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This easy Microwave Oatmeal Recipe teaches you how to make a healthy and delicious breakfast in under 2 minutes. Enjoy with fruit and your favorite toppings, I love banana and cinnamon!
If you follow me on Instagram or you’re a reader of my blog, you may already know that I am #AddictedToOats. Basic oatmeal, protein oatmeal, low calorie oatmeal, baked, or overnight…The amounts of recipe I’ve posted is insane.
Protein porridge has been my favorite breakfast for years, ever since 2017. And it will probably stay like this for the rest of my days. I just love how satisfying, delicious, healthy and convenient oatmeal is.
But can you believe that after more than 7 years of #OatsForBreakfast, I’d never made it in the microwave before. Only up until January 2024. Partly due to a busier schedule, partly due to my laziness, I decided to give microwave oatmeal a shot.
Table of Contents
- Let’s try microwave oats!
- Is it better to cook oats in microwave or stove?
- Basic oatmeal recipe ingredients
- What are good things to add to oatmeal?
- Can I add protein powder to porridge?
- How to make protein oats
- How to cook oatmeal in the microwave?
- How do I make sure my oatmeal doesn’t explode in the microwave?
- What is the ratio of oats to water?
- How to make microwave oatmeal taste better: 4 secrets
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions
- More oatmeal recipes
- Microwave Oatmeal Recipe
Let’s try microwave oats!
The first time was a fail. A huge fail. My porridge came out so runny, mushy and boring that for lunch I had another bowl of “proats” on the stove. But Matteo never gives up. I tried again the next day, a bit better this time. Then again and again, until I finally nailed it. After almost a week of boring breakfasts, I was finally able to make oatmeal in the microwave that tastes as delicious as the ones you cook on the stove.
Satisfied with my breakfast, I decided to write this guide on how to make microwave oatmeal taste better. Not boring, not mushy, but cozy and tasty like never before. So that you won’t have to trade off taste for convenience ever again!
Is it better to cook oats in microwave or stove?
There are no winners here, it all comes down to your needs and preferences. Both cooking methods are great, but both come with their own pros and cons. I have put together a brief explanation of the two different options, highlighting their main advantage and disadvantage in just a couple of words.
- Stovetop oatmeal: This is the best choice if you have more time to prepare breakfast and want a porridge that has a slightly better texture.
- Microwave oatmeal: This is the best choice if you need a quick and convenient breakfast that is healthy and still tastes delicious. The texture of your oats, however, won’t be as great as the one you cook on the stove.
In my case, microwave porridge is my to-go breakfast on weekdays. On weekends, instead, when I have more time, I like treating myself with a nice bowl of stovetop oats. Both are fantastic, but as we have seen before, they cater to different needs.
Basic oatmeal recipe ingredients
The basic recipe for porridge is very simple. You only need oats, a sweetener of your choice, and milk or water. This being said, choosing the right ingredients is key in ensuring the best taste and texture. From types of oats to the liquid used, every single details must be considered. That’s why I truly encourage you to read the following lines very, very carefully. Follow along, take notes, and you’ll be amazed at the result!
- Oats. The best type of oats for porridge is rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats. As they are less processed, they are overall healthier and tend to produce a better texture. Also quick-cooking oats or instant oats can be used, but they tend to make microwave porridge bland and mushy. Steel cut oats, instead, are not suitable because they require longer cooking times.
- Sweetener of choice. I like sweetening my oats with pure maple syrup, but also honey, date syrup and agave syrup are great. Other options are brown sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, or calorie-free sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit. I personally do not like stevia, it has a strong aftertaste.
- Liquid of choice. Here you have three options: milk, water or a combination of the two. I recommend making oatmeal with milk, because it has a better taste and texture. Both dairy milk and dairy-free milk can be used – my recommendations are unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, soy milk or semi-skimmed milk. Or choose whole milk, if you want first class oatmeal!
- A pinch of salt. It is just a pinch, but it makes the difference. It enhances all flavors, balances the sweetness level and makes your breakfast more satisfying.
What are good things to add to oatmeal?
If you want to take your breakfast to the next level, I encourage you to experiment with additional mix-ins and toppings. From ground cinnamon to cocoa powder, the options are endless. Feel free to give vent to your creativity, pick one, mix and match. Or try some of the ideas down below. Add them straight into your oats or as a topping for your breakfast bowl.
- Maple syrup or honey
- Cocoa powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Mashed banana
- Dates, raisins, cranberries, dried apricots
- Pieces of apples or pear
- Blueberries, raspberries, a mix of berries
- Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter
- Walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds
- Cocoa nibs or chocolate chips
- Protein powder
Can I add protein powder to porridge?
You can either replace part of the oats with protein or add protein powder as an extra ingredients. Just bear in mind that you may need to fix the consistency with additional milk, in case the oatmeal gets too thick. Especially if you are using vegan protein powder or casein.
How to add protein powder to oats: After cooking the oats, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the bowl and mix until they reach the desired texture. More milk may be necessary. Important: Never add protein powder to cooking oats.
How to make protein oats
Read my step-by-step guide on how to make protein oatmeal, with a secret hack.
How to cook oatmeal in the microwave?
- In a microwaveable bowl combine oats, maple syrup and pinch salt. If desired, include cinnamon, vanilla and additional ingredients.
- Pour in the milk of your choice or water and, with the help of a spoon, quickly mix the oats. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Stop, stir and restart the microwave if the oats flood while cooking.
- Enjoy with your favorite toppings. I like serving my porridge with sliced bananas, peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
How do I make sure my oatmeal doesn’t explode in the microwave?
To prevent your oatmeal from exploding in the microwave, use a large microwave-safe bowl and fill it for just ¾ of its capacity. Make sure you leave enough space at the top of the bowl for the oatmeal to bubble without spilling all over. For extra safety, you can also cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or lid.
Another consideration is to microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even cooking and prevent overheating. Keep a close eye on your porridge while it’s cooking, and promptly stop the microwave if you notice it starting to overflow.
What is the ratio of oats to water?
The recommended ratio is 1 part oats to 2 parts water. For a serving, you might use 1/2 cup of oats and 1 cup of water. That’s a good starting point, give it a try and adjust the ratio or cooking time according to your taste preferences. Use more liquid for a creamier texture, or use less for a thicker oatmeal. A final suggestion is to let the oatmeal sit for a couple of minutes after cooking; it will get thicker and you won’t risk to get burnt!
How to make microwave oatmeal taste better: 4 secrets
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, instead of quick oats or instant oatmeal. They have a better texture and do not get mushy.
- Make microwave oatmeal with milk, instead of water. The milk makes porridge creamier, richer, and more satisfying.
- Experiment with extra mix-ins and toppings, the ones you like the moist. I recommend sliced bananas, peanut butter, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Cook for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes, just until it reaches the desired consistency. Microwaving for too long will make A) your oats explode B) ruin their consistency.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Here are three tips that will make your porridge creamier. First, prepare it with milk instead of water. Second, slightly increase the oats to liquid ratio and cook for a bit longer. Consider mixing in additional protein powder, mashed bananas or yogurt and you’ll get the creamiest oatmeal in the microwave.
Yes, you can make microwave oatmeal with water or milk. The choice depends on your own needs and preferences. Although milk gives a better taste and texture, you may consider using water for a lower calorie, cheaper alternative. Another option would be a blend of water and milk, half and half.
Yes, microwave porridge is deemed as a healthy meal that is rich in nutrients. Regarding the cooking method, many people think that microwaving food is not safe. However, this statement is not backed by science (enough). Microwave may even preserve nutrients better than some other cooking methods.
More oatmeal recipes
- Basic oatmeal recipe
- Healthy oil-free granola
- 2 ingredient banana oat cookies
- Chocolate chip oat bars
- Healthy oatmeal raisin cookies
- Banana baked oatmeal cups
- Low calorie oatmeal
Microwave Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 grams (½ cup) rolled oats
- 1 to 2 tsp maple syrup, or honey, more to taste
- a pinch of salt
- 240 ml (1 cup) preferred milk, or water, or a blend of both
Optional Ingredients
- ⅓ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ tsp vanilla extract
- fruit of choice, apple, banana, blueberries, etc.
- nut butter
Instructions
- In a microwaveable bowl combine oats, maple syrup and pinch salt. If desired, include cinnamon, vanilla extract and additional ingredients.
- Pour in milk of choice or water and, with the help of a spoon, quickly mix the oats. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Stop, stir and restart the microwave if the oats flood while cooking.
- Enjoy oatmeal with your favorite toppings. I like serving mine with sliced bananas, peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
The recipe looks simple and delicious, I can’t wait to try it.
Hey dear Linda,
many thanks for your comment! It definitely is, I agree. Making oats in the microwave is so quick and convenient. Perfect for healthy breakfasts when we have little time to cook.
I wish you a fantastic day,
Matteo
Excellent and delicious!
Hello Liza,
thank you so so much. Quick, easy and so delicious!
Have a great Sunday,
Matteo