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Best Microwave Oatmeal

A bowl of soft, creamy oatmeal in an Anyday dish, cooked in the microwave until perfectly tender.
Breakfast Meal Prep: Frozen Oatmeal
PT2M PT3M

Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

3 mins
2 reviews

Free Time

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Best Microwave Oatmeal

2 reviews
Make oatmeal in the microwave in just minutes—no stovetop, no hassle! Simply add oats and water to an Anyday dish, cover, and microwave until soft and creamy. This method ensures perfectly cooked oats every time. Make a single serving for a quick breakfast or prep a big batch to store and reheat throughout the week. Top with fruit, nuts, or a poached egg for a nutritious meal.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Make oatmeal in the microwave in just minutes—no stovetop, no hassle! Simply add oats and water to an Anyday dish, cover, and microwave until soft and creamy. This method ensures perfectly cooked oats every time. Make a single serving for a quick breakfast or prep a big batch to store and reheat throughout the week. Top with fruit, nuts, or a poached egg for a nutritious meal.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1/2 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 1/2 cup oats
  • 2 cups oats
  • 3 cups
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup water

Preparation

  1. Add rolled oats and water to an Anyday dish.
  2. Stir and spread oats in an even layer.
  3. Cook in the microwave uncovered for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Oats are ready when the water has been absorbed and oats are tender (try a spoonful!).

Suggestions

  • Make it savory: Season with salt and top with a fried egg, chili oil, cheese, and sliced green onions for a rich, umami-packed twist.

  • Add a fruity swirl: Stir in leftover fruit preserves, jam, or fruit compote for a naturally sweet and flavorful addition.

  • Go decadent: Drizzle warm milk or cream over oatmeal and stir in maple syrup or brown sugar for a comforting, indulgent bowl.

  • Try crème brûlée oatmeal: Stir cream, sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract into the base. Top with a layer of granulated sugar and use a pastry torch to create a crisp, caramelized topping.

  • Discover more oatmeal recipes by exploring our collection here!

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.

Oatmeal: 4 Ways

Customize your microwaved oatmeal with these easy additions!

PB&J

Strawberries + Peanut Butter

Banana-Honey

Banana + Cinnamon + Honey

Spicy Poached Egg

Poached Egg + Chili Crisp

Classic

Blueberry + Maple Syrup

More breakfast recipes

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
*Includes preheat time
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Step by Step: How to microwave rolled oats

Combine oats and water.

Stir and spread oats in an even layer.

Cook in the microwave uncovered.

Oats are ready when tender.

All you need to know about microwaving oats

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
3 cups rolled oats 6 cups water 12 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Can I cook oatmeal in the microwave?

Yes! Microwaving oatmeal in an Anyday dish is the fastest way to make soft, creamy oats with no mess. Just add oats and water, cover, and microwave until smooth.

How do I know when oatmeal is fully cooked?

Oatmeal should be soft and creamy. If it’s still firm, stir in a splash of water and microwave for 1-2 more minutes until it reaches your preferred texture.

How do I fix oatmeal that’s too thick or gluey?

If your oatmeal is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water or milk at a time until smooth. If undercooked, microwave for 1-2 more minutes. For extra creaminess, mix in milk or a plant-based alternative after cooking.

Can I freeze microwaved oatmeal?

Yes! Let oatmeal cool completely, then portion into ½-cup servings in Anytime Freezer Trays. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat frozen oatmeal?

Place the frozen oatmeal in an Anyday dish, add 1 teaspoon of water, and cover. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a looser texture, mix in milk, water, or a plant-based alternative before serving.

More microwave oat recipes

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