How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave
Learn how to cook oatmeal in the microwave in 2 minutes without it ever boiling over! Add your favorite mix-ins and toppings for a nutritious, filling breakfast you’ll look forward to eating.
We’re big fans of oatmeal around here. Whether we’re making overnight oats, stovetop oatmeal, or a quick bowl of microwave oatmeal in the morning, it always hits the spot.
Not only are oats naturally gluten-free and a good source of fiber, but they’re also easy to cook and super versatile! Warm and cozy microwaved oatmeal is the perfect option on a cold day (but Shyanne eats it all year long).
Plus, the microwave makes for a failproof method that’s perfect for those mornings when you wake up and need food NOW. Follow our tips and tricks, and your oats will turn out perfect every time.
Basic Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for how to cook oatmeal in the microwave. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!
- Oats – We use old-fashioned rolled oats, but quick-cooking oats also work. However, they cook much faster and tend to become a bit mushy. If you’re sensitive to gluten, make sure to look for oats that are certified gluten-free like Bob’s Red Mill!
- Liquid – We’ll be honest, we usually use water, because we’re lazy. However, dairy milk will add a lot more flavor. Plant-based milk also works if you need to keep this recipe dairy-free.
- Salt – Don’t skip this! It brings out so much flavor and prevents your oatmeal from being bland or boring.
How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave
Step One: Combine your oats, liquid, salt, and any additional mix-ins like cinnamon or sweetener in a bowl.
Step Two: Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir, and continue to microwave in about 30-second increments until your desired consistency is achieved.
NOTE: Cooking times will vary slightly depending on your microwave.
Step Three: That’s it! Add your favorite toppings, and getcha some of that!
Oatmeal Topping and Mix-Ins
One of the best parts about easy microwave oatmeal is that the flavor options are endless, meaning you’ll never get bored! Plus, no one likes plain oats. So, to add some flavor, some of our favorite additions include:
- Protein (of course!) – We love Clean Simple Eats and BPN, especially for their vegan options
- Extracts – Vanilla extract, almond extract
- Sweetener – Honey, maple syrup, agave, liquid Stevia, or brown sugar
- Fresh or Dried Fruit – Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, bananas, peaches, apples, raisins, cranberries, etc.
- Nuts and Seeds – Peanuts, almonds, coconut flakes, chia seeds, flax seeds, peanut butter, etc.
- Spices – Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, apple pie spice
- Yogurt
- Chocolate Chips
- Whipped Cream (Live a little!)
Tips for Success
- Use the liquid ratio. For a creamy texture, use a ratio of 1:2 oats to liquid. (So, if you use ¼ cup oats, you’ll need ½ cup water.)
- Prevent exploding. Use a deep bowl, and stir the oats intermittently as they cook. Keep an eye on your microwave! We’ve exploded more than our fair share of oatmeal bowls, and it’s never fun to clean.
- Adjust the consistency. If you accidentally overcook your oatmeal, just stir in an extra splash of water or milk. They’ll freshen back up!
Common Questions
This microwave oatmeal recipe is best served right away. However, if needed, you can transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave, and add extra water or milk to loosen the oats back up.
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How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave
Equipment
- 1 Microwave-Safe Bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water or milk
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup or honey or to taste optional
Instructions
- Whisk all the ingredients in a deep, microwave-safe bowl.½ cup rolled oats, 1 cup water or milk, Salt to taste, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Microwave for 60 seconds.
- Stir, and continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add any mix-ins or toppings, and getcha some of that!1 Tablespoon maple syrup or honey or to taste
Notes
- serving size = 40 grams uncooked oats (1/2 cup)
- Carbohydrates = 27 grams
- Fat = 2.5 grams
- Protein = 5 grams
