3 Minute Microwave Oatmeal

A warm bowl of oatmeal is comforting, filling and a healthy way to start your morning.  My 3 Minute Microwave Oatmeal is the solution to those busy mornings when you are short on time and need a quick breakfast.

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I finally did it!  My husband has been converted into a regular breakfast eater!  I know this sounds like a weird thing to be excited about but I am a strong believer that eating a healthy breakfast is a great routine and gets your day going the right way.

This all started because he was taking a medication that required him to take with food.   I started making him a bowl of my 3 Minute Microwave Oatmeal for breakfast.  I’ve been making oats this way for years! I mean like probably close to 20 years, man do I feel old!

So now he is hooked.   I’ve always told him that it is seriously no trouble at all.  I usually make my breakfast while packing our lunch, yes I have quite the routine going in the mornings.  When you make this oatmeal you’ll see just how easy and delicious it is.  There will be no excuses for skipping breakfast!  Plus the add ins are endless so you can’t get bored.
Finally he’s on the breakfast bandwagon with me, which makes me happy.  I want to keep my hubby healthy for as long as I can!

Is Oatmeal a Healthy Breakfast?

Yes! Oats are one of the most nutritious grains.  They are loaded with fiber, nutrients, and vitamins.  Oatmeal is also naturally gluten free (check packaging to insure the brand has no issues with cross contamination with wheat or rye.)
Because of these qualities this super food is heart healthy, can help with weight loss and sugar levels.  Read more about the health benefits here.

What are the different types of oatS?

So now you know that oats are good for you we should talk about the different types of oats. All varieties start from the same whole grain cereal.  Oat grouts which is the grain removed from hull, require a long cooking time so most people prefer a more processed variety.

These are the most common varieties:

• Steel Cut
• Old-fashioned
• Quick
• Instant

Steel cut- the closest to the oat grout with minimal processing.  They hold their texture better and have more flavor than rolled oats.  They also take the longest to cook, at about 20 minutes on the stovetop.
*I love these but admit I don’t make them often.  You can make a big pot for the whole week and they warm up great.  They have a great chewy texture and nutty flavor.

Old-fashioned-or rolled oats have gone through a process where they’ve been pre cooked with steam and flattened.  This shortens the cook time to 3 minutes in the microwave. However, they are a little less flavorful from the steel cut variety and do not have the chewy texture.  *Besides making a bowl of oats, rolled oats can be added to muffins, cookies and breads.  I have used them in baked goods whole or ground into a flour consistency.  These are my preferred type of oats!

Quick- oats have been processed even more than old-fashion to reduce the cooking time even further. The result is a mushy texture.  *I have used these occasionally in no bake cookies but they are not my go to!

Instant-oats that are usually individually packaged with added flavor.  *I like to add my own toppings and I’m not a fan of the mushy texture of the instant variety.

Which Type of Oat is Better?

Despite the differences in the processing of these varieties the calorie, protein, carbohydrates and fiber do not change much.  There are slight amount of differences in the micro nutrients but not enough to justify one variety over the other.  Try out the different types and decide which kind you prefer for taste and texture.

My preferred oat is old-fashioned and that’s the type I am basing my recipe on.  It is honestly such a quick and easy recipe, I can make this when I’m half asleep in the mornings.  I’m in such a routine that while the oats are cooking in the microwave I make our lunch.  It’s perfect for busy mornings!

How Long Should I Microwave Oatmeal For?

This is the part I’m going to stress.  My oatmeal never boils over in the microwave! Never!  Here’s why.  I use a large bowl, old-fashion oats, I add water and cook for 3 minutes on a reduced power level.  That’s my secret, just lowering the microwave power.  And I’ve made this in many different microwaves with no issues!

 

Oatmeal Add Ins

Oatmeal on its own is kinda bland.  Oats are like the perfect blank canvas you can turn into whatever flavor combo you like!  After you make your oats you will want to experiment with different add ins to flavor it.  You could change it everyday by just adding different toppings.  The 3 minute microwave oatmeal is just the base recipe.  There are so many different combinations you can do! Here’s a few options and this is merely scratching the surface of flavors.

• strawberries
• bananas
• blueberries
• raisins
• dried cherries
• almonds
• walnuts
• pecans
• peanut butter
• almond butter
• chocolate chips
• honey
• brown sugar
• coconut
• milk
• almond milk
• coconut milk

Quick Ideas For Oatmeal

As you can see the possibilities for different add ins are endless!  It’s a lot of fun to experiment with different flavor combos.  I love a little peanut butter, almond milk, raisins, cinnamon and even vanilla protein powder mixed in mine.

Hubby likes his with chopped apples, raisins, cinnamon, walnuts, brown sugar and milk. Due to there being so many different variations you could make a new creation every morning.  There's really no limit to what you can create.

Hmm... peanut butter, banana, honey and chocolate chips?  I think I’m experimenting with my breakfast tomorrow!!!

Looking For Other Oatmeal Recipes? Try These!

Protein Overnight Oats {3 Ingredient Base}

Healthy Chocolate Baked Oats

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!

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