Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (2024)

10< 10 Ingredients3030-Minute MealDFDairy FreeEFEgg-FreeGFGluten FreeVGVeganVVegetarian

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (1)Lee Funke

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This is our go-to oats recipe. It’s so fluffy and perfectly smooth and creamy. For this stovetop oatmeal recipe you’ll need rolled oats, milk, and banana.

Scroll down for our best healthy oatmeal recipes to inspire you to start your day off right with the perfect bowl of oats!

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (2)

Table of Contents

This is our go-to oatmeal recipe on Fit Foodie Finds. So many readers have made this recipe and loved it so much and we hope you do too.

I became obsessed with oatmeal in college (hello 2008) and haven’t looked back since. While cooking oatmeal in the microwave is quick and easy, this stovetop oatmeal recipe is my go-to when I want a perfectly sweetened, fluffy bowl of oats.

The rundown: Simply combine rolled oats, milk, mashed banana, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt on the stovetop. Bring to a boil and then turn down to low and let simmer for 3-5 minutes or until thickened.

Featured Comment

“Loved this recipe! Tasted delicious, simple to make and healthy. Likely to become a go-to breakfast. Added some blueberries on top making it even better. 🙂” – Kari

What You Need for this Oats Recipe

  • Rolled oats: we used rolled oats, but you can also use quick-cooking.
  • Almond milk: feel free to use any kind of milk.
  • Banana: we used mashed banana as an all-natural sweetener.
  • Flavors: we added a little vanilla, cinnamon, and salt
Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (3)

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (4)

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Easy Oatmeal Flavor Variations

Below are some easy oatmeal recipe flavor variations. Just add the ingredients into our base recipe.

  • Apple cinnamon: 1/3 cup grated apple
  • Protein: 2 tablespoons protein powder
  • Pumpkin:1/4 cup pumpkin puree and replace the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice
  • Peanut butter: 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Do you make oatmeal with milk or water?

We prefer to make oatmeal with milk, but any kind of liquid will work! Milk adds a creamy flavor and texture, which is why we prefer it.

What is better, rolled oats or quick oats?

You can actually use either or in this recipe! We prefer rolled oats because you get more of a “bite,” but quick oats cook faster.

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (5)

More Oats Recipes

On Fit Foodie Finds we have upwards of 60 oatmeal recipes and we can’t wait for you to make them all. For starters, check out some of our top posts: 8 Ways to Eat Overnight Oats, Overnight Oats 6-Ways, andNutrition-Packed Oatmeal Recipes.

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Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (6)

4.59 from 104 votes

5-Minute Healthy Oatmeal Recipe

With just 5 simple ingredients you can make the most delicious oats recipe. This oatmeal recipe is a staple in my home and I often add other flavors and add-ins to make it even more delicious. PS: it's refined sugar-free and naturally gluten-free!

Prep:5 minutes minutes

Cook:5 minutes minutes

Total:10 minutes minutes

Fat 6

Carbs 43

Protein 7

Yield: 2

Print Rate

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan and turn heat to medium/high.

  • Bring to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to low/medium and continually stir for around 3-5 minutes as the oatmeal cooks and thickens.

  • Once oatmeal is at the desired consistency, remove from heat, and serve immediately.

Watch It

Nutrition facts

Calories: 238kcal Carbohydrates: 43g Protein: 7g Fat: 6g Fiber: 7g Sugar: 9g

Author: Lee Funke

Similar recipes:

  • Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

  • Overnight Oats

  • Overnight Steel Cut Oats

  • Classic Vegan Overnight Oats Recipe

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Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (11)

If you didn’t like that oatmeal recipe above, we’ve got a lot more inspiration where that came from! Now check out all of our best oatmeal recipes that will turn you into an absolute oatmeal lover…if you aren’t already there 😉

This list of healthy oatmeal recipes brings you all the oatmeal flavor combos you could ever imagine.

Stovetop Oatmeal Recipes

Stovetop oatmeal recipes take a little extra effort, but they make youroatmeal extra fluffy and delicious. Check out some of the best stovetop oatmeal recipes on the internet below!

  • Fluffy Banana Bread Stove Top Oats
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Oatmeal
  • Superfood Oatmeal Bowl
  • Srawberries and Cream Oatmeal
Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (12)

Overnight Oatmeal Recipes

Overnight oats are an easy way to meal-prep your breakfast for the week. You only need a few staple ingredients and then different add-ons to make a breakfast that tastes like dessert, but that’s actually healthy!

  • Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
  • Coconut Latte Overnight Oats
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats
  • Birthday Cake Batter Overnight Oats
  • Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats
  • Espresso Overnight Oats
  • Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats
  • Brownie Batter Swirl Overnight Oats
  • Maple French Toast Overnight Oats
  • Chocolate Cover Strawberry Overnight Oats
  • Vegan Chocolate Overnight Oats
  • Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
  • Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (13)

Baked Oatmeal Recipes

Oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring! Make one of these amazing baked oatmeal recipes for a crowd-pleasing breakfast.

  • Dark Chocolate Berry Oatmeal Bake
  • Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bake
  • Apple Chai Oatmeal Cups
  • Best Baked Oatmeal
Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (14)

Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipes

Throw all of your ingredients for one of these slow cooker oatmeal recipes into your crock-pot and you’ve got a healthy breakfast recipe waiting to be eaten.

  • Crock-Pot Samoa Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Crock Pot Maple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Pumpkin Pie Slow Cooker Oatmeal
  • 10-Minute Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
  • Instant Pot Oatmeal
Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (15)
Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (16)

About Lee Funke

Lee is the founder of Fit Foodie Finds and based in Minneapolis, MN. She started this website in 2010 as a way to share her love for real food and wellness. The internet has changed so much since then and so has Fit Foodie Finds. Today we're a female-run recipe website publishing hundreds of tried and true recipes developed and tested by our team.

4.5 26 votes

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Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (18)

Posted on 2/21/2024

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (19)
Thanks for the recipe!

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (20)

Lyndsey

Posted on 1/5/2024

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (21)
What happened to your chocolate chip oatmeal bake? That was the best recipe and I cant find it anymore.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (22)

Olivia

Posted on 12/22/2023

Jumping shell, this oatmeal recipe is my breakfast savior! 🚀 Lee’s stovetop method makes oats fluffy perfection. 🥣 Loving the flavor variations, especially the banana twist. Kudos for the overnight oat ideas too! 😍 What’s your go-to oatmeal hack? Share the oats love! 🌾

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (23)

Natalie S

Posted on 11/13/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (24)
I was really excited to try this oatmeal, but unfortunately I did not like it. The first few bites were okay, and then I had to force myself to eat the rest. The only flavors I could taste were a very faint banana and also the almond milk. The texture was very creamy, which was nice. But honestly the flavor was awful.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (25)

Natalie Bv 🥰

Posted on 6/26/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (26)
I love this !!! I was looking for a quick yummy oatmeal to help me in my relactation journey (my son is 3m old 🥰) and this is exactly what I needed!! I didn’t have cinnamon, only pumpkin pie spice so I used that instead and it’s so good! I also added chia seeds and ground flax seeds but that’s just for added lactation benefits. Highly recommend this!

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (28)

Posted on 5/10/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (29)
I can’t get enough of this dish! The combination of ingredients is so unique and delicious, I keep coming back for more.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (30)

Posted on 5/9/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (31)
Healthy and delicious recipe that is easy to make

Reply

Posted on 5/6/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (33)
These are great. Thanks!

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (34)

Posted on 5/3/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (35)
This recipe is fantastic! It’s both tasty and nutritious, and simple to make. I think it could become a regular breakfast option. For the best results, I use to have Oat Groat’s breakfast which is a quick easy, and healthy way to begin the day with the goodness of Porridge. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (37)

Posted on 2/6/2023

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (38)
This recipe is very helpful for my daily routine.

Thank you so much.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (39)

Gary Bailey

Posted on 9/16/2022

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (40)
easy and good; i almost always use cinnamon and banana or chopped apples to make it sweet enough without having to add brown sugar;
can do this with oat bran instead of oatmeal;
cooks faster like 2 min and has fiber and nutrients with less calores and carbs. a win win.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (41)

Manoj Singh

Posted on 8/17/2022

Recipe Rating :

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (42)
Wonderful recipe! Delicious, easy to prepare, and healthful. Probably turn into a go-to breakfast. I would suggest you to use Monsoon Harvest Rolled Oats Gluten Free to cook the recipes. Which makes it very tasty and healthy as well.Thanks for the recipes.

1

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (43)

Posted on 7/23/2022

Recipe Rating :

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (44)
I appreciate you sharing. Definitely going to try. Is it possible to prepare this dish with Gluten Free Rolled Oats – Protein Rich Oats from Vihado.in, a clean label food brand? Let me know if I can do that, please. Additionally, I can’t wait to check out the dish because it looks so amazing.

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (46)

Nik

Posted on 3/28/2022

Please don’t tell people this is a natural gluten free recipe. Oats are gluten free, however, unless marked certified GF, the oats are processed in factories with other wheat, barley or rye products, which produces cross contamination of the oats. You should edit the recipe for certified GF oats for those who are celiac.

3

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (47)

Posted on 1/23/2022

Recipe Rating :

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (48)
Yuck, I hate this, such a waste 💩

1

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (49)

Posted on 11/10/2021

Recipe Rating :

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (50)
Very detailed recipes and I just started to eat oats almost 6 months ago.
I make oats paratha for breakfast by adding vegetables in the dough, which is very tasty and healthy as well.
Thanks for so many recipes.

2

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (51)

Posted on 11/8/2021

Recipe Rating :

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (52)
Thank you for sharing. Will definitely try. Can I use Gluten Free Rolled Oats – Protein Rich Oats from True Elements – a clean label food brand Gluten Free Rolled Oats – Protein Rich Oats for preparing this recipe? Please let me know if I can do that? Also the recipe looks so delicious and I can’t wait to try this out !! YAYY !

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (53)

Posted on 11/4/2021

Recipe Rating :

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (54)
Burner cereal plans require some additional work, however they make your oats extra soft and delectable. Look at probably the best burner oats plans on the web beneath!

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (55)

Mom

Posted on 7/20/2021

For oatmeal with palatable texture, DO NOT STIR CONTINOUSLY on the stovetop. Just a quick swirl when you add the oats to make sure they are all free to swim and then leave it alone until the timer goes off. Stirring releases the oat starch into the water and makes a slimy mess. Eww. This simple change will make a world of difference in the texture of your rolled oats. Also, Snoqualmie Falls brand rolled oats are superior (no compensation) and have outstanding texture, though they are pricey.

5

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (56)

Jake Frank

Posted on 7/6/2021

Oats are NOT naturally gluten-free. I’m a celiac disease patient that needs to eat gluten-free and the ingredients that get contaminated with gluten are endless. Oats are grown on the same plot of land that barley is grown. Barley contains gluten. Please donco’t nfuse the celiac audience with the false info

2

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (57)

Eric

Posted on 7/24/2021

Reply to Jake Frank

I feel it is a bit unfair to say the author is wrong and trying to confuse the celiac audience with false info. The keyword used is “naturally”. Cross contamination is NOT natural. It is the responsibility of consumers to read labels and warnings which will state any information about the processing facility or other situations that would cause said contamination.

18

Reply

Easy Oatmeal Recipe (+ Best Oatmeal Recipes) (2024)

FAQs

How to make oatmeal more delicious? ›

Treat oatmeal like any other grain and use it to build a satisfying grain bowl. Eggs, braised greens, mushroom crisps, and feta are all great additions. Add some shakes of everything spice and a teaspoon of cream cheese for oatmeal that tastes like a bagel.

How to make the best Quaker oatmeal? ›

Bring water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in oats, reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until oats are of desired texture.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Which is better oatmeal with water or milk? ›

Milk is rich in fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that complements the nutrients in oats. Thus oats cooked in milk have benefits over oats cooked in water. Milk has fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that is normally absent in processed oats. Apart from adding a flavour, it also helps in keeping your muscles and bones healthy.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal? ›

Healthy Ways To Eat Oatmeal

For example, you can season your oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, along with anti-inflammatory cinnamon or ginger and fresh fruit. Add nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butter for healthy fat and bonus plant protein.

How do you make oatmeal not boring? ›

  1. I like steel cut oats. Whole unrolled ones are even tastier.
  2. Cook with water, add cream and an egg or two at the end. It will make it custardy.
  3. Sweeten with brown sugar to mask the grassy flavors.
  4. Cinnamon, vanilla and cardamon are good spices for masking too.
  5. Don't forget a pinch of salt.
Jan 14, 2015

How do you make unsweetened oatmeal taste better? ›

To enhance the flavor of your unsweetened oatmeal without adding sugar, consider adding healthy toppings like:
  1. Fresh or frozen berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries).
  2. Sliced bananas or other fresh fruit.
  3. Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts).
  4. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Jan 23, 2024

Can you add anything to oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal is a great canvas for all sorts of hearty toppings, and loading up your morning bowl of oats will help keep you full till lunchtime! I dollop mine with almond or peanut butter or yogurt and sprinkle it with chopped nuts. Fresh or dried fruits, seeds, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes are great too.

How to make Quaker Oat so simple? ›

Simply boil 180ml (one sachet) of milk in a saucepan. Stir in contents of one sachet of oats. Simmer for 2 mins or until milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally.

How to cook Quaker Oats so simple? ›

Directions:
  1. Combine water or milk, salt and oats in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes; stir before serving.

Does anyone put butter in oatmeal? ›

The best part of making oatmeal is adding the toppings. While some topping choices may vary, the one topping that I ALWAYS add is BUTTER. Adding butter to finished oatmeal gives it a silky smooth texture, and the fat helps carry the flavors we've added to our oatmeal to our taste receptors.

Why you shouldn't eat oatmeal every day? ›

Blood sugar spikes

Oats, despite being a complex carbohydrate, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in large quantities. This can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to regulate their blood sugar levels.

When should you not eat oatmeal? ›

Disorders of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines: Avoid eating oat products. Digestive problems that could extend the length of time it takes for your food to be digested could allow oats to block your intestine.

Is there anything negative about eating oatmeal? ›

What are side-effects of oats? Oats are a good source of carbohydrates and overeating may lead to an increase in your weight. As it is bland in nature, overconsuming oats may lead to an increase in sugar intake. Opting for an oats-only diet may deprive your body of getting nourishment from other healthy food sources.

What makes oatmeal a superfood? ›

Oats are a natural superfood because they are 100% whole grain with minimal processing, and contain vitamins, minerals and fibre. Oats are unique in that they are one of the richest sources of beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that can help lower cholesterol reabsorption^.

Why doesn't my oatmeal come out creamy? ›

If you always use just water to cook your oats, they may be more thin and runny. You can still use water but add milk or some other kind of dairy beverage to thicken it up and give it a more creamier texture.

Why does salt make oatmeal better? ›

"Salt really brings the flavor of oats to life so don't skip this step when cooking and don't wait [until] the oatmeal is done to just sprinkle it on top," says Michalcyzk. Instead, stir in a pinch while you cook the oats, this way you can monitor as you go and get the right amount of salt.

Is instant oatmeal any good for you? ›

What are the benefits of instant oatmeal? Just like rolled oats and steel cut oats, instant oatmeal is a nutrient-dense whole grain with many health benefits. Instant oats are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also deliver a good amount of protein and fat.

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