Microwave Oatmeal

With this super quick microwave oatmeal method, you can enjoy a bowl of hearty oats in the microwave in under 2 minutes. Plus, you’ll learn all the tips to prevent it from boiling over and saving you the mess!

Can You Microwave Oatmeal?

Yes! Microwaving is not only easy yet the fastest method to cook oatmeal! It’s super simple and takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

While there are many ways to make delicious, creamy oatmeal, microwaving is perfect when time is of the essence.

You just mix oats and your preferred liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and cook it for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Then, it’s a matter of customizing it by adding your favorite toppings; and just like that, you’re starting the day with a hearty meal that keeps you full for hours.

If having a bowl of oats ready to go is your thing, then you’ve got to try one of these terrific overnight oats recipes.

Ingredients

Oats, liquid, and your favorite toppings: that’s all you need to make this healthy breakfast your new go-to meal for busy mornings. Here’s the list:

• Old-fashioned oats: also known as rolled oats. You can also microwave quick oats.
• Brown sugar: optional for a touch of sweetness.
• Cinnamon: optional to make the oats taste great!
• Salt: just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
• Water or milk: I’m using milk diluted with water for a lighter yet creamy texture. Using only milk makes the oats too thick.
• Fruit: your favorite ones for topping.

*Ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.

Does Making Oatmeal in the Microwave Damage the Nutrients? 

Oatmeal has many health benefits and you can totally make the most of them by cooking oats in the microwave without damaging the nutrients.

According to Harvard, the longer you cook food, the more nutrients it loses. So microwaving your oats is a quick and convenient way to have a healthy breakfast ready in no time!

If you soaked your oat flakes, simply drain the water, add half the liquid, and microwave the oats.

How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave

Who can resist a healthy breakfast when all it takes is placing everything in a bowl and microwaving? SO easy! Here’s the simple step-by-step:

1. Combine the ingredients
   In a microwave-safe bowl, place the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. 
2. Add the liquid
   Pour the milk or water into the bowl and mix to combine.
3. Cook the oatmeal
   Microwave on high for 90 seconds, making sure to stop after a minute to stir so the oatmeal doesn’t bubble over.
4. Serve
   Remove the cooked oatmeal from the microwave and serve as is or topped with your favorite fruit. 

More of a visual learner? Take a look at this video:

Which Oats are Best for Microwaving?

Old-fashioned oats (rolled) and quick (instant) oats are the best options for microwaving since both cook very fast. Steel-cut oats can also be cooked with this method, but you’ll need more time, more liquid, and a much larger container.

If steel-cut oats are your favorite ones, microwaving them is a great way to save time, compared with the classic stove-top method. That said, quick-cooking steel-cut oats are much preferred for the microwave and the classic ones for the stovetop or to make slow cooker oatmeal.

How Long to Microwave Oatmeal

Depending on the type of oats you’re using, the cooking time varies:

Type of Oat	Time
Quick Oats	1-2 minutes
Instant Oats	1-2 minutes
Old-Fashioned Oats	2-3 minutes
Steel-Cut Oats	10-12 minutes

How to Keep Oatmeal from Boiling Over in the Microwave

There are two simple tips you can follow to keep oatmeal from boiling over in the microwave and making a kitchen mess. They are:

Tip #1: Check the Bowl size
You’ll want to use a bigger bowl than you think it’s necessary! This will give the oats enough room to expand while cooking, so they won’t bubble over.

Tip #2: Stop & Stir
Stop the microwave and stir a few times, especially during the last minute of cooking. This way, the oatmeal volume goes down, and you won’t need to clean up later!

Easy Oatmeal Toppings

There is one thing that separates a healthy oatmeal serving from an epic, yummy, and super-nutritious breakfast: toppings!

Here are some easy add-ons to top your hearty bowl of oats:

• Diced fruit (strawberries, pineapple, apples, peach, pear, etc.)
• Sliced banana
• Berries
• Chopped nuts
• Seeds (ground flax, chia, sunflower)
• Coconut flakes
• Chocolate chips
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Greek yogurt
• Nut butter
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Canned pumpkin
• Splash of cream

Need more quick and easy breakfast options? Try my microwave pancakes and serve either of these recipes with microwaved bacon!