How to Make Oatmeal

Learn all the basics of How to Make Oatmeal! Creamy and delicious old-fashioned oatmeal ready in just 15 minutes! Add your favorite toppings and enjoy this healthy and hearty breakfast on a regular basis.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. From homemade biscuits and creamy sausage gravy, or a simple sandwich, the meal doesn’t have to be boring.

oatmeal recipe-

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast recipe and there are so many different ways to serve it! We love switching up the toppings so the flavors don’t become boring.

Homemade oatmeal is my go-to breakfast recipe to make. The rich and creamy oatmeal topped with desired toppings is the best 15-minute recipe!

what type of oats can i use?

You can use any time of rolled oats for this recipe, and you will get great results. The cook time may vary for the different types.

• OLD FASHIONED OATS– This recipe calls for old-fashioned oat so follow the recipe if using these oats.
• ROLLED OATS– Rolled oats may be substituted for old fashioned ones with great results.
• QUICK COOKING OATS– When using these oats, cook for about 1-2 minutes and then let stand for about about 2-3 minutes.
• INSTANT OATS– We do NOT recommend using these oats for our stovetop method.
• STEEL CUT OATS– We don’t recommend steel-cut oats for this recipe.

milk or water-

I know some people really like either water or milk in their oats. Here’s the breakdown of how each affects the oatmeal.

• WATER– With water, it is a little blander in flavor but tastes lighter and healthier.
• MILK- Cooking with milk produces creamier and richer oats.
• BUTTER- For the creamiest oatmeal, add butter. YES! You heard that. The butter adds a richness that you can’t beat or achieve otherwise.

COMBINATION- My favorite way to make oatmeal with a combination of milk, water, and butter. It is creamy and rich yet doesn’t taste too heavy. Combined with a pinch of salt and sugar, it’s the perfect oatmeal!

how to cook oatmeal-

• POT- You want to be sure you are using a Dutch oven or a pot that has a really thick bottom so the bottom of the oatmeal doesn’t get scorched, especially if cooking with milk.
• PATIENCE- If you cook the oatmeal over high heat, you will scorch the bottom. Cook it over medium heat and stir as needed. Cooking for 10-12 minutes will allow all the liquid to become the perfect consistency.
• REHEAT- To reheat oatmeal, return to a Dutch oven and add more liquid (milk or water and cook until the mixture comes to a soft boil and is reheated.)
• PROPORTIONS- The proportions of oatmeal to liquid will depend on how you like your oats. We like it soft and really creamy, allowing it time to cook. If you like the oatmeal with a firmer texture, add less liquid and cook less.

what to put in oatmeal-

Most toppings are added to the oatmeal once serving the oatmeal is fully cooked.

• Dairy- creamer, flavored or plain Greek yogurt.
• Sweetener- Honey, brown sugar, regular sugar or syrup (traditional or maple).
• Nuts/seeds- Almonds, pecan, walnuts, flaxseed or chia seed.
• Fresh fruit- Fresh bananas, berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries or blackberries), apples, peaches, oranges or apricots. The fruit can be finely cubes or sliced.
• Dried fruit- Raisins, apricots, dates, cherries, cranberries or even coconut,
• Other- Peanut butter, hazelnut spread or cinnamon.

our favorite combinations-

Here are some of our favorite and most often used toppings.

apples and cinnamon-

When adding apples to the oatmeal, our kids like them soft so I finely cube the apples and add them in right away so they cook with the oats. Just add the cinnamon before serving and give the oatmeal a quick stir. (I just added cubed apples for decor in the picture.)

peaches and pecan-

Peaches and pecans with either half and half or syrup (maple or regular).

almonds raspberries chai and coconut flakes-

This is my husband’s favorite. Fresh raspberries (or strawberries) with almonds, chia seeds, and coconut flakes.

blueberry peanut butter banana chai-

This is so hearty and so filling. The combination of bananas with the peanut butter and blueberries is amazing.

How often do you make oatmeal and what is your favorite topping or combination of toppings? We serve it at least once a week.

try these other great breakfast ideas:

• Easy Pancake Recipe– A classic pancake recipe!
• Lemon Blueberry Scones– A classic scone recipe with fresh blueberries.
• Ricotta Pancakes– Pancakes made with ricotta cheese.
• Stuffed French Toast Recipe– French toast stuffed with cream cheese and strawberries.