How to Cook Oatmeal on the Stove
Learn how to cook oatmeal on the stove! With step-by-step instructions and failproof tips, you’ll learn how to cook perfect oatmeal every single time.
We always have oatmeal in our house and typically buy it in bulk from our local Costco. It’s great to use for everything from overnight oats to oat bakes, oatmeal cups, and of course, regular bowls of oatmeal. Add a little protein, and you’ve got the perfect pre or post-workout snack.
However, cooking oats on the stovetop can be a little tricky. Cook them too long, and the overflow. Get the liquid ratio off, and your oats will be tough. But don’t worry! With our failproof method, you’ll learn how to cook stovetop oats like a pro.
What You’ll Need
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Oats – There are three types of oats – quick oats, steel-cut oats, and old-fashioned or rolled oats. We don’t recommend using quick oats for stovetop oatmeal. Save that for microwave oats! However, steel-cut or old-fashioned oats work well. For convenience’s sake, we use rolled oats as steel-cut oats take the longest to cook.
TIP: Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, they may be processed in a factory with other gluten-containing ingredients. So, if you’re sensitive to gluten, be sure to look for certified gluten-free oats like Bob’s Red Mill!
- Milk – This is optional but helps create the perfect consistency and creates a richer taste.
- Salt – Trust us! Your oatmeal won’t taste salty, but it will enhance the flavor.
How to Cook Oatmeal on the Stove
What is the Ratio of Water to Oatmeal?
The ratio of liquid to oats will vary depending on the type of oats you use. For instance, steel-cut oats require a ratio of ¾ to 1 cup of liquid for every 1 cup of dry oats.
However, quick oats and rolled oats require a ratio of 1 cup of liquid for every ½ cup of dry oats.
Be sure to double-check the cooking instructions on the side of your oats container before you begin!
Tips on How to Make Stovetop Oatmeal
- Use the right oats. Rolled oats are best when cooking on the stove. Quick oats become too mushy, and steel-cut oats take too long to cook.
- Measure the liquid properly. See the ratio recommendations above, and be sure to check the instructions on your oats package. If you use too little liquid, your oats won’t cook. And if you use too much, they’ll be too soggy. However, having too much water is better than not enough, because you can always simmer the oats a little longer.
- Don’t forget the salt! No, really. A dash of salt enhances the subtle nutty flavor and is key to creating oats that aren’t bland.
- Keep an eye on the stove. If your oats begin to bubble up over the sides of the pan when you add them to the water, reduce the heat.
Add-Ins and Oatmeal Toppings
One of the best things about oatmeal is how versatile it can be! Nobody likes a sad bowl of plain oatmeal. Booooring.
So, go crazy with different mix-ins and toppings. Some of our favorite options include:
- Protein (of course!) – We love Clean Simple Eats and BPN, especially for their vegan options
- Sweetener – Honey, maple syrup, agave, liquid Stevia, or brown sugar
- Fruit – Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, bananas, peaches, apples, 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 – Enjoy Life are our favorites!
- Veggies – Hear us out. If you add cauliflower rice, shredded zucchini, or shredded carrots, you can add extra nutrients and volume, and you won’t impact the flavor
Common Questions
Once cooked, oatmeal is best eaten right away while it’s still warm. However, if you have leftovers or want to prepare a large batch for meal prep, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If prepping in advance, we recommend omitting any mix-ins or toppings until just before serving!
Reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Add extra water or milk as needed to loosen it back up.
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How to Cook Oatmeal on the Stove
Equipment
- 1 Medium Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Add the water and salt to a medium pot. Bring the liquid to a boil in a pot on the stove.1 cup water, Salt to taste
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, and stir in the oats.½ cup old-fashioned oats
- Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the oats are fluffy, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
- Add the milk, cover the pot, and remove the oats from the heat. Let stand for a few minutes or until the milk is mostly absorbed.¼ cup milk
- Serve warm with mix-ins and toppings of choice!
