Learn how to make oatmeal from scratch with rolled oats and you’ll never need those little packets again! Even if you’re not a morning person, you can totally do this—and it’s healthy compared to sugary instant oats.

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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Oatmeal Recipe
- Breakfast 101. Like my guides on how to cook steel cut oats and how to pour cereal (click that link and enjoy a throwback), we’re getting back to basics with this post on how to make oatmeal.
- Oatmeal for Breakfast is a WIN. Oatmeal is a stick-to-your-ribs, cozy, satisfying, hearty and healthy breakfast. But unlike so many other filling breakfast options, oatmeal is also healthy, with fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Customizable. Just like my Overnight Steel Cut Oats, Baked Oatmeal, and Oatmeal Pancakes, the world is yours with this oatmeal recipe, because you can add just about any toppings to put your own spin on it. And yes, I do mean any toppings—savory oatmeal is a thing too!
- Ready in Minutes. Below, I share two methods for how to make oatmeal: on the stovetop and in the microwave. Whichever option you choose, you’ll still have breakfast ready to eat in under 10 minutes. (Who needs instant oatmeal packets? Not you!)

How to Make Oatmeal on the Stove and in the Microwave
The Ingredients
Basic Oatmeal Recipe Ingredients
- Rolled Oats. Also called old-fashioned oats, and not the same as steel-cut oats, which take much longer to cook. (Want to know how to make steel-cut oats? Try Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats or Overnight Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oats.)
- Milk. Dairy milk or plant-based milk both work.
- Water. I like a combination of milk and water, but you can use all milk for a thicker, creamier consistency or all water for thinner dairy-free oatmeal.
- Kosher Salt. A pinch is essential! It enhances the flavor and keeps the oatmeal from tasting bland.
Optional Mix-Ins
- Chia Seeds, Flaxseed Meal, or Hemp Seeds. For some bonus fiber and protein.
- Nut Butter. Protein, healthy fats, and flavor, all in a single spoonful.
- Cinnamon. A sprinkle of cozy spice for a cozy breakfast!
Flavor Ideas
- Apple Cinnamon. Apple, walnuts, and cinnamon.
- Maple Blueberry. Blueberries, sliced almonds, and pure maple syrup.
- Banana Peanut Butter. Peanut butter, bananas, and granola for crunch.
- Strawberry Cream. Diced strawberries and Greek yogurt—plain or vanilla.
The Directions
How to Make Oatmeal on the Stovetop

- Boil. Combine all of the basic oatmeal ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

- Simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture.
- Rest and Finish. Turn off the heat, let the oatmeal sit for 2 minutes, then top as desired and ENJOY!
How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave

- Combine in a Big Bowl. Stir together all of the basic oatmeal ingredients in a large bowl. Leave lots of room for it to expand!

- Microwave for 90 Seconds. Use high power.
- Stir and Microwave for 1 Additional Minute. The oats should be softened.
- Rest and Finish. Let the oatmeal sit for 2 minutes, then top as desired and ENJOY!
Meal Prep Tip
Make a big batch of oatmeal on Sunday night, divvy it up into individual containers, and reheat it in the microwave for an effortless breakfast all week long.

More Oatmeal Topping Ideas
- Fruit. Add berries or diced fruit on top of your oatmeal (or serve it with a side of Fruit Salad).
- Jam. A spoonful of your favorite jam (or my 3 Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam) is an easy way to add more flavor.
- Applesauce. I also love adding applesauce to oatmeal! Cook up a batch of Instant Pot Applesauce or Crockpot Applesauce and leave it chunky, then use it as a topping.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Use Quick Oats. As you can see from this recipe, rolled oats are fast enough! Quick oats are still healthy, but I find the texture of rolled oats is much heartier. Quick oats taste mushy.
- Toast Them If You Have Time. If you can spare an extra minute or two, toast the oats in a little bit of oil or butter before adding the rest of the ingredients. It brings out their nutty flavor. (Sometimes I do this for Pumpkin Overnight Oats and Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats too.)
- Salt Really Makes a Difference! Salt isn’t just to make foods salty. It’s an all-purpose flavor enhancer and a pinch of salt will add a little oomph to your oats. Don’t skip the salt!
- Adjust the Liquid as Needed. Do you like your oatmeal thinner? Or so thick you can stand up a spoon in it? Feel free to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your just-right consistency.

How to Make Oatmeal
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Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats also called old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup milk any kind you like
- ½ cup water
- Pinch kosher salt
Optional Mix-Ins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds flaxseed meal, or hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon nut butter
- Pinch ground cinnamon optional
For Apple Cinnamon
- 1 diced apple
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
- Extra pinch cinnamon
For Maple Blueberry
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- Drizzle pure maple syrup
For Banana Peanut Butter
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter stir into the hot oatmeal
- ½ banana diced
- Handful granola optional for crunch
For Strawberry Cream
- ⅓ cup diced strawberries
- Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
Instructions
- TO MAKE ON THE STOVE: In a medium saucepan, combine the oats, milk, water, salt, and any desired mix-ins. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer until the oats are softened to your liking, about 5 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes, then serve with any desired toppings.
- TO MAKE IN THE MICROWAVE: In a roomy microwave-safe bowl that will give you lots of room for the oatmeal to expand, combine the oats, milk, water, salt, and any desired mix-ins (to be extra safe if you aren't sure if your bowl is big enough, set it on a plate to catch any oats that boil over). Heat on high for 90 seconds, then stir and microwave until the oatmeal has bubbled up and softened, about 1 minute more. Let stand 2 minutes, then stir and enjoy hot with any desired toppings.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- TO REHEAT: Warm up leftover oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen it up. (You can also eat leftovers cold.)
- TO FREEZE: Freeze oatmeal in a freezer-safe storage container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the instructions above.
Nutrition
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Oats are a versatile ingredient for so many healthy breakfasts!
I loved the tip to use part milk. With the weather cooling off, this was perfect for breakfast.
Hi Samantha! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I have made oatmeal many times. I haven’t specifically tried your recipe but it’s pretty much the same as what I’m doing. However, I have a question. What is the difference between rolled/old fashioned oats and large flake oats?
Hi Leslie, it’s my understanding that large flake oats are also known as rolled or old-fashioned oats. Hope this helps!