How to Cook Oatmeal on the Stove
Making a pot of oatmeal on the stove is incredibly simple. You’ll have to stir often, which is a low lift since rolled oats cook so quickly, but if you’re using all milk for a super-creamy result watch the pot closely to make sure there are no spills.
How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave
It really couldn’t be easier to cook oatmeal in the microwave and it’s a shortcut worth taking for a speedy breakfast with no pot to clean. Cooking oatmeal in the microwave yields tender oats and a creamy bowl of comfort. There is no sacrificing texture or flavor, and it’s done in minutes. To avoid an overflowing disaster, make sure to use a good size cereal bowl. Too often, good oats are lost in the process when mugs or small bowls are used.
How to Cook Oatmeal in the Instant Pot
For all Instant Pot devotees, this one is for you. It takes just as long to cook oatmeal in the microwave, but because the Instant Pot needs time to release the pressure it actually takes longer to cook than the stovetop or microwave method. Although it doesn’t quite cut the cooking time in half, using the Instant Pot to cook oatmeal becomes a great option if you’re making oatmeal for more than just one or two people, or if you want to make a big batch to keep in the refrigerator for the week (see below for six servings). Plus, there is no stirring at all involved, so you don’t have to watch and stir a pot.
How to Cook Oatmeal in the Air Fryer
Is there anything an air fryer can’t do? Cooking oatmeal in an air fryer is a great excuse to use the countertop appliance, and might become your go-to way to cook oatmeal if you’re already leaning on the device to whip up meals. It’s a hands-off method to make oatmeal in a set-it-and-forget-it kind of way.
How to Cook Steel-Cut Oats
Steel-cut oats are processed differently than rolled oats, which is why they take longer to cook. This oat is processed by chopping the whole oat groat so it looks more like a grain than the flat rolled oat you might be most familiar with. The result is still a creamy bowl of oatmeal, yet with more texture and bite than a bowl made with rolled oats. Because steel-cut oats take longer to cook, it’s worth making a bigger batch to serve 4 to 6.
Oatmeal Recipes
Wake up your oatmeal routine with these six irresistible yet easy recipes.
Tropical Instant Oatmeal Mix
Keep a batch of this instant oatmeal mix on the counter for easy, breezy mornings. Many ready-made oatmeal mixes are packed with lots of sugar but are low on mix-ins. This easy DIY instant oatmeal mix features coconut, mango, pumpkin, and chia seeds for a bright and nourishing breakfast.
Big Batch Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal
The beauty of baked oatmeal is that it can soak up flavors better than stovetop oatmeal, it can be sliced and served, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The addition of eggs not only helps to hold the mixture together in a delightfully fluffy way, but also renders a pudding-like texture.
Berry Baked Oatmeal
Can’t get enough baked oatmeal? Try this berry-studded version. All it takes is 15 minutes to assemble, and the oven does the rest of the work. Serve this for brunch at home, or make it to enjoy throughout the week. A major bonus, use whichever berries you have on hand, even frozen.
Savory Oatmeal With Spinach and Poached Eggs
Oatmeal doesn’t have to be sweet. For those who prefer a savory breakfast or a cozy, nourishing bowl of something warm for dinner, this savory oatmeal is one to try. Cooking the oats in the skillet with the onions gives them a risotto-like texture, while Parmesan adds a touch of umami and richness. A handful of fresh spinach that subtly wilts on top with the heat of the oatmeal and jammy poached eggs makes this savory oatmeal a satisfying and balanced meal.
Maple, Pear, and Pecan Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oats
If you’re looking for more ways to use your slow cooker this is one breakfast recipe you don’t want to miss out on. Creamy oats are sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with ground ginger and cinnamon for an autumnal bowl of comfort. Simply set it and forget it and wake up to a nourishing breakfast.
Make-Ahead Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
Technically, this recipe is not a warm bowl of oatmeal, but it is an energizing breakfast bar worth making immediately. Old-fashioned rolled oats are mixed with nut butter, maple syrup, nuts, and dried fruit for a tasty bar that makes a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.
