2-Minute Microwave Oatmeal

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By Lee Funke

3/22/2024

Got 2 minutes? Then, you have time for a healthy breakfast! Make our 2-Minute Microwave Oatmeal. This recipe tastes exactly like chocolate chip cookie dough AND it’s healthy. And, coming from an oatmeal queen (hi, it’s me!), this might be the easiest recipe on Fit Foodie Finds to date!

There are so many ways to cook oatmeal ( overnight , stovetop , slow cooker , and Instant Pot ), but nothing is faster than using the good ol’ microwave! That’s right, it takes no more than 2 minutes to make the perfect bowl of oats in the microwave!

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I fell in love with oatmeal in college, which is also when I started this website! Some of the very first recipes I ever posted were oatmeal recipes. I love oatmeal because it’s a whole grain, a healthy carb, and a super filling breakfast to nosh on in the morning. It also helps get things moving in the morning if you know what I mean.

Since microwave oatmeal is supposed to be a quick and easy breakfast solution, we only recommend using either rolled oats or quick-cooking oats in the microwave.

Oats to Liquid Ratio for Microwave Oatmeal

Rolled Oats

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2/3 cups liquid
  • Method: Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Quick-Cooking Oats

  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 2/3 cup liquid
  • Method: Microwave on high for 1 minute.

Liquid Options

While you can use water to make your oatmeal, you can also use many other different kinds of milk, which really make it creamy and delicious. Here are a few to try out.

  • almond milk
  • soy milk
  • cow’s milk
  • whole milk
  • oat milk

Quick tip about our ratios

We recommend using 2/3 cup of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats instead of the prescribed 1 cup of liquid on most oatmeal containers.

We do this because we think the best kind of oatmeal is thick, creamy, and a little meatier. If you use the full cup of liquid, you’ll notice that 1. it takes longer to cook and 2. it’s a lot soupier.

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How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave

  1. First, place oats and liquid into a microwave-safe bowl. Then, mix. Add in any other mix-ins your heart desires and mix again.
  2. Next, place the bowl into the microwave and cook on high for 60 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir. If you are using rolled oats, place them back into the microwave for another 30-60 seconds.
  3. Finally, let oatmeal cool for 2-3 minutes before topping with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Consistency is key!

We prefer our oats to be thick with a bit of a bite. However, if you like a thinner oatmeal, feel free to add a few more tablespoons of milk to thin things out. You can do this before microwaving or after, either works!

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Microwave Oatmeal Variations

Speaking of toppings, you never want to eat oatmeal without some toppings! I mean, if you could turn plain oatmeal into cookie dough, why wouldn’t you?! Here are some of our favorite combos.

  • cookie dough: 1/2 tablespoon cashew butter + 2 teaspoons maple syrup + 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
  • lemon cheesecake: 2 teaspoons honey + 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • peanut butter banana: 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter + 2 teaspoons honey + 1/2 medium banana (mashed)
  • apple cinnamon: 1/2 medium apple (grated) + 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon + 2 teaspoons maple syrup

Storage

Got leftover microwave oatmeal? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: add a little bit more milk and stir. Then microwave on high for 60 seconds.

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Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • ▢ 2/3 cup plain, unsweetened almond milk
  • ▢ 1/2 tablespoon cashew butter , any kind of nut butter will work
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • ▢ 1/2 tablespoon mini chocolate chips , for topping

Instructions

  • In a microwave safe bowl, mix togehter rolled oats, unsweetened almond milk, nut butter, and maple syrup.
  • Place bowl in microwave and cook on high for 1 minute.
  • Stir oatmeal and place back in microwave. Cook for another minute. Remove and stir again.
  • Let cool for 2 minutes before topping with chocolate chips.

Tips & Notes

Watch It

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds , we’d love to see what you’re up to!

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2/3 cup plain, unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon cashew butter any kind of nut butter will work
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon mini chocolate chips for topping

Instructions

  • In a microwave safe bowl, mix togehter rolled oats, unsweetened almond milk, nut butter, and maple syrup.
  • Place bowl in microwave and cook on high for 1 minute.
  • Stir oatmeal and place back in microwave. Cook for another minute. Remove and stir again.
  • Let cool for 2 minutes before topping with chocolate chips.

Video

Notes

Nutrition