Updated: Apr. 01, 2022
Try these four easy, make-ahead techniques and you can enjoy delicious oatmeal, no matter what type of morning you're having.
No time to stand over a pot making a hearty oatmeal breakfast? Skip the instant packets—these four easy techniques let you prep ahead and enjoy delicious oats with minimal fuss during the morning rush.
OVERNIGHT OATS: Breakfast on the Go
Overnight oats are simply old fashioned, rolled oats that have “soaked up” any sort of liquid—usually yogurt, milk, or non-dairy milk—therefore eliminating the need to cook. This cross between a yogurt bowl, smoothie, and oatmeal is great for grabbing on your way out the door, because it’s best eaten chilled or at room temperature. No microwave required.
The Recipe: For a single serving, Katherine Younger of katheats.com suggests placing ½ cup rolled oats and about 1 cup liquid (the general favorite is a mixture of yogurt and milk) in a jar, bowl, or container. Add in optional mix-ins like chopped fruit, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and honey and stir. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, your oats will be thick, chewy, and ready to eat. Top with more milk, fruit, and toppings as desired.
SLOW COOKER OATS: “Instant” Hot Breakfast
For a hot bowlful of oatmeal that’s ready when you wake up, fire up your rice cooker or slow cooker at bedtime.
The Recipe: Place all of your oatmeal fixings—steel cut oats, the recommended ratio of water or milk, fruit, sweetener, and any other mix-ins—in your cooker. Emily Malone of DailyGarnish.com recommends using the porridge setting on a rice cooker and using a timer, so the dish will finish cooking when you want to eat. For a slow cooker, turn it on just before going to bed—seven to eight hours is the max, says Lynn Andriani of Oprah.com. Rise and dine.
BIG-BATCH OATMEAL: No-Brainer Breakfast
Oatmeal doesn’t have to be freshly made that day to be creamy and delicious—a pot will keep remarkably well in the fridge over the course of three to four days.
The Recipe: To make four servings, place 1 cup steel cut oats (or 2 cups rolled oats) in pot, along with 4 cups water or milk and a pinch of salt. Follow package directions and cook until oats are almost soft and most of the liquid is absorbed, then add in thinly sliced banana, frozen berries, honey, or vanilla extract, as desired. Add a splash more water so oatmeal is slightly more wet than normal; remove from heat and let cool. Place in containers and refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze individual sized servings. Each morning, simply scoop out your desired serving into a bowl and microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if needed.
BAKED OATMEAL: Brunch with Friends
Prep a pie pan of baked oatmeal the night before, and all you have to do is slide it in the oven for 30 minutes in the morning. The fancy presentation and light, fluffy texture that’s reminiscent of bread pudding make it perfect for casual entertaining.
The Recipe: Make your everyday oat and fruit mixture, then spoon into a buttered pie pan or casserole dish. One trick is to add a dash of baking powder and an egg to give it more of an airy texture. For more inspiration, try this recipe from Heidi Swanson, of 101 Cookbooks. You can adapt by using blueberries, and can get it ready the night before for easier morning baking.
FAQs
If preparing make-ahead oatmeal, place into individual containers and let cool completely before covering. Oatmeal will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove top with a little extra water or milk, or using preferred method.
Can you make oatmeal the night before and reheat? ›
That's okay too because you just made yourself a delicious whole grain breakfast you can adapt all week long. In the AMs, add a splash of water to the oatmeal and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You're welcome. This was my breakfast probably 80% of days during culinary school.
Does peanut butter thicken oatmeal? ›
Does peanut butter thicken oatmeal? Yes, adding peanut butter to the cooked oatmeal thickens the mixture. Is it good to eat oatmeal with peanut butter? Yes!
What is the secret to overnight oats? ›
Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats
Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.
How long will cooked oatmeal last in the refrigerator? ›
Cooked oats will last up between 3 to 5 days when stored in the fridge, whereas uncooked oats can last between 1 to 2 years if stored in a cool, dry place. On average, steel-cut oats have a longer shelf life than other types of oats, such as instant and rolled oats, and can last 2 years when correctly stored.
Is it OK to refrigerate uncooked oatmeal? ›
Preventing oats from going bad is easy. If the oats are stored in paper, after opening the package, transfer the grains to an airtight glass or metal container and stash them in the fridge or freezer.
How to keep oatmeal from being slimy? ›
The key to getting a creamy, not-gluey bowl of oatmeal is using enough water. Notice we said water—cooking oatmeal in milk tends to make a stickier, thicker oatmeal. Follow the directions on the canister using H2O, then add a splash of milk or almond milk in the bowl.
How to make oatmeal really thick? ›
Let them get creamy: The only way to get creamy oatmeal is to cook them for at least 8 minutes. This allows the oat grain enough time to break down and disperse their starches. Which makes the oatmeal creamy! As you stir the oatmeal, you'll be able to watch the oatmeal gradually become thicker and creamier.
Why is my oatmeal always soupy? ›
Try adjusting the liquid until the oats reach your desired consistency. If the product is too soupy, try decreasing the amount of milk used on the next cup or adding yogurt. If the product is too dry/clumpy, try adding more milk.
What not to mix with oatmeal? ›
Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?
Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
- Using water instead of milk. ...
- Forgetting to add salt. ...
- Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
- Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
- Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
- Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
- Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
- Assuming you have to eat it cold.
According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk.
Can you batch prep oatmeal? ›
Notes on Batch Cooking:
The oats soaking in their liquid will keep for at least 5 days, refrigerated. Larger batches: Scale up the ingredients to the number of servings you'd like to make (at least 4 or more servings) and combine in a large container. Refrigerate overnight, stirring a few times whenever you remember.
How to make oats in advance? ›
Simply bring 2 1/2 cups of oats, a big pinch of salt, and 5 cups of water to a boil. Stir it a few times then remove it from the heat and keep it covered overnight.
Can you meal prep oatmeal? ›
But it might be the easiest (and tastiest) way to meal prep oats: simply mix oats, milk, sweetener and add-ins, stir, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can simply grab a spoon and dig in, or add additional toppings! You can also heat them up in the microwave, if you're not quite ready for cold oats.
Can you make oatmeal and eat it later? ›
The concept is easy. Prepare your oats on one day, divide, and freeze for easy reheating later. It's pretty much the same thing I do with my baked oatmeal, but this is regular oatmeal with all sorts of chunky toppings (plus the initial preparation is much faster).
