How long to microwave old fashioned oats

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It's quick, easy and full of healthy benefits, so what's not to love about oatmeal? Plus, if you think of your mild-tasting, old-fashioned rolled oats as a canvas for creative toppings, that breakfast bowl can take on a different flavor profile every day of the week. The best news is that oats cooked in the microwave rather than on the stove take less time to cook, taste the same and don't result in a messy pot to clean.

Rich in fiber, vitamin B1 and important minerals, oatmeal is one of the few processed foods that helps reduce the risk of heart disease. If you want to avoid the box of doughnuts in the lunchroom, begin your morning with a bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal. Hearty and filling, your morning bowl keeps mid-morning hunger attacks at bay.

Oatmeal Basics

Begin with a standard ratio of 1 part oatmeal to 2 parts water. If you plan on adding lots of additional ingredients for more flavor and nutrition, try 1/3 cup of oatmeal to 2/3 cup of water. If you have a more hearty appetite, use a 1/2 cup of oats and 1 cup of water. Cook the oatmeal on high for 2 minutes in a somewhat deep cereal bowl. Decrease further the already-low sodium level of the oatmeal by avoiding any salt, or add just a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor of the oats.

Adjusting the Recipe

With a little trial and error, you can achieve perfection in your morning bowl of oatmeal. For thicker oatmeal, add a bit less water by filling your measuring cup somewhere beneath the rim or cooking your bowl for 20 to 30 seconds beyond the basic 2-minute recipe. For thinner oats, use more water. If you plan to add something that will thicken the oats, such as toasted wheat germ with its high levels of vitamins and minerals, use a few tablespoons more water.

Adding Protein

While old-fashioned oatmeal does contain some protein, you can always add more. Protein eaten in the morning gives your muscles a boost all day long. Plus, it adds both flavor and texture. A small handful of toasted nuts, a sprinkling of bacon bits or a tablespoon of peanut butter will do the trick. Or, use dairy milk, soy milk or another alternative milk instead of water for cooking the oats.

Adding Fruit

If eating 2 cups of fruit each day (the amount recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) seems like an impossible task, get a head start on the job by adding any kind of fruit to your oatmeal. Add frozen berries to the bowl before cooking or slice in a banana after the oatmeal comes out of the microwave. Add dried cranberries, raisins or any other dried fruit before cooking to soften it, or add it after cooking for a more chewy bowlful.

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 andgreener 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.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Total Time 7 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 165 kcal

• 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Pour 2/3 cup of water into the bowl and stir well. Microwave on high until the water is absorbed and the oats are tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools.

4. 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