How to Make Oatmeal
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Published Jan 02, 2024, Updated Jan 09, 2024
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Here’s how to make the perfect bowl of oatmeal on the stovetop, plus 4 simple flavor variations. It’s heart-healthy, easy to make and so delicious.
Over the years I’ve shared so many oatmeal recipes and even today it’s still one of my all-time favorite breakfasts! It’s healthy, warm, comforting and so easy to whip up. Plus, it can be customized with so many different mix-ins and toppings. I love mixing in fruit, nut butter and a variety of textures to take my oatmeal to the next level. No more boring bowls of oats over here!
Today I’m sharing how to make oatmeal on the stovetop with four different flavor variations that are so delicious… maple brown sugar, apple cinnamon, banana nut and berry almond.
I know it can be tempting to purchase the little packages of instant oatmeal out of convenience, but you should skip them. They often have a lot of sugar in them, they’re more expensive and they honestly don’t taste as good as rolled oats cooked on the stove. So, that said, it’s best to just make your own!
// ★★★★★ REVIEW //
“Absolutely loved this recipe! My daughter wouldn’t eat the packet store bought oatmeal so I wanted to try something different. And she loved this! Very filling and so delicious!” – Mandy
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed
Rolled oats, milk or water and salt are really all you need to make oatmeal, but I love adding a little cinnamon and vanilla to my base recipe. The oats turn out absolutely delicious and have the perfect consistency.
- old fashioned rolled oats – rolled oats make for such a creamy bowl of oats. Instant, quick-cooking and steel cut oats don’t work because they don’t absorb the liquid in the same way that rolled oats do.
- water or milk – water works great, but you can use milk if desired. I usually do a 1:2 ratio of oats to liquid. I typically use water for the liquid, but sometimes I’ll do half water and half unsweetened almond milk for creamier oats.
- salt – just a pinch to help bring out the nutty flavors of the oats.
- ground cinnamon – this is optional, but I love adding it for a warming spice.
- vanilla extract – another optional ingredient, but vanilla adds a lovely flavor.
- toppings – this is where the magic happens! The key to making really good oatmeal is the mix-ins and toppings. I share lots of ideas below.
Different Types of Oats Explained
There are a few different oat options at the store (steel cut, old fashioned/rolled and quick oats) and they all have approximately the same amount of fiber, protein, calories, and other nutrients, but there are some differences in processing and cooking.
Steel cut oats: these are the least processed type of oats. The oat groat (the full oat “grain”) is simply cut into two or three parts to get steel cut oats. Because they are less processed, they absorb more liquid and take longer to cook. Here’s my go-to cooking method for steel cut oatmeal.
Old fashioned rolled oats: for this type of oat, the oat groats have been steamed and then rolled. This bit of processing speeds up the cook time for all of us at home. Rolled oats make for a super creamy bowl of oatmeal and are my personal favorite!
Quick or instant oats: these are the most processed of all the oat varieties. They are pre-cooked, dried, and rolled and pressed slightly thinner than rolled oats. They cook faster than steel cut or rolled oats, but they also lose a bit of texture in the cooking process so they tend to be mushy and less voluminous.
How To Make Stovetop Oatmeal
I love all types of oatmeal, but this basic stovetop oatmeal recipe might just be my favorite method of preparing oats. It’s easy to make and results in a warm, cozy bowl of oats that I can customize with different toppings. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Add rolled oats, water or milk and a dash of salt to a pot and heat over medium/high heat.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s ready when the oats have soaked up most of the liquid and are nice and creamy. Transfer oats to a bowl and add your favorite toppings.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bowl of Oatmeal
- Use rolled oats: Use old fashioned rolled oats for the best results! They made for a super creamy bowl of oatmeal. Steel cut oats take much longer to cook and require a different cooking method all together. Quick oats can be used, but I don’t love them because they tend to get super mushy.
- Use gluten-free oats if needed: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but often cross-contaminated with gluten so if needed make sure to grab certified gluten-free rolled oats. I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free rolled oats.
- Don’t forget the salt: Just a pinch of salt is necessary to help prevent a bland bowl of oatmeal. It also bring out the nuttiness of the oats.
- Use the correct ratio: For this recipe I use a 1:2 ratio of oats to liquid and that seems to be the perfect ratio and one I recommend sticking to!
How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave
I prefer to cook my oatmeal on the stovetop, but you can also microwave it!
Just add ½ cup rolled oats with 1 cup water or milk and a dash of salt into a microwave safe bowl with plenty of room for the oats to bubble up. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and then microwave at 30 seconds increments, stirring between each one.
Cook until the oatmeal is the consistency you like – I typically cook mine for about 3 minutes but you’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid is absorbed and the oats are hot.
Oatmeal Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s time to get creative with variations! Here are four delicious ideas to get you started:
Apple Cinnamon
Top your oatmeal with 1/2 cup of chopped apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. You can also add some chopped apples to the oats while they’re cooking for even more apple flavor or make cooked cinnamon apples like I do for my apple overnight oats.
Maple Brown Sugar
Top oats with 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir into the oats and add splash of milk if you’d like.
Banana Nut
Top oats with banana slices, 2 tablespoons of toasted walnuts, 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter and 1/4 teaspoon chia seeds. You can also add the banana slices during the cooking process. The banana will add a ton of flavor to the oatmeal and a bit of sweetness. I use this method for my banana chia oatmeal and my baby oatmeal recipe.
Berry Almond
Top cooked oatmeal with 1/4 cup fresh berries, 2 tablespoons of chopped roasted almonds and 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips. You can also add berries to the oats while they’re cooking if you’d like!
Oatmeal Toppings
I love the flavors I shared above, but the flavor options for oatmeal is practically endless. Here are some additional ideas you could try:
- Fresh fruit – you can’t go wrong with bananas and berries, but almost any fruit will work. I personally love my strawberries and cream and blueberry oatmeal.
- Dried fruit – add raisins, cranberries, dried cherries or dates to your bowl of oats. You could also try my cinnamon raisin oatmeal.
- Veggies – for a nutritional boost try adding veggies to your bowl of oats with this cauliflower oatmeal or zucchini bread oatmeal.
- Caramel – make this salted caramel oatmeal with my 4-ingredient date caramel sauce. It adds a delicious sweet and salty flavor to the oats.
- Greek yogurt – try a dollop on top or my Greek yogurt oatmeal.
- Nuts and seeds – add almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and/or flaxseed to your oats for some crunch and a touch of protein.
- Nut or seed butter – top your oats with almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter. sunflower seed butter or tahini. You could also make this peanut butter banana chia oatmeal, which is my favorite combo ever!
- Chia jam – swirl in my strawberry chia jam to your warm bowl of oats.
- Granola – I love adding a handful of granola to my oats for some crunch!
- Maple syrup or honey – for a little sweetness.
Oatmeal FAQ’s
Yes, it’s totally fine to eat oatmeal every day. It’s not only nutritious and filling, but it’s easy to change up the flavor profile of your oats with different mix-ins and toppings so you won’t get bored having it on the daily.
Oatmeal is known to be a healthy breakfast option because it contains soluble fiber, which can keep you feeling full and aid in weight loss. (source) Of course, you’ll want to be mindful of what you mix-ins and topping you use as these things can add a lot of extra calories, sugar and fat.
Oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber, a type of fiber that absorbs water and helps to moisten and soften stools for easier passage. So yes, oats can help with constipation and make you poop more regularly.
Yes! Oatmeal is loaded with so many health benefits!
I’ll be the first to admit that plain oatmeal usually isn’t filling enough for a meal unless you pair it with a little protein and some healthy fats. For added protein, I like making one of my protein oatmeal recipes, savory oats (with an egg on top) or serving it with a couple hardboiled eggs on the side. For healthy fats, I like adding chopped nuts (like almonds, walnuts and cashews) and seeds (like chia, flax and sunflower seeds). Or adding a big spoonful of nut butter on top!
More Oatmeal Recipes
Check out all of the oatmeal recipes as well as the full collection of breakfast recipes on EBF!
How to Make Oatmeal
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup water or milk
- pinch of sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, optional
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Apple Cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped apple
- sprinkle of cinnamon
Maple Brown Sugar
- ½ Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar
Banana Nut
- banana slices
- 2 Tablespoons toasted walnuts
- ½ Tablespoon peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon chia seeds
Berry Almond
- ¼ cup fresh berries
- 2 Tablespoons chopped roasted almonds
- 1 Tablespoon chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add oats, water or milk, salt, cinnamon and vanilla (if using) to a pot or saucepan over medium/high heat.
- Bring mixture to a low boil, reduce heat to a low simmer and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes; stirring occasionally. Oatmeal is ready when the oats have soaked up most of the liquid and are creamy.
- Transfer to a bowl and add toppings of choice. See flavor ideas above for maple brown sugar, apple cinnamon, banana nut and berry almond variations.
Video
Notes
- Add to a bowl and microwave: Add 1/2 cup oats and 1 cup water or milk into a large microwave-safe bowl and stir to combine. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir and continue to microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until the oatmeal is the consistency you like. I usually cook them for a total of 3 minutes, but you’ll know it’s done when most the liquid is absorbed and oats are hot.
- Serve with toppings: Carefully remove from microwave (bowl will be hot) and top with your favorite oatmeal toppings. See topping ideas above for maple brown sugar, apple cinnamon, banana nut and berry almond.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I had no idea it was National Oatmeal Day! It’s one of my favorite foods too. Your post also introduced me to some new blogs. Thanks for sharing!
These look superb! Happy National Oatmeal Day everybody!
I love oatmeal and am drooling over this post! So many great options. (Like I ever get sick of having the same oats for breakfast anyway)
I like your taste in blogs! Except for that Fit Foodie Find’s…she’s a character… 😉 Kidding! Love all of the blogs and all of the recipes!! Happy National Oatmeal Day!
BEST ROUND-UP EVER! Pinning and stumbling!
Oh perfect! Its just getting cold here in LA, which means oatmeal in the mornings!
Woohoo for National Oatmeal Day! In celebration I ate…a frittata for breakfast. (Whoops…) Thanks for including my overnight oatsies, Brittany! Love that Carrot Cake Oatmeal – yum. 🙂
Oh how I love a good bowl of oats!
I can confirm it – eggnog IS in stores now! I’ve resisted buying it, but I think I am going to give in for the sole purpose of making that eggnog oatmeal. 🙂 There is just nothing like coming in from a dark and cold run and sitting down to a steaming bowl of magnificent oats. Thanks for the roundup!
Love this round up! Especially the Dark Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal. Oatmeal is so quick and easy in the morning, I’ll be anxious to go through all of these to mix it up a bit!
And have you noticed it seems all bloggers love oatmeal? Here is my recent favorite, compliments of me: http://aladygoeswest.com/2014/10/23/best-ever-overnight-oats-recipe-with-coconut/
Thanks for this awesome post! INCREDIBLE! And, I just discovered some new ways to try oatmeal. Truly, I loved this round-up! Perfect timing<3
Your brown sugar apple brown oatmeal link does not work. Can you fix it so I can check it out?
Fantastic round-up!! All my favorite bloggers are here (!) and this gives us the chance to know some more. Thank you so much 🙂
WOW! That’s a ton of new blogs for me to check out, and I love oatmeal.
Nailed it. So many options!
Thank you for this! Has to be the most versatile breakfast around 🙂
(Also, just as I was being productive, I now have twenty odd new blogs to read, oh dear…)
Obviously I love this!
Of course! I can’t believe I forgot to include one of your creations! I still remember that morning that we all came over to your house for oatmeal to celebrate your b-day. 🙂
nice website
hi
I like the way of explanation and easy ways to make oats for a healthy breakfast
So glad you found this post useful, Nikhil! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it!
Wow, I never thought you can do so many things with oats. Breakfast for the new few days is gonna be awesome thanks.
You’re so welcome, Lisa! Definitely come back and let me know if you try any of these recipes and what you think. 🙂
Do you add the salt before or after microwaving if you use a microwave to make standard oatmeal?
I would add it before!
I just made plain oatmeal but this still tasted amazing!!
I’ve made three of these variations, and they’re all so good, everyone who’s tried them wants the recipe! My food-fickle boyfriend has gone through a batch a week of the chocolate peanut butter variety for over two months now and shows no sign of losing interest. I use Trader Joe’s unsweetened vanilla protein powder, which isn’t the yummiest (love you, TJs!), but there’s plenty of flavor to mask the chalky essence of dehydrated peas.
If I’m feeling super lazy, I have been known to use an ice cream scoop instead of rolling them properly. Which is embarrassing to admit because this is the rare recipe that actually comes together in the time it says it will. Ten minutes, one bowl. Yay.
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Chloe! I’m so glad you guys are enjoying some of these oatmeal recipes. 🙂
Really informative blog. After reading this blog, I have tried many brands oats. Each of them tastes different. After trying all these, one of my fried suggested that try “True Elements Oats”. They are rich in protein, fibre and also helps to boost enery and immunity. From that time now I am a regular user of these oats. They have all the varieties of Oats – Rolled oats, Steel Cut Oats, Instant Oats, Rolled Oats with Honey
I love this!! Oatmeal for breakfast is my favorite thing, but I definitely like to customize my own rather than buy already sweetened packets from the grocery store. My favorites are from https://shop.kodiakcakes.com/collections/kodiak-cups/products/plain-oatmeal-cup because they’re quick an microwavable so I can take it with me in the car on the way to work (I know, I should probably just get up earlier). BUT, there’s so many options to top them with like you’ve mentioned. My go-to, in-a-hurry oatmeal concoction is just salt, pepper, and pistachios. Super savory, but I love it.
Great! Super Quick recipe!
OatMeal
Thank you for these amazing Oatmeal recipes, Brittany!
I’ve been trying to put on weight since forever, but always fail due to the boring weight gain meals I’ve always relied upon. Is any of your oatmeal recipe great for gaining weight, or any one that is loaded in calories?
This oatmeal recipe looks really delicious. I’ll definately try this oatmeal recipe. Also do check out my special oats recipe as well. Check out the recipe here: https://www.foodybud.com/the-best-overnight-oats-recipe/
Oh goodness, I have a much easier way. Let’s call it the working woman’s oatmeal…1/2 c. whole oats dressed up as you like them with spices, jam, nuts, chopped fruit (get creative) and just enough water to cover the oats by about a quarter inch. Nuke for three minutes thirty seconds. Stir and let cool. Top with a little milk and EAT. I’ve been doing this for months – nutricious and delicious!
Hi Gina! Thanks so much for sharing. I don’t usually microwave my oats but I can totally see how quick and easy your method is so thank you for sharing. And I love the name you gave it!
Hi! Thanks for creating such amazing blog recipes for Oatmeals. Oatmeals are definitely one of the easiest and quickest recipes to prepare as well as consume.
Rolled oats
Hi Brittany, if you are a high quantity eater, you are going to love this. It’s Hungry Girl’s “Growing Oatmeal”. Still use 1/2 cup rolled oats, but increase the liquid to 2 cups (I use half water and half unsweetened Almond Milk) and double the cooking time to 10 minutes. Huge bowl that will stick with you a long time,
Yes!! I love doing that with my peanut butter chia oatmeal. 🙂
Great recipe, just tried it out now!
Great recipe with the apples and cinnamon, just tried it out now
This makes cooking oatmeal an easy task for me. Surely going to try this recipe with True Elements Rolled Oats.
So glad this was helpful, Sakshi! Let me know how it turns out for you 🙂
I happened to be a patient of heart as I had 50 days back. Angioplasty . Additionally, I am also Type -2 diabetic.
My heartiest gratitude would be to know from you as I best I should go for breakfast, lunch & dinner food including Ots.
Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing blog with us. Such an amazing information keep sharing.
So glad this was helpful, Liman!
Always love my oatmeal, I put in tsp. coconut oil after it’s cooked & lots of blueberries on top.
What’s the best way to toast nuts?
Hey Maggie – I usually just place how ever many nuts I want to roast on a baking sheet in the oven (set at 350F) for about 5-10 minutes to toast. Chopped or halved nuts will take less time than whole nuts to roast.
Nice blog. Very well articulated. Thanks for sharing. I have been using Rolled oats from True Elements – a clean label food brand Rolled Oats. Now I know the difference between different oats.
Very interesting blog. I would definitely recommend this to my family and friends. I have been using Gluten Free Whole Oat Groats from True Elements – a clean label food brand Gluten Free Whole Oat Groats after my gym workout for breakfast and I find it very tasty and healthy. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing. Will definitely try. Can I use Gluten Free Rolled Oats – Protein Rich Oats from True Elements – a clean label food brand Gluten Free Rolled Oats – Protein Rich Oats for preparing this recipe? Please let me know if I can do that? Also the recipe looks so delicious and I can’t wait to try this out !! YAYY !
Definitely! Any oats will work.
Thanks for such an interesting article. It gives great knowledge about different types of oats which makes it really easy for customers like us. I have tried True elements rolled oats which is really healthy. And is highly beneficial for health.
Love oatmeal, going to try the apple cinnamon idea tomorrow morning.
Always love making your recipes! They have never failed me ans always turn out great. I love your creativity. Today I made blueberry and banana oatmeal! Tops with some ummy goodies. I used powdered peanut butter to drizzle and some pomegranate seeds for pop of color. Yum! Thanks for the recipe!
I often eat microwaved oatmeal, but thought it would be good to try a stove-top version. I made the berry-almond version of EBF’s oatmeal (subbed pecans for almonds, and added some flax seed and a honey drizzle). It was pretty good! I followed the suggestion to add a dash of cinnamon and vanilla. I wasn’t sure how much vanilla to add, so I used a third of a cap-full. I will say, I couldn’t quite taste it, so might add more next time. Also, I think I will double the serving next time! I did find it was important to stir the oatmeal often to avoid it sticking and/or burning. I am excited to try more of the variations soon!
I never realized how simple
it was to make oatmeal on the stovetop! I made it with blueberries yesterday and apples today. Can’t wait to shop for some extra ingredients to add to my oatmeal. Warm, filling and comforting!!
It is so cold out here in VA. Today I decided to change it up. I thought warm weather and beachy. So I went with your oatmeal recipe base and added Pineapple, pecans, unsweetened coconut and banana. I drizzled just a tad of honey. So good! The options are endless!
Happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal, Angela. Thanks for the review!
I made the banana nut oatmeal and the combo was so tasty. I loved the added nuts on top gave it a little crunch. Next up I will try topping with berries and pecans.
Woo!! So happy to hear this oatmeal was a success, Eryn. Thanks for the review!
I’ve always made stovetop oatmeal, but used your maple brown sugar add ins with some almonds and blueberries. It was great! Sometimes, we just need little ideas to improve what we have and take it up a notch!
Thank you!!!
So happy to hear this recipe worked out for you, Kendall. Thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate it!
I have tried so many versions of the stove top oatmeal from EBF and I am still searching for one I don’t like! You have such a great way of making the oatmeal so tasty without using artificial ingredients that I love so much!
Aww! This makes me so happy to hear. So thrilled you’ve been enjoying my oatmeal recipes, Shelley. Thanks for the review. It means so much to me!
I tried the apple cinnamon recipe this morning. I am a sucker for a high-protein oatmeal bowl, so I included egg whites and a half scoop of vanilla protein powder. It makes the oats fluffy and is satisfies my hunger in the morning. I also cooked oats with half a banana for sweetness, chia seeds, and served with non fat greek yogurt. Thanks for the recipe!
Woo!! Pumped to hear it was a hit and I love you addition of the added protein. I love doing that as well! Thanks for the review, Maria. I really appreciate it!
Your Peanut Butter Banana Chia oatmeal is a regular in my rotation. Very creamy and the right combo of flavors.
Yay! Love hearing this, Jamie. So glad you’ve been enjoying it. Thanks for the review!
This recipe is amazing for weight loss! I like adding berries and fruit to it since I have a sweet tooth. Apple cinnamon topping definitely gives it the best flavour, especially in winter!
Happy to hear you are enjoying these oatmeal variations, Sofiya. Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it!
Thanks for this, great ideas! I always enjoy getting your emails with good ideas and great recipes.
Thanks for doing this! Happy day!
Thanks, Danielle! So happy to hear you are enjoying them :).
These recipes arrived at the perfect time. I have a topping idea I’d like to try but generally don’t care for oatmeal. This recipe will set me up for success. Thank you!
Oatmeal is my go to breakfast. I add 2 Tbsp flaxseed, my homemade applebutter and a splash ofalmondmilk. Yummmmmmmm.
I am an oatmeal fanatic and am always looking for new recipe tips so I LOVE this post. The apple cinnamon combo is one of my favorites, I added a little almond butter on top as well and it was delicious!
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Casey. Thanks for the review!
Great ideas for oatmeal! I will definitely try some of them. However, our favorite way to eat oatmeal is actually for dinner. I cook the oatmeal with low-sugar dried cranberries, then top it with roasted cinnamon butternut squash and a tblsp of maple sugar. Now, thanks to you, I will be adding the cottage cheese to up the protein (I am a cottage cheese lover)! Duh, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that, it’s so obvious! Thank you!
Yay!! Happy I could help offer new ways to enjoy your oatmeal, Becki. Thanks for the review!
I have a new appreciation & respect for all things oatmeal! Little packets from childhood is a NO, homemade comfy cozy warmth in a bowl? YES!
Love hearing this, Sue! Thanks for the review :).
I constantly make oatmeal but needed some inspiration to utilize my steel cut oats! Thanks for the simple and healthy ideas! Baked oatmeal is next!
So thrilled this recipe was able to inspire you, Katye. Thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate it!
I made the maple brown sugar but modified it. Does that count? I used 2 teaspoons of coconut palm sugar and added butter and 2 tablespoons of 1/2 and 1/2. Everyone probably already knows this but I have toasted the oatmeal in a skillet with nothing in it until it was lightly browned, and then cooked it in the regular way. It is delicious! Oatmeal is my morning many years now. Thank you for the recipes!
Banana Bread oatmeal was amazing! I’m not a fan of soft bananas, but this combination is to die for. I made extra for my family to try and they loved it!!
Happy to hear it, Deanna. Thanks for the review!!
I used to hate oatmeal, but since I’ve been making your recipes I have become a convert. Thank you for these delicious recipes. I have also shared them with my vegan niece.
Yay!! This makes me so happy to hear! I love converting people into oatmeal lovers. Thanks for the review, Annette!
I’ve always been a simple oatmeal kind of gal (butter and salt mainly), but I just tried this for the first time — and yummy! I loved the apple & cinnamon one, but I can’t wait to try the others!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the apple and cinnamon version, Molly. Thanks for the review!
I made the blueberry lemon baked oatmeal for this week and last week apple cinnamon with steel cuts oats. The best ever! Wonderful flavors.
Love both of those! Thanks for the review, Suzanne!
Love your variety of ways to eat healthy!
Thanks, Anne!
Oatmeal is a great way to start the day. Also makes a healthy snack. Thanks for all the great ideas for new combinations! They look delicious.
Love homemade oatmeal! I can’t wait to try these recipes!
Let me know how it turns out, Linda!
Oatmeal takes me back to when my mom would make it for me for breakfast before school. As a mom now, I make it for my daughter and think of my mom every time 💙. My daughter loves your banana nut version the best. I enjoy the version with fresh fruit. Thanks for sharing all your versions:)
Yay!! So happy you both are loving this oatmeal. Thanks for the review, Roberta. It means so much to me!
I tried your Protein Pumpkin Oats recipe with egg whites and it has quickly found its way into my list of breakfast go-to’s. Sometimes I even swap the water or milk for coffee for a “PSL” taste!
So pumped you’ve been loving the oatmeal, Summer. Thanks for the review!
Just made this morning – with the banana nut topping (swapped PB for cashew butter for allergy reasons). SO tasty and perfect for a slow, cozy morning.
Thanks so much for trying out this oatmeal, Emily. Happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
I love oatmeal and the berry almond with mini dairy free chocolate chips is da bomb! So good. Banana nut and apple cinnamon is so good as well. Thanks for the ideas.
Happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal, Sandy. Thanks for the review!
I’m serving oatmeal for my husband every day. I followed all your recipes and it gave me some more ideas and add on some ingredients that pleasant for his taste bud and healthy for his heart condition. I tried adding half water and almond milk to cook the oatmeal, then add cocoa powder for chocolate look and taste. I sliced half banana for sweetness on top and add walnut for crunch. It’s good. I can wait to see and try your new healthy recipes ideas. Thank you EBF😊
Woo!! So pumped to hear! Thanks for trying it out, Marites. I really appreciate it!
The measurements and timing in the stovetop version really do make the perfect bowl of creamy oatmeal! My kids love it with vanilla,cinnamon, peanut butter, and to cool it down quicker…we add frozen berries!!
Yay!! So happy to hear everyone’s been enjoying the oatmeal and I love the add ins you’re using! Thanks for the review, Christina. I really appreciate it!
I love mine with peanut butter, vital proteins and pomegranate seeds. Yum!
Yum! Happy to hear this recipe has been a hit, Michelle. Thanks for the review!
My Grandmother was right! (many times but this time especially!) There is NO BETTER BREAKFAST than oatmeal and she would have loved these!! What a wonderful way to start a cold winter day (or any day for that matter) Thanks!
Yay!! So pumped to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Laura. Thanks so much for the review!
I am a BIG fan of EBF oatmeal bakes. I love using the oatmeal recipes for the days I don’t have any oatmeal bakes made. I really love maple and cinnamon in my oatmeal. Using the microwave is quick and easy and easy clean up. Thank you,
I made the oatmeal with banana cooked in, peanut butter and walnuts. I also tried adding a little bit of cooked sweet potato with the banana and no sugar at all.
It was just fine and tasty.
Yay!! So happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal. I love the add ins you used! Thanks for the review, Karen. I really appreciate it!
I’ve always wondered what the difference in oats were 😂 my favorite has always been rolled oats for the texture.
I always mix in bananas or berries, so I’ll have to try apples next time!
Yes, let me know how you like it!
Unlike most people, I actually prefer stovetop oatmeal to baked oatmeal or overnight oats. The EBF salted date oatmeal is my all-time favorite! But no matter what version of oatmeal I try (they are all delicious!), I always add one of the protein options from the “5 ways to make protein oatmeal” post.
Yay!! Love to hear you’ve been enjoying this oatmeal, Meal. I love the salted date oatmeal as well! Thanks for the review and trying it out. I really appreciate it!
I cooked oatmeal for breakfast and used your oatmeal recipes and it gave me some ideas to, by adding Cocoa Powder, water, and almond milk . Top with sliced banana for sweetness and walnuts for crunch. Thank you EBF for the recipes it’s inspired me and can wait to try your new recipes.
Aw yay!! This makes me so happy to hear, Marites. Thrilled to know this recipe has been inspiring. Thanks so much for the review!
I loved this recipe! Made it for my husband and I. He is an apple pie lover. It tasted just like apple pie without the fat and sugar.
Yay!! Happy to hear it was a hit, Tracy. Thanks for the review!
Made the Berry Almond Oatmeal today. The kids loved it! In addition to the berries and chopped almonds, they topped theirs with a little cinnamon and sugar. Making it on the stovetop is a great way to change it up – as I usually make them oatmeal bakes. Have tried your blended baked oats, maple pecan, pumpkin, and birthday cake oatmeal bakes. They’re all great!! Yeah, we love our oatmeal:-)
So happy to hear this, Brent! Pumped everyone is enjoying the oatmeal recipes. Thanks for the review!
Love oatmeal, I eat it every morning, but lets face it, plain old oatmeal gets boring real fast. Great new ideas to try, thanks!
Happy to hear this oatmeal recipe was a hit, Linda! Thanks for trying it out. It means so much to me!
Everyone needs a basic old-fashioned oatmeal recipe. This is exactly that.
Couldn’t agree more! So glad this recipe was a success, Colette. Thanks so much for the review!
Just made the banana bread oatmeal this morning. Talk about starting the week off right!! Soooo good!
So happy to hear this oatmeal was a success, Teresa! Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
Just made the banana nut oatmeal for breakfast. So good. I love oatmeal.I eat it all the time. I get bored eating the same kind. I am excited to have different flavor options. Your recipes are always so good.❤️
Woo!! So happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal, Karen. Let me know how the other variations turn out for you. Thanks for the review!!
I make oatmeal almost every morning and it’s nice to have some ways to change it up! I made the apple cinnamon version today and it was great! I’m also looking forward to trying the microwave recipe on rushed mornings.
I make oatmeal almost every morning and it’s nice to have some ways to change it up! I made the apple cinnamon version today and it was great! I’m also looking forward to trying the microwave recipe on rushed mornings.
So pumped you’re enjoying this oatmeal, Daisy. Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review!
Today I made the berry almond. I don’t like chocolate, so I skipped it. Again so good. I love this recipes.
I make the apple cinnamon and banana variations all the time! Such a delicious, healthy, filling and easy breakfast!
So thrilled you’re enjoying this oatmeal, Nyssa. Thanks for the review!
Some of the most awesome oatmeal! Getting back to basics…..and cooking my oatmeal on the stovetop…..really is easy!!!
Loving hearing this, Dawn. Thanks for the review!
Oatmeal is my go to, too! Loved the apple cinnamon. I out apples in while it cooked and more cold on top then added a swirl of peanut butter. Yum. I had to add some vanilla protein powder to keep me full until lunchtime. I do 1/4 c oats, 1tbs chia and 3/4 c liquid sometimes to up my fiber and get some omegas too.
Happy to hear you’re loving this oatmeal, Cindy! Love how you make yours. Thanks for sharing!
This is delicious! I have always bought instant, but I now love making my own, it’s so simple and can add just about anything I want! Today I made the apples and cinnamon, kids and I enjoyed it.
So trilled you’re enjoying this oatmeal, Leana! It really is the perfect recipe to customize. Thanks for the review!
I’ve been making your stovetop egg white oatmeal the last few weeks. It is so good and so filling! It’s also really easy and quick to make
Woo!! Pumped to hear you’ve been enjoying this oatmeal. Thanks for the review, Mary!
This is so helpful and delicious! My 3 year old is absolutely obsessed with oatmeal and we’re always looking for ways to switch up the flavor combos for him. I mix in chia and ground flax to add a bit more nutrition and to keep him full longer. We follow the microwave method! So far his fav topping is craisins 🙂
So happy to hear these oatmeal recipes have been a hit, Ally! Thanks so much for trying them out and coming back to leave a review. It means so much to me!
As a recent mama of 2, oatmeal has become the perfect nourishing breakfast, especially when breastfeeding and in a pinch for time!
As a peanut butter lover, I tried that one first but I’m looking forward to trying all the flavor combos! Thank you!!
Happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal! I’m a huge peanut butter lover myself so I gravitate towards that one as well. Thanks for the review, Mindy!!
Love my oatmeal for breakfast – the peaches and cream or berry almond are my basics. Sometimes I’ll also toss in a handful of walnuts as well. Oatmeal is the easiest and best breakfast ever because it’s easy and also filling. I’m a teacher, so if I’ve eaten my oatmeal at 6:00 a.m. I’m not hungry at all until 12:30. The trick is to eat oatmeal with some type of protein as you have suggested.
And I also appreciate your suggestion to add chia seeds – great idea! Thank you!
So thrilled you’re loving this oatmeal, Thalia. Thanks for the review!
Super easy and delicious! Love all the mix in suggestions. I keep going back to the Maple Brown Sugar (I put bananas on top) because it’s just too good. I really want to try the apple cinnamon one of these days!
So happy to hear you enjoyed this oatmeal, Gretchen. Let me know if you try out the apple cinnamon. Thanks for the review!
The maple and brown sugar oatmeal is so good! Brought me back to childhood and the flavor of the packet that my mom used to make us. Love that this has so much less sugar and still tastes delicious. Perfect breakfast on a cold winter morning
Happy to hear you enjoyed the maple and brown sugar oatmeal, Beth! Thanks so much for giving it a try and I really appreciate the review. Thank you!
This makes the perfect creamy oatmeal! Been loving the maple brown sugar and banana nut and adding in chia seeds. The microwave instructions work great!
Ah yay! Happy to hear it’s been a hit, Sarah. Thanks for the review!
Tried the banana nut variation – delicious! Best creamy oatmeal ever!
Woo!! So pumped you enjoyed the recipe, Jessica. Thanks for the review!
I made the banana bread oatmeal for breakfast this morning – omg! The caramelized bananas are SO good! I made it with egg whites and it kept me full until lunch.
This was my first time making homemade oatmeal from scratch and it was so yummy. Way more filling then store bought oatmeal packets and definitely healthier. I love the different topping ideas to give a variety of choices! Definitely would recommend making this easy and yummy oatmeal!;)
Brittany’s recipes are always so easy to follow and delicious. The peanut butter oatmeal is my favorite!
Aw so happy you’re enjoying them, Brittney. Thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate it!
So easy and filling! Love the apple cinnamon recipe. I do add some ground flax meal also 🙂
Oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts, so good and I love a good apple cinnamon one!! Yum!
I made the maple brown sugar and berries and almonds versions and they were wonderful. I think my favorite EBF stovetop oatmeal is still the pumpkin protein oatmeal though – just so satisfying and great for helping to keep my blood sugar steady. Thanks for all the great oatmeal variations Brittany! I love having lots of different healthy options for my favorite breakfast!
Maple and brown sugar version- Excellent and very easy! Hit with the husband and toddler too.
I love these stove to recipes! I regularly use this base recipe to make my oats now. Banana bread is my fave so far.
Banana Bread version was delicious. Can’t wait to explore more variations!
So pumped you enjoyed this oatmeal, Brennan. Thanks for trying it out and I really appreciate the review!
Fantastic recipe – agreed upon by the entire family (including a picky toddler who loved the banana bread!)
Oh yay! So thrilled everyone enjoyed this oatmeal, Amanda. Thanks for the review. It means so much to me!
Berry almond and banana nut both are amazing I prefer True Elements Rolled Oats on daily basis, must try the product.
Yay! I’m so glad you’re loving these recipes, Vihang. I will definitely check out True Elements!
Thank you for sharing all the varieties to doctor up my oats!! 🙂
I like to mix steel cut with thick rolled oats. I put the steel cut in the water first for a few minutes and then add the rolled. Looking forward to all the new flavors to try 🙂
Yay! So glad you’re loving all the oatmeal varieties I share, Cindy. Thanks for leaving a review, I really appreciate it.
The one thing I do is add lentils to my oats. I agree. Just oats don’t do much for me. Hence, additions.
Interesting, I’ve never tried that, Charlotte! I may have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
I loved it! It was the first time I actually cooked the oats on the stove. I thought of trying something simple for the first time, so I made it with honey and sugar. Now I can’t wait to try more variations. Thank you!
Yay! Thank you for trying this out and leaving me a comment + review, Denisa!
This is definitely my go to o breakfast, like you, I add different toppings, like walnuts, blueberries, banana, cinnamon and honey.Never boring and filliing.🙏
Woo! I am so happy to hear that you enjoy oatmeal for breakfast as well! Yes, adding different toppings help to mix it up every one in awhile. Thank you for your review + star rating, I so appreciate it!
Hi! Thank you for sharing this amazing content about oats! I tried out your oatmeal recipe and it was easy to make, plus it tastes amazing! I used rolled oats from the brand Sattvic Foods. These oats give an amazing texture and taste delicious. Do give it a try! Also, can I use steel-cut oats or oat groats instead?
Thank you for being here, Elizabeth. I am so happy that you enjoyed the oatmeal recipe and that you found it easy to make. Check out my go-to cooking method for steel cut oatmeal, it is a bit different because they are less processed, absorb more liquid and take longer to cook. If you give them a try, I’d love to know what you think! Thank you for your review, I appreciate it!
Very useful n thank you,we appreciate your time,we can save lot of money.
Of course! So happy you are enjoying this recipe!
I love you website. The jump to recipe is the best and with that option I end up reading the rest of the material provided. I rarely comment but after going just a quick recipe I end up on “top” suggested website and they were worthless and remembered your website and for having that option.
Thank you so much, glad you are here!
Absolutely loved this recipe! My daughter wouldn’t eat the packet store bought oatmeal so I wanted to try something different. And she loved this! Very filling and so delicious!
WOO! This is the great, Mandy. I am so glad this recipe was helpful and your daughter loved it. Thank you for your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
This is the exact recipe I use, but I just stick it in the fridge and eat it after my exercising. After about 60-90 min the oats have soaked up the milk. I add frozen blueberries too!
Amazing – such a great post workout meal!
What’s a kcal? I read it’s not the same as calories and that would make oatmeal 15,300 calories, which I know can’t be right… just wondering how many plain calories per serving..
Hi Christine – 1 kcal or kilocalorie is equivalent to 1 large Calorie. Since calories are too small a measurement to use when discussing nutrition and exercise, kcal measurements are used instead and the term is interchangeable with calories. Hope that helps.
Brittany,
I have a copy of your cookbook, “Mostly Veggies” and want to make the instant oatmeal packets on page 57. I may be missing it, but I can’t find the quantity of water needed for the “serve immediately” instructions. I would assume it is the same as in the microwave instructions, but want to be sure.
Thank you!
Hi Cindy! Yes, it is the same. Enjoy!
Awesome recipe!
Tip: Make sure to add brown sugar for extra sweetness ( About at tablespoon or two)!
So glad you are enjoying this recipe, Aditi. Thanks for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!