The Lemon Bowl®

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Homemade Instant Oatmeal Mix

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Making your own instant oatmeal is as easy as combining oats with your favorite nuts, dried fruit and spices. Fast, healthy and a great cost savings!

Make your own Instant Oatmeal Mix - The Lemon Bowl

Raise your hand if you secretly love maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal. (Raises hand.) Raise your hand if you are hungry 30 minutes after consuming said packet of instant oatmeal. (Raises hand.)

Making your own instant oatmeal is as easy as combining oats with your favorite dried fruit, nuts, brown sugar and spices. Here are a few tricks to making it extra special so that your family will gobble it up:

Chopped Fruit and Nuts - The Lemon Bowl

1) Toast The Nuts: By popping the chopped walnuts and almonds in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, the natural oils are released and the end result is a warm, nutty and toasted flavor that you wouldn’t get using raw nuts. (This is the same reason I always toast the pine nuts for my hummus.)

2) Don’t Let Raisins Have All The Fun: I love raisins, don’t get me wrong. But why not give a shout out to your other favorite dried fruits? Apricots, cranberries, cherries, dates, figs… go crazy with your dried-fruit-loving self.

Oatmeal Ingredients - The Lemon Bowl

3) Sneaky Nutrition: Flax seed meal and toasted wheat germ does a body good and I guarantee your children will not notice it’s in there. I do guarantee their bodies will appreciate the omega-3’s, zinc, protein, B vitamins, fiber and other goodies.

Prefer video? Recently, I had the opportunity to visit my friends from EightWest to demonstrate this recipe on TV! Check it out!

 

 

4.42 from 17 votes
Homemade-Instant-Oatmeal-Mix-The-Lemon-Bowl
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Homemade Instant Oatmeal Mix
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
12 mins
 
Making your own instant oatmeal is as easy as combining oats with your favorite nuts, dried fruit and spices. Fast, healthy and a great cost savings!
Course: Breakfast
Servings: 16
Calories: 326 kcal
Author: Liz DellaCroce
Ingredients
US Measurements - Convert to Metric
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spread chopped nuts in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast nuts for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted; set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combing all ingredients including toasted nuts. Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks.
  4. To serve: scoop out 1 cup of the oatmeal mixture and place in a bowl with 1/2 cup water or milk. Microwave for 90 seconds or until liquid is absorbed.
Recipe Notes

1/2 cup of liquid is use to cook oatmeal but feel free to add more or less to reach desired oatmeal consistency. 90 seconds will cook the oatmeal but if you prefer a more mushy oatmeal, feel free to cook longer. I like it a little on the chewy side!

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Mix
Amount Per Serving
Calories 326 Calories from Fat 103
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11.4g 18%
Saturated Fat 1.3g 7%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.1g
Sodium 587mg 24%
Total Carbohydrates 51.5g 17%
Dietary Fiber 7.3g 29%
Sugars 21.2g
Protein 8.3g 17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Oh my god the salt. You really should edit this recipe for future users. I wasted all those ingredients, and I can see from the comments section many folks felt the same. This was the worst recipe I’ve ever made from online.

    Reply

    • Hi Anon, I am going to politely agree to disagree. The salt balances out the sweetness of the sugar and dried fruit. That said, you’re welcome to make it your own and leave it out!

      Reply

  2. I just made a batch of this last night and tried it myself today. It is SO SALTY!! I can’t even taste any other flavors! Is there a way to fix this batch, other than making another with NO salt to add to it? My kids might not even eat this and I have already wasted all these ingredients. I’m so bummed-this looked like a keeper ????.

    Reply

    • Hi Julie Ann, We make this all the time so i Just want to make sure: did you use four teaspoons? Not tablespoons, right? Just making sure. In general, 4 teaspoons works well with 1/4 cup cinnamon, 8 cups of oats, 2 cups dried fruit, 2 cups nuts and 1/2 cup brown sugar. That said, you can just add more oats and cinnamon and that should fix it!

      Reply

  5. I just made this and the cinnamon is way overpowering. Next time I will use only 1/2 of the cinnamon called for. As is, I cannot taste the fruit or nuts bacause of the cinnamon.

    Reply

    • Hi Melissa – I’m sorry the cinnamon flavor was too strong! I’ve made it for several friends and family with less and they always ask for more. I guess everyone prefers it a bit differently but regardless I’m hopeful you will try it again and make it your own way next time with less cinnamon! I also love using different fruits and nuts depending on what I have on hand. Very customizable! Enjoy!

      Reply

  6. I recently discovered your website and I’m enjoying trying out your recipes in an effort to be healthier. I love the taste of the roasted nuts in this oatmeal, but I find it really salty. I think I would leave out the salt altogether if I make this recipe again.

    Reply

    • Aren’t roasted nuts the best? Feel free to adjust salt in any of my recipes – it is all up to personal preference. Enjoy!!

      Reply

  7. Smells delicious, but has too much salt. Otherwise I’m certain it much be wonderful. Guess I’ll be making a double batch and not add anymore salt. Next week for breakfast hopefully….

    Reply

    • Sophia: Please make it your own and skip the salt!! The great thing about making your own instant oatmeal is that you don’t have to have ingredients found in the packets (like sodium.) :-) Enjoy and please let me know how it turns out!!

      Reply

  10. My easiest breakfast (besides oatmeal) is homemade whole-grain toast and yogurt. I use plain yogurt and mix in fresh fruit, toasted walnuts, wheat germ, and a touch of honey and cinnamon!

    Reply

  11. I like making different varieties (strawberry banana, peach coconut, aplle cinnemon, etc) of refrigerated overnight oatmeal in cute little 8oz mason jars. It’s so easy for the kids to grab one and eat. I also enjoy them about 10 am at work for a late morning snack.

    Reply

  32. I really enjoy having yogurt, fresh fruit and a cup of orange juice for breakfast, that’s all I need to start my day

    Reply

  38. I’ve been soaking my oatmeal the night before with a bit of rye flour and vinegar. Then I just add a banana and almond milk and cocoa powder in the morning. Very delicious!

    Reply

  41. My favorite quick breakfast is raw oatmeal and yogurt mixed together with a bit of whatever fruit i have in the fridge. I keep this in fridge overnite and in the morning it is delish!

    Reply

  42. I eat plain oatmeal. But I made you homemade oatmeal recipe today and Imcan’t wait till morning to try it!

    Reply

  48. Your oatmeal recipe looks wonderful. I can’t wait to try it this weekend. My favorite morning meal is yogurt and granola. Quick easy and good for you.

    Reply

  60. I make old fashioned oats every morning and add a spoonful of ground flax, dried cranberries,, banana, walnuts and honey. I cook it for 3 minutes and it’s just right for me!

    Reply

  66. I love 3 eggs scrambled with some pico de gallo or if I’m not into the spices that morning I might add spinach and turmeric. Surprisingly this is a quick breakfast

    Reply

  71. Oatmeal is my favorite easy breakfast and I just love what’s in your recipe and would love to make it for my family!

    Reply

  76. I love combining raw oats with plain Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and stevia, and refrigerating the combination overnight. It becomes thick and creamy and keeps me satisfied for hours. It’s great topped with chopped apple or berries too! This is my version of overnight oats!

    Reply

  88. I enjoyed this simple yet delicious recipe a lot! This turned into my new favorite breakfast. This is as good or maybe even better than my grandma used to make it. Another nice addition is the cost savings~ Thanks for being on EightWest!

    Reply

  93. Our favorite is some Fage greek yogurt with a couple drops of vanilla extract and either some local honey or some all-natural fruit preserves.

    Reply

  101. I pre-bake scrambled eggs with spinach and feta in muffin tins so I can reheat in the microwave for a quick tasty breakfast.

    Reply

  102. I make three-ingredient granola that has no oil in it, from Chef Kathleen’s book “Cooking Thin.” I eat it almost every morning. The main ingredient is oats, oats, and more oats! I look forward to trying your recipe, although my kiddos aren’t old enough to be making their own breakfast yet!

    Reply

  103. I usually make a smoothie or toast with peanut butter and bananas! Love your blog and all your receipes!

    Reply

  112. I love the idea of your instant oatmeal! I need fast breakfast in the morning for our family. I like eating hard boiled eggs and multigrain Cheerios for breakfast, but they get old pretty fast. This will be a nice change. And I refer to The Lemon Bowl often for healthy recipes to try! Thanks!

    Reply

  117. For a busy morning when I am in a hurry…I will grab fruit! I love apples and bananas and keep them on hand for when I am running late!

    Reply

  118. Egg beaters make for a quick/healthy breakfast! Sometimes with salsa for a little flavor. I’m excited to try out this do it yourself oatmeal!

    Reply

  119. Hey Liz!
    We are big oatmeal fans, and have it most mornings, even when we’re busy. Our favorite way is with walnuts, sunflower seeds, craisins, apples and cinnamon. We usually top it off with a little vanilla yogurt. I love the idea of having an instant mix, My kids could probably make their own!
    p.s. I already follow you on fb, twitter, and pinterest. :D

    Reply

  135. I work at a middle school so I am an early riser during the school year (5am). I usually microwave milk & oatmeal and then add almonds & blueberries for a quick breakfast. Your recipe sounds great – I have added the ingredients to my shopping list. My son is in college and he tries to eat healthy. I think that I will make two batches of your oatmeal – one for me and one for my son to take back to GVSU! Thanks…I am watching Eight West right now and saw your recipe on that show. Your website is amazing…going to try the oatmeal cookies & the brown rice with veggies also. Happy New Year!

    Reply

  139. My favorite busy morning breakfast is granola and fruit. It’s healthy and satisfying, and really enjoyable besides. This is a great tasting, simple recipe, and I think it would be much less expensive than buying a commercial granola in the long run.

    Reply

  141. Favorite breakfast is making scrambled eggs enough for 5 servings put into a zip lock bag the night before and microwave 1 serving each day, in the morning and make a egg sandwich to go…..

    Reply

  142. I was keeping a home-made bran muffin mix which I would back up the night before, but this recipe for quick oatmeal is now my favorite. I never really liked oatmeal, but the fact that I can add the ingredients I really enjoy has definetely changed my mind. This is great!

    Reply

  151. Mmm! This looks yummy. I love oatmeal in the morning, and like to mix in a chopped up banana and plain greek yogurt–pretty much no matter what flavor. I’m sure other fruit would taste good, too, but I just crave that banana mixed in! Also love eggs, of course. :)

    Already get your emails, but just liked you on FB and added you on Twitter!

    Reply

  157. I cringed every morning when my My 16 y/o daughter would rip open the oatmeal packet. I try very hard to keep packaged foods out of our house, but early am starts and teenagers can be treacherous, so I was trying to focus on just getting her to eat something….anything! This is convenient and customizable, she now has 3 wholesome flavors (brown sugar, apple cinnamon, and cranberry almond) to choose from, and I feel good knowing she is getting better nutrition. Thanks!!

    Reply

  174. I bake high-protein oatmeal bars to keep in the freezer for grab-and-go breakfasts. Another favorite quick healthy breakfast I enjoy is a coffee protein shake like Fit Frappe Vanilla Latte or Click!

    Reply

  175. While I am not a big oatmeal fan, my husband eats it almost every morning. He loves to add dry fruit, and always tops the whole thing off with a spoonful of flax seed. I’m going to show him your post for some new ideas!

    Reply

  181. A quick bowl of oatmeal or a banana cut up in a cup of milk is my favorite.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  182. My favorite quick and healthy breakfast is apple, peanut butter, steel cut oat bake. I can make it at the beginning of the week & it typically will feed my hubby & I at least 3-4 meals throughout the week. YUM!

    Reply

  188. I am always in a rush each morning, so my go to/fast breakfast is either oatmeal, or yogurt with a little bit of granola.

    acartwrightmorell at gmail dot com

    Reply

  205. I would say yogurt with chopped up fruit — bananas, blueberries, whatever I have. And maybe some granola.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply

  225. I like to make a big batch of healthy pancakes and freeze them for later. I just pop them in the toaster and they’re good to go!

    Reply

  261. My favorite breakfast on the run is a hard boiled egg, banana, and a cheese stick (low fat, of course). All finger foods I can eat in the car or at my desk.

    Reply

  263. Nothing says really quick and healthy, and straight to your bloodstream like fresh juice. My go to breakfast is one carrot, one cucumber, handful of spinach, bunch of kale, an apple for the whole ‘keeping the doctor away’, and last but not least, a two inch piece of fresh ginger. Juice in about 60 seconds and you are in the car off to work. I like keeping fresh ingredients around so the kids can juice in the morning too. It’s become a family ritual.

    Reply

  265. My favorite healthy & quick go to breakfast is egg”muffins.” Super simple: mix one dozen eggs with diced veggies & a meat of your choice (pre-cooked). Divide into 12-14 muffin tins (lined or greased) & bake for 10-12 minutes on 350. Keep them in the fridge & reheat in the microwave!

    Reply

  273. Gotta have healthy oatmeal almost every morning!! If not oatmeal, then whole grain toast with peanut butter and a banana. (P.S. Love your blog!!!)

    Reply

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