How To Make The Best Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

Discover the perfect creamy oatmeal recipe to elevate your breakfast experience. Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl that’s both velvety in texture and rich in flavor, setting the stage for a wholesome and satisfying start to your day.

Oatmeal is the unsung hero of breakfast foods. While many view it as a simple, unexciting choice, a well-crafted bowl of creamy oatmeal can be a source of comfort, warmth, and nutritious delight. 

We’ll explore the art of making the creamiest oatmeal you’ve ever tasted. Get ready to elevate your morning routine with a recipe that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.

If you like creamy porridge you may also want to try my Brownie Batter Stovetop Oatmeal or my Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe.

WHY THIS IS THE BEST OATMEAL RECIPE

1. The Right Oats: Rolled oats are the best choice for creamy oatmeal. They absorb liquid well and become soft and velvety during cooking.
2. Slow Simmer: The key to creaminess is a slow simmer. Avoid rushing the cooking process; allow the oats to absorb the liquid and become tender over low heat.
3. Enhanced Creaminess: Adding a touch of unsalted butter or coconut oil takes the creaminess to the next level, making your oatmeal luscious.
4. Natural Sweetness: Sweetening your oatmeal with honey or maple syrup provides natural, nuanced sweetness, eliminating the need for processed sugars.
5. Personalize with Toppings: Customize your creamy oatmeal with your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, nuts, and spices allow you to tailor it to your preferences.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS FOR THE EASY RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the creamy oats recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional value and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Rolled oats (old fashioned oats) – bob’s red mill is my favorite brand to use.
• Milk of choice – can use cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Pure maple syrup – can also do a drizzle of honey instead.
• Vanilla extract
• Optional – mashed bananas or creamy peanut butter for added creaminess.
• Toppings of choice – brown sugar, peanut butter, greek yogurt, fresh fruit, dried fruit, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Cook the Oats: In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and place the saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process ensures that the oats become creamy and soft.
3. Sweeten the Deal: To add natural sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup into your creamy oatmeal. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. Then add vanilla extract.
4. Top It Off: Serve your creamy oatmeal in a bowl and garnish it with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, banana slices, chopped nuts, and a dash of cinnamon are excellent choices.
5. Enjoy Warm: Savor your warm and creamy oatmeal immediately. It’s a delightful, satisfying, and comforting start to your day.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF OATS

1. Steel-Cut Oats: These are whole oat groats that are chopped into pieces. They have a chewy texture and require a longer cooking time, making them perfect for hearty oatmeal or porridge.
2. Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): These oats are steamed and then rolled flat. They cook faster than steel-cut oats and are commonly used in oatmeal, cookies, and granola.
3. Instant Oats: These are pre-cooked, dried, and rolled oats that cook very quickly. They are convenient for busy mornings but may have a softer texture compared to traditional rolled oats.
4. Quick Oats: These are rolled oats that are cut into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time. They’re ideal for recipes where you want the benefits of oats without a long cook time.
5. Scottish Oats: These are stone-ground oats that are not rolled. They have a creamier texture and are often used for making porridge or oatcakes.

WHICH TYPES OF OATS ARE BEST FOR CREAMIER OATMEAL?

For creamy oatmeal, the best types of oats are typically the ones that become soft and smooth when cooked. 

Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are an excellent choice for creamy oatmeal. They have been steamed and then flattened, making them quick to cook and yielding a pleasantly creamy texture.

Instant oats and quick oats are also suitable for creamy oatmeal if you prefer a quicker cooking time. However, these oats may result in a slightly softer texture compared to rolled oats.

Steel-cut oats and Scottish oats, on the other hand, are not the best choice for creamy oatmeal. They have a chewier texture and require longer cooking times, making them better suited for heartier oatmeal preparations.

HOW TO STORE THE SIMPLE RECIPE

To store creamy oatmeal for later use, follow these steps:

1. Cool It Down: Allow the cooked oatmeal to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the oatmeal too watery.
2. Portion It Out: Divide the creamy oatmeal into individual serving-sized portions if you plan to eat it over multiple days. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
3. Airtight Containers: Place the portions of oatmeal in airtight containers. Ensure that the containers are sealed properly to prevent air from entering, which can lead to drying out the oatmeal.
4. Label and Date: To keep track of freshness, label the containers with the date when the oatmeal was prepared. This is especially useful when storing multiple containers.
5. Refrigerate: Put the airtight containers in the refrigerator. Oatmeal can typically be stored for 2-3 days when properly refrigerated.
6. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the oatmeal, remove the desired portion from the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture, as oatmeal tends to thicken as it cools.

FAQS

CAN I USE INSTANT OATS FOR CREAMY OATMEAL?

Yes, you can use instant oats for creamy oatmeal if you’re looking for a quicker cooking time. However, be aware that they may result in a slightly softer texture compared to rolled oats.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY OATMEAL FROM BECOMING TOO THICK OR LUMPY?

To prevent lumps and overly thick oatmeal, stir the oats continuously as you add them to the liquid. Use a whisk to ensure a smooth and even consistency.

CAN I MAKE CREAMY OATMEAL WITH NON-DAIRY MILK?

Absolutely! You can use non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, to make this creamy oatmeal recipe. It’s a great option for those with dietary preferences or lactose intolerance.

CAN I MAKE A BIG BATCH AND REHEAT IT LATER?

Yes, you can prepare a larger batch of creamy oatmeal and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to restore the creamy texture.

IS THIS A HEALTHY BREAKFAST CHOICE?

Yes, oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast option. It’s a good source of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. 

It can help keep you full and provide sustained energy throughout the morning. There are many health benefits.

CAN I MAKE THIS CREAMY OATMEAL RECIPE GLUTEN FREE?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular old fashioned rolled oats.

CAN I USE HALF MILK HALF WATER IN THIS RECIPE?

Yes, if you’d like it a little less creamy you absolutely can.

Other Oatmeal Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Cinnamon Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Ovenight Oats
• Gluten Free Key Lime Pie Overnight Oats
• Biscoff Overnight Oats
• Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Lava Baked Oats
• Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
• Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Oats
• Banana Bread Baked Oats

IF YOU MAKE THIS DELICIOUS BREAKFAST RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails