How to Microwave Oatmeal
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
3 minsFree Time
to listen to the morning radio
Simplify your morning routine by preparing your daily oats in the microwave. Skip the stovetop boil and enjoy oats in the same amount of time it takes to boil water. Microwave a single serving of oatmeal for an on-the-go breakfast, or make a big batch and save the leftovers to reheat throughout the week. Enjoy oats with sweet or savory add-ins, like fresh or dried fruit, nuts, or even vegetables, cheese, and a poached egg.
Why Use An Anyday? Using an Anyday is the best way to make a big batch of rolled oats in the microwave. The tight-fitting lid allows leftovers to be stored in the fridge without fear of drying the oatmeal out. Plus, the microwave allows more moisture to stay in the oats, yielding a softer, more tender oatmeal.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
Preparation
- Add rolled oats and water to an Anyday dish.
- Stir and spread oats in an even layer.
- Cook in the microwave uncovered for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Oats are ready when the water has been absorbed and oats are tender (try a spoonful!).
Serving suggestions & tips
- For a savory take, season the oatmeal with salt and top with a fried egg, chili oil, cheese, and sliced green onions.
- Swirl leftover fruit preserves, jam, or fruit compote into the oatmeal.
- For a decadent take, top oatmeal with warm milk or cream and stir in maple syrup or brown sugar.
- For Creme Brûlée oatmeal, stir cream, sugar and a splash of vanilla extract into the base. Top with a generous layer of granulated sugar, then use a pastry torch to create a glossy, burnt sugar topping.
- Add cooked oatmeal to loose pancake batter for extra fiber and carbs.
Recipe notes
- Note: Do not cook more than 1 cup of oats in a Medium Deep Dish. To cook more than 1 cup of rolled oats, use a Large Deep Dish. The Large Deep Dish can cook up to 2 cups of oatmeal at a time.
- Why use an Anyday dish? The beveled sides of an Anyday Deep Dish keep oats at the bottom while circulating heat throughout the cooking process. The airtight lid is great for storing leftover oatmeal in the fridge, keeping it fresh and moist.
- This recipe is for old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats! Instant oats will cook faster.
- Always use a Deep Dish to cook grains (the water will likely overflow in the Shallow Dishes). Do not cook more than the max quantities listed above.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Rolled Oats
See for yourself— microwaving oats is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 2-3 mins |
| Oven* | 20 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15 mins |
Step by Step: How to microwave rolled oats
All you need to know about microwaving oats
How long do rolled oats take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup rolled oats | 1 cup water | 2-3 mins |
| 1 cup rolled oats | 2 cups water | 3-4 mins |
| 1 1/2 cups rolled oats | 3 cups water | 4-5 mins |
| 2 cups rolled oats | 4 cups water | 5-6 mins |
Rolled oats take about 2-3 minutes to cook in the microwave, depending on your microwave’s wattage. Like any starchy grain, rolled oats have a tendency to boil over in the microwave if you’re not careful. When microwaving rolled oats for the first time, start with a Large Deep dish to avoid any spillover. Do not cover the dish with the lid as the cooking liquid will become too hot and create too much pressure.
How to prevent oatmeal from boiling over in the microwave
Like any starchy grain, rolled oats have a tendency to boil over in the microwave if you’re not careful. Start with an uncovered Large Deep dish to avoid spillover when microwaving rolled oats. If you cover the dish with the lid, the cooking liquid will become too hot and create too much pressure. If your oatmeal is still boiling over, that’s okay! This means your microwave is super powered and you may need to turn down the Power Level. Start at Power Level 7 and go from there. You got this!
How to tell when oats are cooked through
Cooking rolled oats in the microwave yields tender oatmeal, but may take some troubleshooting to get right. Sampling the oats is the best way to tell if they’re cooked though. If the oats still have a bite, add a splash of water and continue cooking in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
How to fix gluey oatmeal
If the oatmeal is too thick and dry, add water by the tablespoon until the oatmeal is soft to your liking. If the oats are still undercooked, stir water into the mixture and microwave for 1-2 minutes. To add more fat, flavor and texture, add milk or a plant-based alternative after cooking.
How to freeze microwaved oatmeal
To prepare the oatmeal for the freezer, the oatmeal must be completely cooled. Spread the oatmeal into an even layer onto a baking sheet and allow to cool completely in the fridge. You can also use Anytime Trays to make 1/2 cup portions. Then transfer the cooked frozen oatmeal into reusable freezer bags. To avoid freezer burn, be sure to push out any air from the surface of the oatmeal.
How to thaw frozen oatmeal
Transfer portioned cooked rolled oats from the freezer and place into an Anyday dish. Add 1 teaspoon of water and cover with the lid. Cook the frozen oats in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. To loosen up the texture, add a tablespoon or two of milk, water, or other plant-based alternative.
