Best Oatmeal Recipe

Types of Oats

There are two main types of oats you can use to make oatmeal: rolled oats or steel-cut oats. A big pot of traditional oatmeal is best with Old Fashioned oats. Here’s a breakdown:

• Rolled oats: Rolled oats are whole oat grains that are pressed flat with rollers. This is what you’ll typically think of when you think of oatmeal. There are a few types of rolled oats:
  • Old-fashioned oats: These are whole, circular oats. They provide the most texture and are the best preference for a pot of oatmeal.
  • Quick cooking oats or Instant oats: These oats are rolled thinner and cook faster than Old Fashioned oats, but they have a powdery texture and can become mushy when cooked. Use them only in a pinch.
• Steel-cut oats: Steel-cut oats are whole-grain oats cut into nubs; they look like brown rice or barley. These oats take 30 minutes to cook and have a very chewy texture. Avoid using them in this recipe, since they require different instructions. Check out my Steel Cut Oats recipe.

How to Make Oatmeal on the Stovetop

Making this oatmeal recipe on the stovetop is quick and simple! This method makes a big pot of creamy, chewy oats with 4 servings. Here’s what to do (or jump to the recipe below):

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in 2 cups of oats and ¾ teaspoon each of kosher salt and cinnamon.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
3. Remove from the heat and let stand for 2 minutes, which allows more liquid to be absorbed. The standing time is important in order to get the perfect texture of oats!

How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave

The microwave method for making oatmeal is my favorite! It makes a tasty, single-serving bowl of deliciously creamy oats. It’s important to use a microwave-safe bowl with tall sides so that the oatmeal doesn’t overflow. This is easy to whip up with just 2 minutes of cook time!

1. Place ½ cup oats, ¾ cup water, and ⅛ teaspoon each kosher salt and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on High for 2 minutes. If there is still a good amount of liquid, cook 10 to 20 more seconds.
3. Stir and allow to stand for 2 minutes to allow the liquid to be absorbed. That’s it!

Topping Ideas

The sky is the limit when it comes to oatmeal toppings! In my opinion, a hint of maple syrup and a drizzle of milk are all it needs. But it’s even more fun to add some colorful fruit or a swirl of nut butter! Here are some oatmeal topping ideas:

• Maple syrup & cinnamon or maple syrup & Greek yogurt
• Peanut butter and strawberry jam (or go to Peanut Butter Oatmeal)
• Almond butter and dried cherries
• Toasted coconut
• Fresh raspberries or blueberries
• Candied pecans or candied walnuts
• Banana slices and toasted almonds
• Blueberry sauce, strawberry sauce, or raspberry sauce
• Chopped apples and cashew butter or pecan butter

Nutrition Info

Yes, oatmeal is part of a healthy diet. Here are a few of the main nutritional benefits of oats (source):

• Oats are high in plant-based protein. 1 cup of raw oats has 11 grams of protein. That’s about 20% of your daily need!
• Oats are high in fiber. 1 cup of raw oats has 8 grams of fiber, which is about 30% of the daily value.
• Oats are very filling: they may reduce appetite and help you eat fewer calories.

For more benefits, go to Oats 101: Nutrition Facts.

More Oatmeal Recipes to Try

• Everyday Baked Oatmeal
• Overnight Oats
• Instant Pot Oatmeal
• Blueberry Oatmeal
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal