Make an assortment of flavors of instant oatmeal in minutes for a delicious breakfast option that’s ready and waiting when you need it. It’s affordable, lower sugar, and so yummy!
The little packets of instant oats from the supermarket are so darn convenient, but I always want to adjust the flavor so they’re a little less sweet—and customize them with additional ingredients to suit my family.
Instant oats cook super fast (hence the “instant”) and are so versatile. But now we can have the convenience of the packets in a lower-sugar, less-expensive homemade option.
In this recipe, you can make flavors including apple, strawberry, blueberry, mango, raisin, and brown sugar. Each option is shelf-stable, so you can make a few containers and stash them into the pantry for quick future breakfasts!
(You may also like my Banana Bread Oatmeal, Oatmeal Bars, and my favorite Oatmeal Banana Muffins.)
Why This Recipe Works
You can quickly combine inexpensive and nutritious dry ingredients to make homemade instant oatmeal for a lower added sugar and less expensive breakfast than store-bought packets.
Ingredients You Need
To make Instant Oatmeal at home, you need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Instant oats: Sometimes called “1 minute oats” or “quick oats”
- Dried fruit: Such as raisins, dried apples, dried blueberries, or dried mango.
- Brown sugar: This is optional to add flavor.
- Hemp seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds: These are optional to add more fat, protein, and fiber.
TIP: For serving, you simply need water and a little milk.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this Instant Oatmeal recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Decide which dried or dehydrated fruit you’re going to use. Chop as needed.
Step 2. Add a portion of oats to storage containers to start the layering process. (Or, to make right away, add to a bowl.)
Step 3. Add the fruit of choice and any optional add-ins on top.
Step 4. Store or prepare as directed in the recipe with water or milk.
TIP: To serve this either right after making the mix or on a future day, top with warm water and let sit until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular rolled oatmeal are thicker and take a little longer to cook. Instant oats are broken up more, which means the pieces are thinners and cook faster.
Many of the packets available from the store are very sweet, but all oatmeal has fiber and B vitamins. You can customize the flavor and added sugar by buying plain instant oats and adding fruit or other add-ins at home.
We like to add fruit, hemp or chia seeds, milk, and nut or seed butter. Also: Sprinkles can go far if the kids aren’t super fans of oatmeal!
How to Store
Store dry Instant Oatmeal in airtight containers for up to 3 months at room temperature. Store any leftover prepared oatmeal in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm through, adding more milk or water, to serve.
Best Tips for Success
- Start with instant oats to ensure that they cook quickly when you’re ready to use them.
- Add fruit, cinnamon, and seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Top with milk and nut or seed butter when ready to serve as desired.
- Gluten-free: Use GF certified rolled oats.
- Dairy-free: Top with your favorite nondairy milk.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!
To make the oatmeal mix:
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Divide the oats into six 1-cup containers or bags.
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Add 2 tablespoons dried fruit and 1 teaspoon seeds (if using) to each.
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Sprinkle with cinnamon. Seal and store for up to 3 months.
To cook:
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Pour 1 container or bag into a heat-safe bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water, stir, and cover with a plate. Let sit for 2 minutes. The oats mixture will absorb the liquid and plump up. (Alternatively, you can add the water to the bowl with the oats and cook in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, stopping to stir at least once. This way makes for slightly more well cooked instant oats.)
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Top with milk, brown sugar or honey, nut or seed butter, or with sprinkles as desired.
- Start with instant oats to ensure that they cook quickly when you’re ready to use them.
- Add fruit, cinnamon, and seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Top with milk and nut or seed butter when ready to serve as desired. (Adding nut or seed butter will make the oatmeal more filling.)
- Gluten-free: Use GF certified rolled oats.
- Dairy-free: Top with your favorite nondairy milk.
Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 179mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 45IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 3mg
This post was first published August 2021.