Earlier this month, I shared my new “healthier habit” of cooking, baking, eating, and grinding my own whole grains every day.
I received SO much positive feedback from that post — honestly, I’m shocked at how many of you are also grinding your own grains to make delicious breads and baked goods!
YAY!!
That said, I know from my own personal experience that if you are not the type to get excited about cooking or baking, or if you really couldn’t care less about grinding grain, that post probably seemed WAY over-the-top and not very doable for the average family.
Honestly, if I had read about someone grinding grain 3 years ago, I would have immediately clicked away thinking the whole grain lifestyle was not for me or my “normal” family.
HOWEVER, eating whole grains does NOT have to be complicated, confusing, time-consuming, or stressful… today’s recipe for homemade oatmeal proves I’m right!
Did you know oats are a “whole grain”?
Yup, they are — and a really nutritious one at that.
Oats are fairly low-calorie, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and they’ve been shown to lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).
Oats themselves are gluten-free; however, if you’re very sensitive to gluten, you’ll need to make sure your oats are labeled as “gluten-free” as they are often processed in factories with wheat.
Oats are also extremely frugal and readily available at any grocery store.
Our family enjoys an “oatmeal buffet” with lots of yummy toppings roughly once a week — usually served with smoothies, fresh fruit, and muffins or quick bread.
Since oatmeal is a whole grain, you’re not losing any of the nutrients; and as a result, you’ll most likely feel full until lunch!
This “recipe” is so ridiculously simple, I almost feel silly sharing it as a full-length blog post. However, since my goal is to cook, bake, and consume whole grains every day, I couldn’t resist the chance to share one of the easiest ways I’ve found to eat more whole grains!
If you’re looking for a super simple, super frugal, hearty whole-grain breakfast, try your hand at homemade oatmeal.
Oh, and feel free to double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd!
Recipe for Homemade Oatmeal
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 c. water or milk
- 1/4 t. salt
- 3 c. oats (I use old fashioned)
NOTE: If you want to get really adventurous, try using a 7 Grain Cereal Mix in place of the oats. It’s the same simple “recipe” just with more whole grains!
Optional Toppings:
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Brown sugar, Honey, or Maple Syrup
- Cinnamon, Cardamom, or Coriander (seriously, try some of these!)
- Applesauce
- Raisins, Craisins, or other dried fruit
- Chopped apples, pears, or bananas
- Fresh berries or jam
- Frozen blueberries or cherries (great to cool it down)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Shredded coconut (toasted is great too)
- Granola
DIRECTIONS:
In a medium sauce pan, bring water and salt to a boil.
Add oats, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
Remove from heat, cover, and let steam for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Scoop into bowls, add optional toppings, and enjoy.
NOTE: Quick Oats will obviously cook faster. Steel Cut Oats will take longer — both are great substitutions for Old Fashioned Oats. Just follow the instructions on the back of the containers for altered cooking times.
I love that I can make ONE meal and allow everyone to customize it to their tastes with a variety of toppings.
If we have any leftovers, one of the kids will usually request it reheated the next morning (with a little extra milk and sugar) — otherwise I’ll toss it into a bread recipe (I have one that calls for 1/2 c. to 1 c. cooked oats!)
Want to eat MORE oats?
- Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
- Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars
- Oatmeal Caramel Bars
- Oatmeal M&M Bars
Seriously, who knew eating “whole grains” could be this easy (or this delicious!)
What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?
Visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family friendly recipes!
Haley says
That looks so delicious and amazing.
Andrea says
it IS pretty yummy!
Susanne says
Your post about grinding your own grains is my all-time favorite post! I kept thinking I would comment on it, but never did. I am in a crazy, busy phase where both of my children play three sports per year and we are gone to games and events ALL THE TIME. However, one day I will grind my own grains!
My husband and I eat old fashioned oats loaded with fruit at least 5 days per week. My very favorite concoction is cooked cranberries, fresh apples, and pecans. Tastes just like a cranberry crisp!
Also, this recipe for making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot is amazing! (Recipe by Mary Parsons of flavored.com)
http://flavorrd.com/2016/01/instant-pot-coconut-steel-cut-oats/
Andrea says
Thanks for the recipe — and for finally sharing your comment!
Yes, I definitely remember when my sisters and I were all playing 3 sports per year and my parents were gone all the time. I’m secretively dreading the time our kids get so involved as I don’t want to be gone all the time — but I have a feeling we’ll enjoy it more when we get to watch our kids play/perform/etc.
Tamaira says
I have been making a version of the baked oatmeal ever since you posted it 5 years ago and still eat it almost every day! Your flavour is delicious but since I was looking to eat less sugar I changed a few ingredients. I have added fresh and frozen fruit (love blueberries) but most often I add unsweetened dried cranberries or raisins
Andrea says
yay — glad you like it! it’s so quick and easy (and nutritious!)
Ann says
My boy eats oatmeal nearly every morning but I have never made it on the stove! I put a 1/2 cup in a bowl, add water, cinnamon, brown sugar and microwave for 3 minutes at 60% (or whatever works in your microwave). I add applesauce and milk after it comes out to cool it a bit.
Andrea says
the stove is SOOOOOOO much faster if you’re making oatmeal for more than one person. Plus, it stays hotter longer.
If your microwave method works well for you though… keep doing it!
Pamela says
You can make the whole family’s oatmeal in the microwave at once! Just use a larger bowl! I do 3 cups oats, 3 cups milk, 3 T brown sugar, and 1 T cinnamon.
The stovetop and microwave take the same time; I do the microwave because it doesn’t take any tending/stirring so I can make our smoothies while the microwave is running.
Also, I make “oatmeal packets” (family size, using dry ingredients listed above, in a quart baggie) in bulk and store them in my pantry. So all I have to do in the morning is dump the contents into a large bowl and add milk and pop it in the microwave. Super quick and easy!
Andrea says
Good to know!
Michelle says
I have little glass bowls with lids. I fill 4-5 of them up once a week with steel cut oats so my family can microwave them independently in the morning. We usually top them with brown sugar butter or chocolate chips. My favorite is like a Reece’s peanut butter cup. I just swirl a tablespoon of peanut butter in mine and top with a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. By dinner I’m looking forward to breakfast!
Andrea says
this is a clever idea — one less thing for you to do in the morning!
Also, I will definitely have to test out the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup idea on Dave. That might even be dessert-worthy in our house
Karen says
That recipe looks fantastic!!! I am so happy my super picky 10 year old has finally fell in love with oatmeal. I really would love to try grinding my own grains. Andrea, I am so thankful you are posting about grains.
Andrea says
yes, oatmeal is such a nutritious meal for kids too — glad your picky eater will tolerate it!
Jean says
I like making 2 servings of oatmeal in the microwave. I cut up an apple (leaving peel on), sprinkle some apple pie spice or cinnamon on it and microwave for ~3 minutes until apple leaves soften. Then I add it oats and water/milk and microwave for another 3 minutes. The apples provide some natural sweetness and texture.
I also do a breakfast using plain or lightly sweetened yogurt, oats and fresh fruit. It’s best if you is it the night before because the oats soften with time. (I have eaten it without letting the oats soften and it is fine, just a different texture). I throw in whatever fresh or frozen fruit I have. I like chopped up raw apples with cinnamon. Berries (fresh or frozen) work well and you can add a little banana too. It makes a great portable breakfast.
Andrea says
sounds yummy! thanks for all the simple ideas!
Bridget says
Steel cut oats can be just as quick as rolled if you soak them overnight. Put the right amount of oat and water in a pan and leave on the stove overnight. In the morning, just turn on the burner and cook for five minutes while you get the rest of breakfast ready or pack a lunch.
Andrea says
yup, I often soak mine overnight too. I use steel cut for all my grain grinding, but our family simply prefers the texture of rolled oats versus steel cut — and as far as I know, the nutritional value is the same.
Karen says
I make steel cut oatmeal overnight in my small crock pot. I make enough to last for the week. I love adding canned pumpkin and cinnamon while it cooks. Or a little canned coconut milk with mango as a topper. Or sometimes I simply top it with blueberries and walnuts.
Andrea says
ah yes… the pumpkin and cinnamon — delicious! I like this more than anyone else in the family, so I don’t make it often. But I can practically smell it cooking right now 🙂
Rebecca @ Rebecca's Delightful Home says
Or, if you are lazy like me (and just making one bowl of oatmeal), pop it in the microwave for 60 seconds. I even do this with the steel cut oats. 🙂
Stacie Kaltz says
Yes I keep a container full of your instant oatmeal recipe in our house alllllll the time. It’s the best! We all love it! I will have to do the variety of sides on the weekend for a special treat!! Thanks again Andrea!!!!
Demaroge says
I make oatmeal in a slightly different order because it changes the texture to not so ‘mushy.’
Boil water. Add oats. Cover. Turn off the burner.
Also boiling a large pot of water and holding the oats in a metal strainer (the oats boil more freely) makes a really nice texture as well.
I have not thought of making extra servings for the next day. I may try it!
Michelle says
I made your homemade instant oatmeal in a big container and LOVE it! Its so easy and I can make it to my liking! I just boil water in a kettle instead of microwaving. A GREAT money saver too! Thank you!
Andrea says
yay — glad you like the instant version too 🙂
Ree Klein says
Mmmmm, I love steel cut oats with berries, bananas, apple and nuts. I used make up four servings, eat one and package the remainder in three one-cup servings in the fridge. They are so easy to take to work and are quite filling.
Thanks for the reminder…I’m going to make some tomorrow!
Chris says
Slivered almonds gives a nice crunch, too.
Evie says
Andrea and all, I’m not sure it’s OK to do this………..but I’m totally just a VERY satisfied customer and want to mention that I buy my oats in a 50 pound sack from http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/ for about $1.00 a pound plus $4.49 shipping. Very reliable and fast, and Honeyville oats are wonderful! I get steel cut oats because we love the thicker texture.
It’s a little shocking the first time you see a 50 pound sack of oats, but I’ll tell you how I deal with that.Two important one-time purchases make cheap, delicious oatmeal easy!
I’m an Episcopalian with some LDS (Mormon) friends, and here’s a bit that I learned about food storage over the years. You need two food grade (says 2 on the bottom in that little triangle) pure white plastic buckets, and to go with them you need two Gamma Seal lids that you’ll put on the buckets to make them very easy to use–just spin lids open and then spin them closed to make them air tight again. Most of your 50 pounds of oats will fit into two buckets, or get three if you want to live big, but either way, keep some of your oats in a big container in the pantry or in gallon plastic bags you stash in the cupboard; when your kitchen supply runs low, refil from the bucket supply! Works great. (If you decide to do this, don’t get all hung up on whether or not you need mylar bags to line the buckets and oxygen absorbers to make the buckets totally air tight. You totally do not need either one.)
When your buckets have their gamma seal lids hammered on and your 50 pound bag of oats arrives, just lay the packing box flat on the porch–it’s so heavy, and it’s not necessary to drag it indoors. Open the flat side of the packing box and leave the bag of oats inside the box. Then use a knife to cut like a 12″ square hole into the side of the bag to give you access to the oats, and use a big dry container of some sort (I used a big yogurt container) to scoop the oats into the buckets.
Just to help you (but not to promote Amazon necessarily), here are some Amazon links for the buckets and gamma seal lids. You could probably save a little bit of money by getting them somewhere else, but these links will get you started…and if you’re like me you’d rather save time and sanity than a couple dollars, anyhow. LOL
http://www.amazon.com/Gallon-White-Bucket-Lid-Durable/dp/B00A1LUFK8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380811528&sr=8-1&keywords=5+gallon+food+bucket
and
http://www.amazon.com/The-Gamma-Seal-Lid-White/dp/B007KAY4S2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380811606&sr=8-2&keywords=gamma+seal+lids
I use this storage system for lots of things that I buy in bulk, like sugar, organic pasta from Italy, pet food, etc. Works great, and the only small problem is where to put the buckets. Bedroom corner works for me!
Hope this helps somebody!
Amber @ Steps to Save says
Looks good! As the weather begins to cool, oatmeal is a great comfort food.
The hearty breakfasts I like to fix for my family are
* biscuits and gravy
* omelettes w/ homemade hashbrowns
* oatmeal
* boiled eggs & a smoothie
With my third child, I would eat a bowl of oatmeal and a banana almost everyday for breakfast. It was a filling breakfast that gave me energy for my morning walk. Hope your pregnancy continues to go well!
J.C. says
I love a good bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, too! I usually add chia or ground flax while it cooks to add some healthy omega 3’s. You can also do this basic recipe using quinoa, too–I love it for breakfast with cinnamon, raisins, & a little brown sugar!
Rebecca @ Rebecca's Delightful Home says
I do the same with chia, ground flax, or even ground hemp seeds (found at Costco). I use almond milk & it’s really good with the oatmeal!
Living So Abundantly says
With my last pregnancy and this one, I have had a bowl of oatmeal with a dash of sugar and a couple hearty tablespoons of peanut butter almost every day. Even after I had my baby, I was eating this. It really gives me a boost for the day. YUM! I love the idea of making enough for a crowd. That will be handy the next time we have guests.
Kelly @ old blue silo says
Andrea, this looks amazing! I’m always throwing things into a pot to see what I come up with. I will have to try this recipe. I love oatmeal. My favorite breakfast recipe for a crowd is the slow cooker breakfast casserole (meats, hash-browns, cheese, eggs, onion, dill, salt and pepper, milk) because it’s so amazing to wake up to! My coworkers love it. I always brought it in when I worked Saturdays during our busy season. You should be able to find all kinds of recipes on Pinterest but I love the one with dill!
Thanks for always sharing your easy, tasty recipes 🙂
susie says
We always add frozen wild blueberries and maple syrup to ours, when I add frozen berries it cools it off faster on school mornings! This looks good, I will have to make some right now!
Andrea says
ooooo, I forgot about frozen blueberries. We currently have about 18 pounds of frozen berries in our freezer right now — this could be a good use for some of them 🙂
Tragic Sandwich says
I love oatmeal–it’s my go-to breakfast lots of times. I make a batch of steel-cut oats with almond milk and eat it all week.
Kimberley says
That looks yummy! Did you have leftovers? And if so, do they refrigerate well? I ask because if I was going to make a batch, I would want to make enough to last me the whole week so I could heat up a bowl of it every morning before I go to work. I think oatmeal definitely keeps you fuller longer than any cereal ever could…this is probably why you guys were able to stay full until lunch!
Evie says
Kimberley, that’s exactly what I do! I use a big soup pot to cook up a week’s worth of oatmeal for two of us. It works perfectly! I leave it in the pot in its dedicated spot in the fridge, and it’s very, very simple to pull out that pot and “cook” breakfast with my eyes still closed every morning. LOL Just be sure to keep the pot covered so the oatmeal doesn’t dry out. If you do that, you can just scoop out what you want and microwave it and you’re good!
Some toppings I’d add to Andrea’s list:
pineapple
peanut butter
hummus (yes!)
left over spaghetti sauce (mmmmm!)
left over veggies with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar (really!!)
OK, I don’t usually eat the “savory” toppings at breakfast, but they make a super simple lunch or supper, that’s for sure!
Stel says
Is it steel-cut?
I only recently heard about is EXISTENCE – we have rolled oats in RSA. I’d definitely try out your various toppings. Prepare mine with a bit of milk, to make it creamer…took me 40 yrs to learn to eat oats!
Andrea says
I’ve used both Steel cut and “roaled oats” — both work fine.
Jennifer says
What’s RSA?
I didn’t like oatmeal much because when I was young, we had those little packets of weird flavors. Later when I tried the rolled oats made with milk, I loved them! And steel-cut are even better! I get all my oats from Aldi. I cook them usung all milk or half milk/half water to get a little more calcium and stuff!
Margaret says
Republic of South Africa.
Jennifer says
Oh, thanks! So, middle of summer! Writing from 20 degrees below zero!
Stel says
Six years later!
I’ve learnt to like steel-cut oats 🙂
I also nou do overnight oats – I soak my individual portion of oats in juice or milk, add, plain, full-fat yoghurt in the morning with various cut fruits, nuts & granola. Another favourite is to soak i milk, then in the morning: microwave for 1 min, blitz a banana through the microwave in 30sec, add to oats, add 1 teaspoon peanutbutter plus good dose of cacao powder…oh my heaven!
Andrea says
I’ve done overnight oats too — I REALLY like them!
Margaret says
Me too! I don’t live there, just know what it stands for 🙂