Microwave Oatmeal (2 Minutes!)

This microwave oatmeal recipe is the perfect easy breakfast! Here’s how to make a healthy meal in minutes.

Here’s a secret that’s been powering our mornings every day: you have to try this microwave oatmeal! It’s the quickest way to cook oatmeal around, and it comes out just as good as the stovetop version. Here’s the thing: you don’t need those microwave packets from the store. All you need are Old Fashioned rolled oats, a microwave, and 2 minutes!

Ingredients for microwave oatmeal

That’s right: no need for those instant oatmeal packets from the store. There are no secret ingredients needed for microwave oatmeal! I eat oatmeal every day, and I used to make this stovetop version. However, this microwave variation has stolen my heart! It’s so quick that I make it every day with a little bit of maple syrup and peanut butter. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Old Fashioned rolled oats: Rolled oats are whole oat grains that are pressed flat with rollers, and Old Fashioned are the whole, circular oats. Don’t substitute instant oats, which are more gloppy in texture, or steel cut oats, which take much longer to cook.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is optional, but it adds a nice nuance in flavor!
• Kosher salt: Salt is important for making a bowl of oatmeal taste seasoned.

How to make oatmeal in the microwave

This microwave oatmeal recipe makes a bowl of creamy single serving oats. It’s easy to whip up with just a 2 minute cook time! To make oatmeal in the microwave:

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

Every microwave is different, so experiment to find the settings that work for you! With our microwave it’s perfect with a cook time of 2:20.

Best bowls for microwave oatmeal

If you’re cooking oatmeal in a microwave, the bowl choice is important. You don’t want a shallow bowl, or it will overflow! Most importantly, you don’t want to microwave in plastic containers due to health risks.

We use these microwave safe bowls with tall sides, which are made of natural wheat straw, starch and food-safe polypropylene material. They are BPA free, non-toxin, and safe for microwave cooking.

Microwave oatmeal toppings

Top your microwave oatmeal with your favorite oatmeal toppings to make it into a filling and healthy meal! We love it with just a bit of peanut butter, maple syrup, and a touch of milk (or a hint of heavy cream, which adds a nice richness). Here are a few more topping ideas:

• Fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, sliced banana, or sliced apple
• Syrups or sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or blueberry syrup
• Sauces or compotes like strawberry sauce, blueberry sauce, raspberry sauce, or peach compote
• Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, candied pecans, candied walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios
• Yogurt like Greek yogurt mixed with maple syrup

Oatmeal nutrition info

Oatmeal is part of a healthy diet, and we eat it every day! It’s great for digestion and infusing your day with fiber. Here are a few of the main nutritional benefits of oats (source):

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

More oatmeal recipes

We’re oatmeal obsessed, and maybe you are too! Here are a few of our favorite oatmeal recipes:

• Try our Best Oatmeal Recipe
• Go for Easy Blueberry Oatmeal or Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
• Try Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal or Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
• Opt for Peanut Butter Oatmeal or Easy Banana Oatmeal
• Try Overnight Oats or make Steel Cut Oats

01

Best Oatmeal Recipe

02

Easy Blueberry Oatmeal

03

Banana Baked Oatmeal

04

20 Oatmeal Recipes to Start the Day

This microwave oatmeal recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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