Make your own homemade instant oatmeal mix! This recipe is as easy as combining oats with your favorite nuts, fruit, and spices.
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.)
Homemade oatmeal is more filling because you control the ingredients. Making your own instant oatmeal is as easy as combining oats with your favorite dried fruit, nuts, brown sugar, and spices to keep you full all morning.
That’s why oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts! Whether it’s Baked Oatmeal with Berries, The ULTIMATE 90 Second Microwave Oatmeal, or Quick Banana Oatmeal with Flax; 9 times out of 10 I am eating oatmeal (or smoothies) for breakfast.
How to make your own Instant Oatmeal Mix
Here are a few tricks to making it extra special so that your family will gobble it up.
Start with your favorite dried fruit and nuts. Do others in your family have different favorites? Make several mixes at the same time for efficiency’s sake.
Toasting and chopping the nuts in advance makes for an easier (and more delicious!) eating experience, but you can skip these steps if you’re in a hurry.
While I’m dicing and chopping nuts and dried fruit, I also make a few extra portions to save for parfaits and salads. Eating healthy takes a little bit of prep, so why not make it easier?
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. You can portion the mix out into individual bags just like the store packets, or keep it all in a single air-tight container and scoop when ready.
Frequently asked questions:
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.
Add Fruit. 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.
Sneak in Nutrition: Flaxseed meal and toasted wheat germ do 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.
Use sage, golden raisins, less sugar, and perhaps buttery toasted pinon nuts. Look at Middle Eastern and Moroccan style spice mixtures for savory-sweet oatmeal.
Mix in a fruit like frozen blueberries to cool it down.
Up to 3 months at room temperature in air tight bag or container.
On busy school mornings, with my oatmeal mix prepped in advance, I can have breakfast on the table in 90 seconds. My kids have their own favorite mixes and I know that I am feeding them a hearty, healthy breakfast that will keep them full until lunchtime at school.
Your spoon is waiting.
Make Your Own Homemade Instant Oatmeal Mix
Ingredients
- 8 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups dried fruit chopped – I used raisins and dried apricots
- 2 cups nuts chopped – I used walnuts and almonds
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flax seed meal
- ¼ cup cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons salt I use kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- ½ tablespoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spread chopped nuts in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast nuts for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients including toasted nuts. Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks.
- To serve: scoop out 1 cup of the oatmeal mixture and place it in a bowl with ½ cup water or milk. Microwave for 90 seconds or until liquid is absorbed.
Mindy
This looks wonderful. Wanted to check on using one cup of the dry mix to 1/2 cup liquid per serving. Thanks for the recipe,! Mindy
Liz DellaCroce
I would probably recommend 1 cup liquid to 1 cup dry! Water or milk works great. ENJOY!
Michelle
How would you suggest cooking this if you don’t have a microwave? Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Stovetop works great! bring to boil then simmer 2 minutes!
Megan McGinnis
This is the perfect thing, now that it has become too cold for overnight oats. I added 1/4c chia seeds, and reduced the salt a hair, but not by much. The aroma while it’s cooking is heavenly, also! Thanks for making my workday breakfasts so easy and delicious.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you like it!!
Kiki
This great! I am an older endurance athlete and I have been paying a fortune for Umpqua instant oatmeal. This way I can customize it to suit me. This recipe is a great base to build what you want.
Dried apricots and cardamom instead of other spices.
Want it savory? Use sage, golden raisins, less sugar, and perhaps buttery toasted pinon nuts. Look at Middle Eastern and Moroccan style spices mixtures for savory sweet.
There are just a ton of ways to customize this.
Salt? I think anyone with any sort of intelligence to follow a recipe should know a recipe is, for the most part, a general road map you can customize. A short run for me is 10 miles, in New Mexico heat. I NEED that extra bit of salt. But if it is an issue, be smart, don’t add it, or adjust to suit you.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed this!!!!
Holly
To cool any cooked cereal we spread it on a plate. I usually have an assortment of yogurt, mini marshmallows and mini choc chips, nuts, sprinkles, cut up fruit, etc and TINY spoons. They can pick up to 3 extras.. The grandkids can make roads and mountains and such. The “extras” aren’t good for a rushed school morning but are fun on the weekends. Hot/cold cups with a lid are good to grab as you run out the door and if the oatmeal is thin enough you can just drink it!
Liz DellaCroce
What a fun idea Holly!
Kerri
This recipe was….okay. I’m about to make it again, cut the salt in half, double the sugar, and don’t include cloves and nutmeg. I also microwave it with 1 cup of oats to 1 cup of water for 90 seconds.
Liz DellaCroce
You should try it sometime with blueberries mixed in and drizzled with peanut butter!
Tif
Wondering what type of salt people are using and if that’s making the “salty difference”? I’m not sure why people can’t tell beforehand if salt or cinnamon levels are going to be too much. If you’re sensitive to it, wouldn’t you know and adjust accordingly up front?
Liz DellaCroce
I’m not sure either to be honest. I use Kosher salt. :)
Anon
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.
Liz DellaCroce
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!
J
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 ????.
Liz DellaCroce
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!
Melissa
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.
Liz DellaCroce
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!
Cynthia
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.
Liz DellaCroce
Aren’t roasted nuts the best? Feel free to adjust salt in any of my recipes – it is all up to personal preference. Enjoy!!
Sophia
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….
Liz DellaCroce
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!!
Gin
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!
Joy
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.
Anna
My fave on the go breakfast is a green smoothie, packed with veggies, fruits, protein and it delish and packs a healthy punch!
Jennifer
My own egg sandwich, it lasts longer on the way out the door than cold cereal.
Linda
I always love having grits with blueberries.
Donna
Greek yogurt and almonds
Michelle
my favorite busy morning breakfast is an egg white omelet full of yummy veggies!
Neiddy Ruiz
I really enjoy having yogurt, fresh fruit and a cup of orange juice for breakfast, that’s all I need to start my day
Madeline
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!
Amanda, RD- The Nutritionist Reviews
My favorite busy morning breakfast is oatmeal.
Jessie
Lately, I’m really into oranges. There’s nothing better than a quick orange when they’re in season.
Amy
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!
Kim Delfsma
I eat plain oatmeal. But I made you homemade oatmeal recipe today and Imcan’t wait till morning to try it!
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know what you think!! We have been eating it all week. :-)
Afton Collins
whole grain Eggo waffles with MorningStar veggie sausage.
Paula C.
A high fiber granola bar and a piece of fruit. It seems to hold me until lunch time.
Kim Delfsma
My healthy breakfast is oatmeal. i am making your recipe right now and can’t wait to try it!!
Michele
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.
Jeffrey
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!
Patti Kane
This recipe is exactly what I was looking for! Am going shopping for ingredients today! Thanks!
Kelly Miller
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
Kristin M
Oatmeal is a favorite here along with whole wheat English muffin sandwiches.
Julie
Oatmeal is my favorite easy breakfast and I just love what’s in your recipe and would love to make it for my family!
Ilana
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!
Tian A.
Whole grain cereal and milk is the best for busy morning.
Melene
Yogurt and toast with peanut butter.
Fran F
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!
Kathy
Fast breakfast for me is plain greek yogurt with fresh or frozen raspberries…
Deb
I pre-bake scrambled eggs with spinach and feta in muffin tins so I can reheat in the microwave for a quick tasty breakfast.
Lynn
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!
Heather Vereecken
I usually make a smoothie or toast with peanut butter and bananas! Love your blog and all your receipes!
bugeyedlindsay
Apple slices with peanut butter are quick for me.
Rachel
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!
Laura Jacobson
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!
Katie Kraai
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!
chellie
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
Shelly
My favorite is definitely a whole wheat bagel thin with some reduced fat peanut butter!
Tara
Overnight oatmeal is my go to breakfast. Can’t wait to try your recipe.
m gurney
I’ve never heard of dried cloves, is this ground cloves? Thanks.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes it is! I’ll correct that in the recipe to avoid confusion! :)
Pam Wittenbach
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!
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Pam! Thank you for watching my segment on EightWest! I’m so glad you like the website – let me know what else you try!!
Lisa
This oatmeal recipe sounds wonderful. I look forward to trying it.
Thank you for your blog!
nancy robinson
Great recipes!!
Robert Burke
I raised my hand!
We also like vanilla Greek yogurt parfait s with fruit, walnuts and flaxseed.
Thanks
Mary Anne Stevens
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.
Kim Delfsma
I saw this recipe on 8West and can’t wait to make it … I look forward to more healthy, tasty recipes!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks so much for watching and saying hi! Enjoy the oatmeal!!
phyllis shilling
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…..
Pat
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!
Terry Stelter
Doctored up oatmeal IS my favorite go to quick breakfast. I am excited to try this recipe!
Andrea Snyder
Looks yummy!
livivua
nutella on toast and milik
Jen Davis
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!!
Cindy Brickley
I like to have a half of a grapefruit with a little Stevia sprinkled on top.
Julie
Wheat toast and white eggs
Jessie C.
I like Greek yogurt with mixed nuts and oatmeal
Jordan D
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!
Cookin Canuck
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!
Rachel
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!
Jamie
Great idea! I love my oatmeal in the morning.
Alycia M
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
Susan
I eat oatmeal daily. I usually eat it plain, but I love yhese ideas:-) You are amazing Liz!
Shannon Morris
I love French toast bake
Sarah Beth
This looks amazing, I can’t wait to try it! And I love oatmeal for breakfast, or yogurt with granola. :)
Becky
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!
Trisha
My favorite healthy morning breakfast is a banana smoothie!
Evelyn R
Smoothies are fast and easy
Mami2jcn
Yogurt and fruit is my favorite quick breakfast on the go.
Marnely Rodriguez-Murray
Smoothies for sure!
Jennifer
My healthy breakfast go to is a made ahead healthy frozen burrito, egg one.
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day?
I love smoothies for a quick breakfast. I toss in frozen fruit, greek yogurt and some spinach. Yum!
Dianne Neu
My go-to healthy breakfast is oatmeal with fresh blueberries, sliced banana and chopped nuts. Love your blog!
Kirsten/Comfortably Domestic
We go through a lot of oats in this house, so I’m loving the idea of getting it together so the boys can make it themselves.
Paula Thomas
Quick breakfast for me is a toasted brown rice cake topped with almond butter or other nut butter.
Vicki Sacharski
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.
John LaFontsee
My favorite quick breakfast is , oatmeal with sliced bananas and strawberries and a dash of cinnamon
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Megan!! So glad you found me!!
Ray Sierengowski
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.
Megan
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!
SandyN
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!!!)
Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen)
I try to keep whole wheat, low fat muffins around to eat for a quick breakfast. Boiled eggs are another favorite.