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With this super quick method, you can enjoy a bowl of hearty oatmeal in the microwave in under 2 minutes. Plus, you’ll learn all the tips to prevent it from boiling over and save you the mess!
Oatmeal in the Microwave
While there are many ways to make delicious, creamy oatmeal, microwaving is the fastest method when time is of the essence. And as much as I love overnight oats, when I’m in a hurry, this oatmeal is ready in less than 5 minutes, and then it's a matter of customizing it with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
This recipe uses old-fashioned oats, a pinch of salt, and liquid. I use milk diluted with water for a lighter yet creamy texture; using only milk makes the oats too thick. For extra flavor, add brown sugar, cinnamon, and fruit as a topping.
Does Making Oatmeal in the Microwave Damage the Nutrients?
You can make the most of the many health benefits of oatmeal by cooking it 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!
How to Make Oatmeal in the Microwave
As I’ll show you in the quick video below, to make microwave oatmeal, you just combine the ingredients in a large bowl, add the liquid, and microwave on high for 90 seconds, making sure to stop after a minute to stir so the oatmeal doesn't bubble over.
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. 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!
Need more quick and easy breakfast options? Try my microwave pancakes and serve either of these recipes with microwaved bacon!
Microwave Oatmeal without the Mess!
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup milk or water
- Fruit, for topping
Instructions
Combine:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, place the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the milk or water into the bowl and mix to combine. Make sure to use a large enough bowl for the oats to cook.
Cook:
- Microwave on high for 90 seconds, making sure to stop after a minute to stir so the oatmeal doesn't bubble over. Cook for an additional 30 seconds if necessary.
- Remove the oatmeal from the microwave and serve as is or topped with your favorite fruit or toppings.
DK says
This is such a quick and easy recipe to follow! A microwave oatmeal is now one of my top comfort food, love that I can add my favorite toppings. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!