This is the only 90 second microwave oatmeal recipe that you will ever need. It will be your breakfast go-to for creamy, hearty oats every single time!
Cold winter weather begs for a warm and hearty breakfast. In our house, that usually means we rotate between freezer pancakes and oatmeal.
While I’ve shared countless oatmeal recipes with you over the years, it dawned on me that I’ve never shared the one recipe I make most: The ULTIMATE 90 Second Microwave Oatmeal!
Not only is oatmeal extremely nutritious and versatile, but it is also gluten-free. For those of you with a gluten allergy, I highly recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats made in their 100% gluten-free facility and tested for gluten again to ensure their purity. In fact, I got to tour the factory and see this process up close and personal during my visit to Portland last year!
What makes a perfect oatmeal?
- Using milk instead of water
- Add cinnamon, vanilla and a good pinch of salt
- Add in your favorite toppings
From there, the world is your oyster.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the best oatmeal toppings to choose from?
The best topping for oatmeal is peanut butter for protein, berries, oats, banana slices, chia seeds, almonds, or raisins.
What is the ratio of oats to milk for oatmeal?
I typically do a 1:1 ratio. One cup of oats to one cup of milk but if you want the oats to be looser I would suggest adding a little more milk.
Can quick-cooking oats be used in the microwave?
Quick-cooking oats in the microwave will make things super mushy to the point you won’t feel like eating breakfast. If you want perfect oatmeal you need to use old fashioned oats.
How do you make hot oatmeal kid-friendly?
Many times oatmeal coming out of the microwave is too hot for kids. If you want to cool it down quickly, mix in some frozen berries when it comes out of the microwave. That will bring the oatmeal down to the right temperature for the kiddos.
What types of milk can be substituted in oatmeal?
If you’d like you can substitute rice milk or water for whole milk. You would substitute with the same quantity of whole milk in the recipe.
Your spoon is waiting.
The ULTIMATE 90 Second Microwave Oatmeal
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup Old Fashioned Oats (Don't use quick cooking oats as it will make the oatmeal mushy.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch salt
- maple syrup (brown sugar or banana slices to sweeten – optional)
Instructions
- Place the milk, oats, vanilla, salt and cinnamon in a microwaveable bowl and stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 90 seconds for a chewy consistency or longer for a softer consistency.
- Sweeten to taste with maple syrup, brown sugar or banana slices.
Recipe Video
Nutrition
More Healthy Breakfast Ideas are waiting for you on Pinterest!
I thought this was delicious. I like my oatmeal chewy but wet, so I just poured skim milk in the bowl before I ate it, which is what I always do, stovetop or microwave. The vanilla was a brilliant idea! And 1/4 tsp of cinnamon was perfect. One question though. Can I use skim milk for the cooking part, instead of whole milk? I don’t want the extra calories. With milk to thin it, chopped walnuts, sliced banana, and a small squeeze of honey, it was my perfect breakfast, without dirtying that horrid oatmeal pot! Thank you so much. This will be on my regular rotation.
Yes you can use any type of milk or even water! So glad you enjoyed iT!
If you have any more cooking classes online let me know. Would love to attend!!
Yes!! We have one March 24th please join us!! https://irielemon.com/events/lebanese-cooking-class-march-2021/
This makes mornings so much easier! I have one early riser who wants to eat as soon as she wakes up and a son who likes to sleep in—now everyone can make their oatmeal when they’re ready for it. Thank you for the great idea. (And we loved the addition of the vanilla! We’ve never tried that before, and it was great!)
Oh good I’m so glad!
I prefer the “bland, mushy” quick cooked microwaved oatmeal.
Perfect just cook it longer or add more liquid!
Sooooo good!! Excited for this to be my go-to breakfast!! I added chocolate chips as a sweetener and it turned into this delicious gooey heaven, perfect consistency!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed!
It was great! Add some chocolate melting wafers halfway in, and your whole morning turns into chocolate heaven…
Oh man what a great idea!
I didn’t read all the comments, but I think this is a brilliant idea! I needed to cook mine in my microwave for almost double the time and added a bit more milk. And I prefer chewy oatmeal. But this saves me from having to wash that oatmeal pot, which almost ruins the joy of eating oatmeal! So thank you for such a great idea.
Yes it saves TONS of dishes!! Enjoy!
Does the oatmeal turn out loose or thick?
It turns out thick but if you want it to be loose add more liquid!
Hi. If I want to substitute rice milk or water for the whole milk, would I use the same amount? Thank you!
Yes absolutely!
The ingredients that is shown has “1/2 cup of whole milk” vs 1 cup whole milk which I believe is the correct amount. The ratio of liquid to oatmeal is “2 to 1” whether it be milk, water or other choices like coconut or almond milk.
Hi Eldridge, I actually prefer a 1:1 ratio so we do 1/2 cup oats to 1/2 cup milk but if you want your oats to be a bit more loose you’re welcome to add more! :)
I just made mine and for a lazy person this was the most spectacular experience I’ve ever encoutnered. I have celiacs disease and finding alternatives is expensive and restaurants don’t usually provide options for people like me. Loved this to its absolute pleasure. Thank you.
I’m so so glad you enjoyed it!!!
Tried with quick oats and didnt come out right .so i 50/50 the mix and it was perpect ! i also lost the vanalla but each to there own great recipe thanks ROBERT
So glad!! Enjoy!
I noticed no one actually commented on this recipe after they made it. I’m here to give my honest opinion: I made this and it was TERRIBLE! You need to take a look at the measurements because something is seriously wrong with this! First of all, there is way too much milk in it, mine turned out watery and not cooked. It would have to cook a lot longer than 90 seconds to look like the pictures. Secondly, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon is a lot for a little bowl of oatmeal! Maybe some people like that much cinnamon, but I found it to be very overwhelming! Lastly, there is WAY too much salt in this! It seriously tasted like play dough! I ended up throwing the whole thing out! I found this recipe on Pinterest and I’m sorry to say it’s the worst recipe I’ve ever made from there! Sorry but this is my honest opinion and I hope this review will stop others from wasting the ingredients to make this!
Hi Amber – First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to leave your honest feedback. I truly appreciate it and know how frustrating it can be when a recipe doesn’t turn out as expected. Second, I am sorry you didn’t enjoy the oatmeal. I ended up changing the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to reflect your suggestion as I realize not everyone likes it as strongly spiced as I do. With regards to the 1 cup of liquid to 1/2 cup oats, that is a formula I’ve always used but I understand it might not be your preference. Either way, I apologize that this didn’t turn out as you expected and hope you’ll try it again perhaps adding salt and cinnamon to taste.
Just ran across this recipe tonight while searching for a quick breakfast in the morning. I need a change from my smoothies. I hate mornings and didn’t want to be disappointed in the morning so decided to try it for a midnight snack. The flavors are great! It’s runny and I’m wondering if it’s the oats I used, old fashioned versus quick cooking. Which would you consider Bob’s?
Ah yes you need to use old fashioned. Quick cooking aren’t great – super mushy. :)
We tried it and it was great. Rather then slam people on the net who take time to share and offer their kindness, perhaps a kinder response could be less dramatic and provide valuable insight to the people that take their time to share with the rest of us. Thank you for sharing and taking time to do this. If you have an opinion which stems from a negative place, please Think twice Before posting. Perhaps Mediation is your best recipe.
Thanks for your kind note Jay! I’m glad you enjoyed it!! :) Appreciate this so much!
I have to agree with you here Amber – this was absolutely disgusting, something is off with the ratios-it was a liquid flavorless mess that went straight into the trash after first bite. Maybe it’s the salt? I’ve never heard of salt in oatmeal unless it’s a savory oatmeal, but overall the flavors were so bland, definitely not ‘ultimate.’
I am so sorry you didn’t enjoy this Li! I always add salt to oatmeal but you are always welcome to leave it out. I find the salt helps balance the flavors of the cinnamon and vanilla and creamy oats made with milk. Regardless I apologize you didn’t like it!
I love Bob’s Red Mill and this oatmeal, so perfect for on-the-go mornings!
I totally agree!!
This is perfect to squash those excuses for not having time for a healthy breakfast…everybody has 90 seconds! Bob’s Red Mill is the BEST!!
Aren’t they the best?? I love Bob!
This is how I want to start my mornings! I have fallen in love with oatmeal over the past few weeks. I bet those banana slices with the brown sugar would be wonderful!
Don’t forget the chia!! :)
This is so great! I’ve finally convinced my 4-year-old that he does, indeed like oatmeal. So we’ve been making it a lot. Love this quick version.
hahah YES!! I’m so glad he does!!
Perfection breakfast in a bowl! I am all over this tomorrow morning and I can have my smoothie for a snack! xoxo
I hope you love it lady!
I love adding a touch of peanut flour or protein powder to my eggs after they are in the microwave if I don’t have milk around (like at the office). It helps make them super creamy! I love this simple method though :)
Oooooh I’ve done peanut flour but never eggs. Great idea!!!!
This is why I love you. 91 seconds and things could get nasty in the morning! can’t wait to try!
hahaha I heart you so much!!
Love the video, LOOOVE this oatmeal! I’m going to have to try it for breakfast tomorrow!
P.S. Can we go back to Portland?
Girl come to Indulge with me in April!!!!! Not even kidding. Not even a little bit. I miss you!
Who doesn’t love Bob’s Red Mill — they take up a lot of real estate in my cupboards! I also love anything that gets me a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning without all that work, thanks Liz!
Oh my gosh I think I have two dedicated BRM cupboards – haha!!