I Use Other Types of Milk for Oatmeal?

You can totally make a delicious dairy free oatmeal by using plant based milk instead. Use almond, cashew, coconut, or rice milk and see what you love best! You can also make oatmeal with water if you prefer. Here are more dairy-free breakfast recipes for you to try!

What are the Health Benefits of Oatmeal?

Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B1, B5 are just the beginning of the nutritional profile oats offer. Oatmeal allows you to contribute to regulating your blood pressure and potentially losing weight (unless you use more chocolate than oats per bowl, of course!). Check out this article for more in depth information on how oats will benefit your health in the long run.

What is the Best Ratio for Making Oatmeal?

General rule is 1:2 of oats per liquids. So, you would add ½ cup oats to 1 cup of milk or water. However, if for some reason you are making steel cut oats you will need totally different recipe. Steel cut oats are the least processed, but rolled and quick cooking oats still have all the great health benefits the steel cut oats offer.

Is Oatmeal Gluten Free?

Naturally, yes. However, when processed, oatmeal will pick up some gluten dust from wheat or other products that the company carries. For that reason, if gluten is something you really need to avoid, I would suggest you go with gluten free oats that say so on the package.

If you have Celiac disease then you really shouldn’t play around with gluten and avoid regular oats. Gluten Free oatmeal is available in most grocery stores!

Can I Eat Oatmeal for Dinner?

Absolutely! I am not a big fan on savory oatmeal, but there are PLENTY of recipes on the internet that provide you with dozens savory oatmeal ideas. On the other hand, you can eat sweet oatmeal for dinner as well.

Can I Double this Recipe?

Yes!

Can I Freeze Oatmeal?

Yes, then it will keep in the freezer for a few months. Just defrost, add some milk and serve with your favorite toppings!

How Long Does Oatmeal Keep?

It will be good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just add a splash of milk as you warm your oatmeal up again as it will get a bit hard.

Why is My Oatmeal Dry?

You might have cooked it for too long, or did not add enough liquid. No worries! Just add some water or milk, stir, and enjoy a creamy bowl of tasty oatmeal!

How Many Calories are in Oatmeal?

There are less calories in oatmeal than in boiled white rice! Oatmeal on its own will have about 150 calories per ½ cup, but it matters what liquid and toppings you choose to count the total amount of calories you will consume.

How to Reheat Oatmeal?

You can pop it into the microwave or reheat it on the stove. Just add a splash of milk and let the oatmeal warm up on low heat. Stir, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

What is the Difference Between Oats and Oatmeal?

Oats and oatmeal are the same! The only thing you need to keep in mind when buying oats is how processed they are. If you buy Steel Cut Oats you will need more time and liquid to prepare them. You best choice for tasty oatmeal is Rolled or Quick Cooking oats.

What’s Next?

Have you made this recipe? I would love to see! Tag me @natashashome_ on Instagram and I would love to share your pictures in my stories! If you have any questions I did not address in this article – please, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below!

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