How to Make Microwave Oatmeal

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 31, 2022 Tested

You can cook almost anything in the microwave, including oatmeal. The best part about cooking oatmeal from scratch, and not from a packet, is that you can add any combination of toppings. If your oatmeal came in small packets and it says that it is microwaveable, look for cooking directions on the packet or on the box. If you can't find them, follow the cooking instructions for Old Fashioned/Rolled oats in this article.

Ingredients

Basic Oatmeal

½ cup (50 grams) Old Fashioned/Rolled or Quick Cooking oats
1 cup (240 milliliters) water
1 pinch of salt

Steel Cut Oats^{[1]
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¼ cup (20 grams) Steel Cut oats
1 cup (240 milliliters) water
2 pinches of salt

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Basic Oatmeal

1
Choose a microwave-safe bowl large enough to hold 2 cups (475 milliliters). Oatmeal expands when cooked. The large bowl will prevent any overflows and messes. You can always put the oatmeal into a smaller serving bowl when you are done cooking it.
2
Add ½ cup (50 grams) of oatmeal, 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. This is enough for one serving. If you'd like to make more servings, you'll need to finish cooking this one first.
- Old Fashioned/Rolled oats or Quick-Cooking oats work the best with microwaves. If you'd like to use Steel Cut oats, click here.
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3
Microwave the oatmeal, uncovered, until it cooks through. Depending on the type of oatmeal you have, this will take anywhere between 1½ to 3 minutes. Listed below are the cooking times for two popular types of oatmeal:^{[2]
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- Cook Old Fashioned or Rolled oats on high (100 percent power) for 2½ to 3 minutes.
- Cook Quick-Cooking oats on high (100 percent power) for 1½ to 2 minutes.
4
Take the bowl out and set it down on a heat-safe surface. Use a potholder to handle the bowl, as it will be very hot.
5
Stir in any desired toppings or add-ins. At this point, you can add in some goodies, such as honey, cinnamon, or raisins. For more ideas, click here.
6
Let the oatmeal sit for 1 minute before serving. This will give the oats time to soak up excess water. It will also give the oatmeal time to cool down to a more comfortable eating temperature.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Steel Cut Oats

1
Choose a microwave-safe bowl large enough to hold 2 cups (475 milliliters). Oatmeal expands while it is being cooked. The large bowl will keep the oatmeal from overflowing and making a mess. You can always put the oatmeal into a smaller serving bowl when you are done cooking it.
2
Add ¼ cup (20 grams) of steel cut oats, ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of water, and 2 pinches of salt into the bowl. This is enough for one serving. If you'd like to make more servings, you'll need to finish cooking this one first.
- You are only adding part of the water for now. You will add the rest later. Steel Cut oats cook differently than other types.
3
Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Your oats won't be cooked all the way through just yet. You will be alternating between microwaving and adding water until the oats are cooked through.
- You do not need to cover the bowl.
4
Stir in ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of water into the bowl and microwave for 1 more minute. You may notice the oats soaking up water and becoming "meatier."
5
Add ½ cup (140 milliliters) of water, stir, and microwave on high for 4 minutes. After each minute, pause the microwave and stir the oats. This will keep the oatmeal from boiling out of the bowl.
6
Take the bowl out of the microwave. Use a potholder to handle the bowl, as it will be very hot. Set the bowl down on a heat-safe surface.
7
Stir in any topping or add-ins. At this point, you can add goodies such as cinnamon, honey, or raisins. Click here for more ideas.
8
Let the oatmeal cool for 1 minute before serving. This will give the oats enough time to absorb any excess water. It will also allow the oatmeal to cool down enough to eat.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Toppings and Making Variations

1
Add some milk for a creamier oatmeal. If you just finished cooking your oatmeal, and find that it is a little too dry for your liking, try adding a splash of milk or creamer. If you are setting out to make a bowl of oatmeal, consider substituting milk for half of the water in the recipe.^{[3]
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- If you can't have dairy, try almond milk, rice milk, or soy milk.
2
Give it some crunch with chopped nuts. Oatmeal has a slight nutty flavor, so just about any type of nut will compliment it well. In particular, you should try: almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts
3
Go healthy with fruit. You can add in dried or fresh fruit, just make sure to cut large pieces down into bite-size (or smaller) pieces. Consider pairing the fruit with some cream or cooking spices.
- Try dried fruit, such as: apricots, cherries, cranberries, dates, or raisins.
- Try fresh fruit, such as: apples, bananas, peaches, or strawberries.
- Try any berries, fresh or frozen. Blueberries are especially popular.
4
Add some seasoning or a sweetener. Some people find that oatmeal does not have much flavor to it, even after adding in goodies, such as dried fruit or nuts. If you are one of these people, consider adding in any of the options listed below. You don't need much; a swirl, a spoonful, or a dash will be plenty.
- Sweeten your oatmeal with: agave nectar, brown sugar, honey, jams, maple syrup, or preserves.
- Add flavor to your oatmeal with baking spices, such as: apple pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
5
Try some specific combinations. Some flavors tend to get better together than other flavors. Honey and brown sugar is a classic combination, as is apples and cinnamon. You can't go wrong with those, but there are some combinations that just don't work. Here are some unique combinations for you to try out:^{[4]
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- If you have a sweet tooth, add in some dark chocolate chips and a few banana slices into your oatmeal.
- If you like nuts and berries, try mixing some pecans and blueberries into your oatmeal. Top it off with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- For a taste of the Middle East, try combining cinnamon, honey, pine nuts, and some dried dates.
6
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What if the oatmeal came out wrong but tastes good?

Community Answer

Then you've done well, congratulations. After all, isn't taste important?
Question

How can I keep the oatmeal from spilling over and not cooking evenly?

Community Answer

To keep it from spilling over, it takes practice. Add milk or water just until all the oatmeal is floating. With the timing, determine the total cooking time, and halfway through, stop and stir it, then continue cooking.
Question

What are pine nuts and where can I get them?

Community Answer

Pine nuts can be purchased in any store that specializes in Italian foods as well as in many major supermarkets, especially those where bulk nuts are sold. They are expensive, but a little can go a long way. In pesto, ground walnuts can be an excellent substitute and far cheaper than pine nuts.

Warnings

Never put anything made of metal in the microwave.

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Handle the bowl with care after you take it out of the microwave. It will be very hot.

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Do not leave your oatmeal unattended in the microwave in case it overflows. If it starts to overflow, pause the microwave, wait for the oatmeal to settle, then resume cooking.

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