In addition to the fact that it’s budget-friendly, tasty, and easy, learning how to make microwave oatmeal means you have a healthier alternative to many store-bought options. Consider, for example, what I found on the label of Quaker Oats Peaches and Cream instant oatmeal, the kind that comes in little packets and heats up in the microwave in the time it takes to retrieve a spoon to go with it:
–partially hydrogenated soybean oil
–artificial color
–artificial flavor
–corn syrup solids
They do this, to poor, humble, wholesome oatmeal. The label boasts well over 20 ingredients. And even the more natural brands tend to be higher than need be in sugar, which is why it’s wise to do it yourself.
How to Make Microwave Oatmeal
So I set to learning how to make microwave oatmeal. It’s one the kids can do on busy weekday mornings with as much ease as opening a little packet. Compared to the boxed version, this one tastes better and is cheaper and greener and may help with kids’ math skills and solve world peace.
How to Assemble Microwave Oatmeal
It’s a snap to do up a jar of your own oatmeal mix. Here’s how:
- Start with just a few ingredients, not a few dozen: Rolled oats, nuts, dried fruit, and brown sugar. Add a little cinnamon or other spices if you like.
- Put everything into a big jar with enough room that you can shake it all up. When you’re ready to make a bowl of oatmeal, just scoop it from the container, add twice as much water as oats, and pop into the microwave.
- Once it’s cooked, give it a stir and add a splash of milk if you like. Feel free to add in any extras, such as fresh berries, sliced bananas, or diced pears. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup work is a fine addition as well.
- Tip: you can turn this into single serve packets by measuring 1/3 cup portions into wax or parchment bags and storing them in your pantry.
Breakfast is done. And it’s a much nicer way to treat your oats.
How Long will the Oatmeal Mix Last?
The ingredients in this oatmeal mix are all shelf-stable. If properly sealed, the mix should keep for up to three months in your pantry. For a longer shelf life you can store it in the fridge or even the freezer.
Now that you know how to make microwave oatmeal, check out:
Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Easy Breakfast Quinoa
Dark Chocolate Muesli
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups
Healthy Granola from Brain Health Kitchen
Make Your Own Microwave Oatmeal
This recipe makes a lightly sweetened oats mixture that's ready to be scooped up and microwaved into single-serving bowls of nourishing oatmeal. Be sure to use a deep cereal bowl for cooking the oats since they can bubble up and overflow. Thick-cut oats will require a little extra cooking time
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled/old-fashioned oats (not quick oats or instant oats)
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins; dried cranberries, blueberries or cherries; or diced dried apples, apricots or peaches)
- ½ cup sliced, slivered, or chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts)
- ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Put the oats, dried fruit, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a large jar, storage container, or ziplock bag. Shake well until all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
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To cook a bowl of oatmeal, first give your jar a hearty shake to mix any ingredients that have settled to the bottom of the container. Pour a rounded 1/3 cup of the oatmeal mixture into a deep cereal bowl. If the bowl is too shallow, the oatmeal may overflow in the microwave.
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Pour 2/3 cup of water into the bowl and stir well. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and continue to cook until the water is absorbed and the oats are tender, another minute or so. Remove from the microwave and stir. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools.
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Add fresh fruit, more nuts, and milk if desired.
Photo credits: Alena Haurylik/Shutterstock (bowl of oats), Erin Scott (jar of oats)pin of how to make microwave oatmeal
