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Learn how to make the perfect bowl of oatmeal with this easy, foolproof recipe! Creamy, thick, hearty, and customizable with your favorite toppings, this stovetop oatmeal is a family favorite. Plus, get tips for the best texture and flavor.
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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning. In our house, it’s a weekday staple, thanks to my husband, who takes charge of breakfast before the day gets busy. He’s perfected the art of making oatmeal just the way we like it -creamy, hearty, and endlessly customizable. The kids love theirs topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup, while I also add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a spoonful of nuts for a bit of crunch. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table, even on the busiest mornings. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make old fashioned oatmeal that’s both nourishing and delicious, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
Although you can make it multiple ways (like this instant pot oatmeal), the stovetop method is by far my favorite because it’s just the right ratio to come out in creamy perfection.
And if you’re looking for more easy everyday breakfast ideas, be sure to check out my perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs and avocado toast – simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy mornings!
Why You Need This Oatmeal Recipe
- Easy: You only need two main ingredients to cook oatmeal, after that the rest is optional. Your oatmeal is ready in less than15 minutes.
- Perfect ratios: With the ratio of 1:1.5 of oats to water, you end up with the perfect texture of creamy oats.
- Versatile: Cooking your own oatmeal means that you can dress it up with whatever flavor pairings you want that day.
Key Ingredients You Need
For a full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
- Water: Use filtered water that you have on hand.
- Old-fashioned oats: For this particular recipe, old fashioned rolled oats work best. I prefer to use organic and certified gluten-free oats but you can choose your favorite oats brand.
- Oatmeal Toppings: We like to add fresh berries, slivered almonds, chia seeds, hemp hearts, a pinch of salt, and maple syrup. Any nuts, berries, vanilla extract, and sweeteners can be added here.
How to Make Oatmeal on The Stove
Step 1. Boil. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.
Step 2. Simmer. Add the oatmeal, reduce heat, and let it simmer uncovered for 4 – 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 3. Cover & rest. Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the oatmeal sit for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
Step 4. Stir. Remove the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir.
Step 5. Add toppings. Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Stovetop Oatmeal Recipe Tips
- For this recipe, I recommend you use old-fashioned rolled oats. Avoid using instant quick cooking oats and steel-cut oats in this recipe (they are cooked differently).
- Don’t overcook the oatmeal. Cook the oats for the recommended time and don’t add them until the water starts boiling. If you add them before that, your oatmeal might turn too mushy or gummy.
- Make sure you use the right ratio of oats to water for the perfect creamy oatmeal texture. I always use the 1:1.5 oats to water ratio. If you use more liquid, the oatmeal will end up being too watery, and if you use less liquid, it might not cook fully.
- Add a pinch of salt when you stir in the oats to make the oatmeal taste good.
- Don’t stir the oats continuously as this can make them gummy and gluey. Give it only one or two stirs while the oatmeal simmers.
- You can add a splash of dairy or non-dairy milk when you serve it but I don’t recommend you cook it in milk.
- Once cooled, store oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days – it will thicken. Reheat it with a splash of water or milk in the microwave or on the stove over low, stirring frequently.
Oatmeal Toppings
There are so many ways to flavor your oatmeal. Choose one to two of the ideas below to create unique flavor pairings.
- Sweeteners: To sweeten your oatmeal, add a bit of honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. Each gives a different kind of taste.
- Fruit: Chopped or grated apples (or applesauce), fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), banana slices, or even dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, dates, or coconut flakes taste deliciously mixed into oatmeal.
- Nuts and butter: Add some crunch with chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also add sunflower seeds, ground flaxseed, or pumpkin seed. Or swirl in some almond butter or peanut butter.
- Chocolate: Mix in some cocoa powder after it sits or sprinkle on some chocolate chips for a rich taste.
- Spices: Sprinkle on pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a cozy feel to the oatmeal.
Recipe Help and FAQs
Sure, however, you’ll want to do it in smaller batches. Mix together about half a cup of oatmeal to one cup of water. Heat it in the microwave and pull it out to stir every sixty seconds or so. Keep heating it until it reaches your desired consistency.
If you’re finding that your oatmeal isn’t filling enough, add in extra ingredients. Using seeds like chia seeds, flax, or hemp heart adds plant-based protein which is more filling. Fruits like bananas mix in great and add bulk to the oatmeal. Or for a savory breakfast, you could serve it with something like hard-boiled eggs on the side for more protein.
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
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How To Make Oatmeal
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil, then add the oatmeal. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 4 – 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the oatmeal sit for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Remove the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir to ensure a creamy texture.
- Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
Notes
- For this recipe, I recommend you use old-fashioned rolled oats. Avoid using instant quick cooking oats and steel-cut oats in this recipe (they are cooked differently).
- Don’t overcook the oatmeal. Cook the oats for the recommended time and don’t add them until the water starts boiling. If you add them before that, your oatmeal might turn too mushy or gummy.
- Make sure you use the right ratio of oats to water for the perfect creamy oatmeal texture. I always use the 1:1.5 oats to water ratio. If you use more liquid, the oatmeal will end up being too watery, and if you use less liquid, it might not cook fully.
- Add a pinch of salt when you stir in the oats to make the oatmeal taste good.
- Don’t stir the oats continuously as this can make them gummy and gluey. Give it only one or two stirs while the oatmeal simmers.
- You can add a splash of dairy or non-dairy milk when you serve it but I don’t recommend you cook it in milk.
- Once cooled, store oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days – it will thicken. Reheat it with a splash of water or milk in the microwave or on the stove over low, stirring frequently.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
Brown sugar and butter are great for toppings. Just mix them in until the butter is melted.
Yes! Such a perfect topping – this flavor combo sounds amazing! 🙂