How to Make Oatmeal

In this guide you will learn how to make Oatmeal, easy and quick. From overnight oats to microwave porridge, here you will find everything you need to know plus additional tips and tricks to make your oatmeal taste delicious!

Oats are delicious!

I still remember the morning my mum had them for the first time. Sneaking into the kitchen with great expectations, she was so excited to prepare a bowl of oats for breakfast. But right after the first spoon, she turned to me and said “Why does my oatmeal taste bland?”

And when I asked how she made them, her answer was something like – “I just mixed oats with water and a teaspoon of chia seeds for all the benefits”. Well, no wonder her breakfast was so sad.

One of the things that most people erroneously think is that oatmeal is boring. That’s actually not true. It all depends on how you make it. The right preparation, the right amount of milk, the right ingredients, the right toppings…

But wait, let’s make a step at the time. In this article, I will walk you through all the secrets to make oatmeal that tastes good. 

7 different ways to make oats

Did you know that there are many ways to make porridge? More precisely, seven – at least as far as I know. Cook it on the stove, microwave it, or make it overnight, you can even bake oatmeal! Here is a list of all different ways to eat it, alongside their description. Have a read and if you want, let me know in the comments what’s your favorite!

Stovetop oats

Probably the most popular way of making porridge, this method consists of cooking the oats with milk or water in a pot, on the stove. Depending on the type of flakes that you are using, this preparation method may take from 5 to 15 minutes. The result is a more flavorsome oatmeal, creamier and with a much better texture than in the microwave. If you are looking for a warm breakfast bowl, this is my recommendation.

Microwave oats

One of the quickest and most convenient preparation method, many people cook their porridge in the microwave. As simple as that, all you have to do is combining oats with water or milk (plus some extras such as honey) before popping the bowl in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Although it is very convenient, this is not the best way to eat oatmeal. The result is often a bland porridge with mushy texture.

Overnight oats

Overnight oats are an incredibly popular no-cook breakfast. Instead of cooking, you soak the oats overnight with milk. The result is a ready-to-eat oatmeal that is rich, creamy and delicious. If you need a quick and easy healthy breakfast, overnight oats are the solution!

Overnight oatmeal recipes

• Simple chocolate overnight oats
• Low calorie cookie dough oats overnight
• Banana bread overnight oats
• High protein overnight porridge with cinnamon

Blended oats

If you don’t like their texture, this preparation method is for you. It consists of blending oats together with milk and any other additional ingredients such as cocoa powder until smooth. Depending on how you like porridge, you can then either cook it in a pot, let it soak overnight, or bake it in the oven!

Baked oats

The ideal breakfast of all dessert lovers, baked oats look and taste like mini cakes. As the name already suggests, this method consists of baking porridge in the oven for about 20 minutes. Many people like making their breakfast cake with oat flour while others blend the flakes at home.

Baked oats recipes

• Easy chocolate baked oats
• 3 ingredient baked oatmeal
• Apple protein baked oats
• Protein baked oats

No cooking oats

This is by far the quickest way to make porridge, but it only works with quick cooking oats. It consists of pouring hot water or milk over quick oats, covering the bowl and waiting until they have completely soaked. Indeed it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes, but the result is not the best: bland and mushy.

Raw oats

Although many people don’t know it, oats can also be eaten raw. However, to ensure a better digestion, it is recommended to soak them ahead. For a quick and easy healthy breakfast you can enjoy raw oats with yogurt or milk. And of course, don’t forget some fruit and all the toppings you like!

Which type of oats for oatmeal?

One of the secrets on how to make porridge is choosing the right type of oats. The choice comes down to the dish you want to make, as well as to the time you have for cooking. Here are the most common types, together with more details and their best uses.

• Steel cut oats: This type of oats is similar to whole grains like orzo or farro. It is the least processed and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cook. Therefore, these oats are not suitable for microwaving or making overnight.
• Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats: Characterized by a flakey flat shape, these are the most common in the market. They are delicious made on the stove, overnight, microwaved, and even baked!
• Quick oats: These are similar to rolled oats, with the difference that they are much smaller and therefore require less time to cook. Although much more convenient, they are not the best option because they tend to become soft very easily. Also quick oats can be cooked, microwaved, baked or soaked overnight.
• Oat flour: Oat flour is nothing but finely grounded rolled oats. You can buy it at the store or make it at home just by blending the flakes to flour. As it comes in a powdery form, oat flour can be used for baking cakes, brownies, cookies and even cinnamon rolls!
• Oat bran: This is the outer layer of the groat and contains plenty of fibers. It can be added to porridge, served with yogurt and can even be baked. However, it is advisable to use in moderation as it easily affects the dish texture. So no, you can’t make porridge entirely with oat bran!

The best oatmeal ingredients

After picking the right type of oats, it is time to talk about some extra ingredients you can include in your breakfast. From cocoa powder to dates, these add-ons will take your porridge to the next level! Feel free to pick and choose anything you like. Follow your cravings, go with the flow and…keep on reading if you need ideas. Down below you will find a list of foods that will make your dish taste delicious. Trust me, you’ll be having oats for breakfast every morning. Just like me!

• Maple syrup or honey
• Cocoa powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Mashed banana
• Mashed dates
• Peanut butter or any other nut butter
• Walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews
• Chia seeds or flaxseeds
• Cocoa nibs
• Chocolate chips
• Protein powder

The best oatmeal toppings

We all agree that toppings are the best part of breakfast bowls, don’t we? Well, at least I do. From classic peanut butter and banana to more gourmet combinations, over the years I’ve tried so many toppings that I could write a book. Down below you will find some of my favorite.

• Peanut butter and banana
• Peanut butter, chocolate chips and banana
• Kiwi, almond butter and cocoa nibs
• Pears and dark chocolate 
• Banana and cashew butter
• Blueberries, pumpkin seeds and almond butter
• A mix of berries and cocoa nibs
• A selection of nut butters over fruit
• Mango, pumpkin seeds and cocoa nibs
• White chocolate chips over dark chocolate oats

Oatmeal with protein powder

For a more complete breakfast, I recommend adding protein powder to your bowl. You can decide between replacing part of the oats with protein or adding it as an extra. But keep in mind that you will need different amounts of milk, depending on the protein powder choice. As each protein powder absorbs liquid differently, I cannot give you precise amounts. However, as a rule of thumb whey mixes in very easily and requires less milk than casein and vegan options.

While casein and vegan protein powders can be cooked, you should never heat whey. Otherwise it will get dry and rubbery. If you want all details, I highly encourage you to read my guide on how to make protein powder oats. 

Another secret on how to make oats less boring is using flavored protein powder. From vanilla to lemon pie, pick and choose the one you like the most! My favorite flavors are vanilla, chocolate and brownie. Still, I feel that nothing will ever replace natural protein powder.

How to make oatmeal?

Porridge can be prepared either on the stove or in the microwave.

• Stovetop method. In a nonstick pot, bring to boil the water or milk. When the liquid starts boiling, lower the heat and add to the pot rolled oats, maple syrup and pinch salt. If desired, include cinnamon, vanilla and any extra ingredient. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the oatmeal reaches the desired texture. Make sure you stir frequently so that your oats do not stick to the pan. Once ready, remove from the stove.
• Microwave method. In a microwaveable bowl combine oats, maple syrup and pinch salt. If desired, include cinnamon, vanilla and any additional ingredient. Pour in milk of choice or water and, with the help of a spoon, quickly mix everything together. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Stop, stir and restart the microwave if the oats flood while cooking.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What’s the best way of making oats?

Well, as each of us has different preferences, there is no best way of making oats. For instance, my girlfriend prefers them overnight but I like them on the stove.

• Stovetop oatmeal: This is the best way of making oats if a warm and cozy breakfast bowl is what you are looking for.
• Microwave oatmeal: Cook porridge in the microwave if you are looking for a quick and easy warm breakfast.
• Overnight oats: This is the best option if you need a quick and easy (cold) breakfast on the go.
• Baked oats: Are you a dessert lover? Then baked oats are for you!

What type of oats are best for porridge?

When it comes to stovetop or overnight porridge, rolled oats are the best. As they are less processed, they are more wholesome and nutritious than quick cooking oats. What’s more, porridge made with rolled oats has a much better texture. For baked oats instead, you will need oat flour, either store-bought or made at home by blending rolled oats. Bottom line: rolled oats are the best option.

How to make oats without sugar?

There are plenty of ways to add sweetness and flavor without sugar. Believe me, I’ve been having porridge for breakfast since 2017, and I still haven’t felt the need to add any. Let me now give you some recommendations on how to make oats taste good without sugar!

• First, instead of using water, make oatmeal with milk and you’ll get a richer, creamy oatmeal.
• Sweeten your oats in natural ways by mixing in ripe bananas, mashed dates or applesauce.
• Give taste to your oats with spices and flavors such as cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract or matcha powder.
• Mix in your porridge a spoon of peanut butter, some cinnamon and I promise, you won’t be able to resist it!

Before finishing, let me give you a final tip. If you are used to sweet flavors, I suggest slowly reducing the amount of sugar you put in your breakfast meal. Cut after cut, you’ll get used to the taste and you won’t need sugar anymore.

How to make oats thicker? The liquid to oats ratio

You like your oats thick but they always come out mushy or liquid, am I right? Well, don’t worry because I may have the solution to your struggles.

If they never get thick, chances are that you are using the wrong liquid to oats ratio. As simple as that, if you add too much milk or water, your porridge will never thicken. The right ratio comes down to the specific preparation method you use. Be sure to read further for more details on the matter!

• Stovetop oatmeal: 1 cup (240 ml) of liquid for ½ cup (50 grams) of dry oats.
• Microwave oatmeal: 3/4 cup (180 ml) of liquid for ½ cup (50 grams) of dry oats.
• Overnight oatmeal: ½ cup (120 ml) of liquid for ½ cup (50 grams) of oats.
• Baked oats: about ⅓ heaping cup (80 to 100 ml) of milk for ½ cup (50 grams) of oat flour.

Besides this, you can further thicken your porridge with extra protein powder, fruit, or even thickeners.

How can I eat oatmeal if I don’t like the texture?

If you want to eat oats but don’t like its texture, try blending all ingredients until smooth. Once ready, cook on the stove, in the oven or refrigerate overnight. All depends on the recipe you want to make.

What’s your favorite way of making oats?

Stovetop protein oatmeal. Honestly, I’ve never been so quick in answering a question. I’ve been eating the same protein oatmeal every morning since 17 and I will probably never get tired of it. From taste to convenience, my creamy protein porridge is a healthy breakfast that has it all. Irreplaceable!

Summary: How to make the best oatmeal?

There are different ways of making oats. Start by choosing the one that best matches your needs and preferences. Once you are done choosing, prefer rolled oats to get the best texture, and all the extra ingredient you like. Finally, serve your porridge with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

More oatmeal recipes

• Healthy oil-free granola
• 2 ingredient banana oat cookies
• Chocolate chip oat bars
• Blueberry pancakes
• Healthy oatmeal raisin cookies
• Low calorie oatmeal