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This microwave oatmeal recipe is the perfect fast and easy breakfast! Here’s how to make a healthy morning meal in just 2 minutes.
Here’s a secret that’s been powering my morning every day: you have to try this microwave oatmeal! It’s the quickest way to cook oatmeal around, and it comes out just as good as the stovetop version, in my opinion.
I literally make this oatmeal every day for myself and also for my son. Turns out, you don’t need those microwave packets from the store. All you need are Old Fashioned rolled oats, a microwave, and 2 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
That’s right, no need for those instant oatmeal packets from the store. There are no secret ingredients needed for microwave oatmeal! I eat oatmeal every day, and I used to make this stovetop version. However, this microwave variation has stolen my heart! It’s so quick that I can have it daily with a little bit of maple syrup and peanut butter.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Old Fashioned rolled oats: Rolled oats are whole oat grains that are pressed flat with rollers, and Old Fashioned oats are the whole, circular oats. Don’t substitute instant oats, which are more gloppy in texture, or steel-cut oats, which take much longer to cook.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is optional, but it adds a nice flavor nuance!
- Kosher salt: Salt is important for making a bowl of oatmeal taste seasoned.
How To Make Oatmeal In The Microwave
This microwave oatmeal recipe makes a bowl of creamy single-serving oats. It’s easy to whip up with just 2 minutes of cook time! To make oatmeal in the microwave:
- Place ½ cup oats, ¾ cup water, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl with high sides.
- Microwave on High for 2 minutes. If there is still a good amount of liquid left, cook 10 to 20 more seconds.
- Stir and allow to stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the liquid to be absorbed.
Every microwave is different, so experiment to find the settings that work for you! With my microwave, it’s perfect with a cook time of 2:15.
Best Bowls to Use
If you’re cooking oatmeal in the microwave, the bowl you choose is important. You don’t want a shallow bowl, or it will overflow! Most importantly, you don’t want to microwave in plastic containers due to health risks.
I use these microwave-safe bowls with tall sides, made of natural wheat straw, starch, and food-safe polypropylene. They are BPA-free, non-toxic, and safe for microwave cooking.
Toppings for Microwave Oatmeal
Top your microwave oatmeal with your favorite toppings to turn it into a filling, healthy meal! I love it with just a bit of peanut butter, maple syrup, and a touch of milk (or a hint of heavy cream, which adds a nice richness). Here are a few more topping ideas:
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, sliced banana, or sliced apple
- Syrups or sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or Blueberry Syrup
- Sauces or compotes like Strawberry Sauce, Blueberry Sauce, or Raspberry Sauce
- Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, Candied Pecans, Candied Walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios
- Yogurt like Greek yogurt mixed with maple syrup
Ingredient Spotlight: Rolled Oats
Oatmeal is part of a healthy diet, and I eat it every day! It’s great for digestion and infusing your day with fiber. Here are a few of the main nutritional benefits of oats (source):
- Oats are high in plant-based protein. 1 cup of raw oats has 11 grams of protein. That’s about 20% of your daily need!
- Oats are high in fiber. 1 cup of raw oats has 8 grams of fiber, which is about 30% of the daily value.
- Oats are very filling: they may reduce appetite and help you eat fewer calories.
Storage Info
Microwave oatmeal is best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dietary Notes
This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Microwave Oatmeal (2 Minutes!)
This microwave oatmeal recipe is the perfect easy breakfast! Here’s how to make a healthy meal in minutes.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Oatmeal
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ½ cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup water
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl with tall sides. Microwave on High for 2 minutes (if there is still a good amount of liquid, cook 10 to 30 more seconds*). Stir and allow to stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the liquid to be absorbed. (For a double recipe, double the ingredients and microwave for 3 minutes 30 seconds.)
- Top with a drizzle of maple syrup, milk, and additional toppings as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
*Every microwave is different, so experiment to find the settings that work for you! With my microwave, it’s perfect with a cook time of 2:20.
I found that with 1/2 cup 2 minute oats that 3/4 cup water was not enough
Let us know if you have any questions!