This microwave oatmeal recipe is the perfect easy breakfast! Here’s how to make a healthy meal in minutes.

Microwave oatmeal

Here’s a secret that’s been powering our mornings every day: you have to try this microwave oatmeal! It’s the quickest way to cook oatmeal around, and it comes out just as good as the stovetop version. Here’s the thing: you don’t need those microwave packets from the store. All you need are Old Fashioned rolled oats, a microwave, and 2 minutes!

Ingredients for microwave oatmeal

That’s right: no need for those instant oatmeal packets from the store. There are no secret ingredients needed for microwave oatmeal! I eat oatmeal every day, and I used to make this stovetop version. However, this microwave variation has stolen my heart! It’s so quick that I make it every day with a little bit of maple syrup and peanut butter. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Old Fashioned rolled oats: Rolled oats are whole oat grains that are pressed flat with rollers, and Old Fashioned are the whole, circular oats. Don’t substitute instant oats, which are more gloppy in texture, or steel cut oats, which take much longer to cook.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is optional, but it adds a nice nuance in flavor!
  • Kosher salt: Salt is important for making a bowl of oatmeal taste seasoned.
How to make oatmeal in the microwave

How to make oatmeal in the microwave

This microwave oatmeal recipe makes a bowl of creamy single serving oats. It’s easy to whip up with just a 2 minute cook time! To make oatmeal in the microwave:

  1. Place ½ cup oats, ¾ cup water, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl with high sides.
  2. Microwave on High for 2 minutes. If there is still a good amount of liquid left, cook 10 to 20 more seconds.
  3. Stir and allow to stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the liquid to be absorbed.

Every microwave is different, so experiment to find the settings that work for you! With our microwave it’s perfect with a cook time of 2:20.

Best bowls for microwave oatmeal

If you’re cooking oatmeal in a microwave, the bowl choice is important. You don’t want a shallow bowl, or it will overflow! Most importantly, you don’t want to microwave in plastic containers due to health risks.

We use these microwave safe bowls with tall sides, which are made of natural wheat straw, starch and food-safe PP material. They are BPA free, non-toxin, and safe for microwave cooking.

Microwave oatmeal

Microwave oatmeal toppings

Top your microwave oatmeal with your favorite oatmeal toppings to make it into a filling and healthy meal! We love it with just a bit of peanut butter, maple syrup, and a touch of milk (or a hint of heavy cream, which adds a nice richness). Here are a few more topping ideas:

Oatmeal nutrition info

Oatmeal is part of a healthy diet, and we eat it every day! It’s great for digestion and infusing your day with fiber. Here are a few of the main nutritional benefits of oats (source):

  • Oats are high in plant based protein. 1 cup of raw oats have 11 grams protein. That’s about 20% of your daily need!
  • Oats are high in fiber. 1 cup of raw oats have 8 grams of fiber, which is about 30% of the daily value.
  • Oats are very filling: they may reduce appetite and help you eat less calories.

More oatmeal recipes

We’re oatmeal obsessed, and maybe you are too! Here are a few of our favorite oatmeal recipes:

This microwave oatmeal recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Microwave oatmeal

Microwave Oatmeal (2 Minutes!)


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x

Description

This microwave oatmeal recipe is the perfect easy breakfast! Here’s how to make a healthy meal in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup water
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  •  

Instructions

  1. Place the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl with tall sides. Microwave on High for 2 minutes (if there is still a good amount of liquid, cook 10 to 20 more seconds*). Stir and allow to stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the liquid to be absorbed. (For a double recipe, double ingredients and microwave 3.5 minutes.)
  2. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup, milk, and additional toppings as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

*Every microwave is different, so experiment to find the settings that work for you! With our microwave it’s perfect with a cook time of 2:20.

  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: Oatmeal
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Microwave oatmeal, how to make oatmeal in the microwave

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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