How to Reheat Oatmeal - Three of the Best Ways

Oatmeal is a delicious and healthy breakfast choice that is easy to make ahead of time. Mornings are busy. Why not make a large batch of oatmeal Sunday morning to reheat and save time for the rest of the week?

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just making a big batch of oatmeal for your family, reheating leftover oatmeal can be a bit tricky.

If you don't do it properly, you can end up with dry, overcooked oatmeal that doesn't taste very good. But don't worry! With a few simple steps, you can easily reheat oatmeal and make it just as tasty as it was when you first made it.

Continue reading to learn my best tips and the easiest way for reheating oatmeal.

Need some easy make-ahead breakfast ideas to keep you on your morning schedule? Try these crispy buttermilk waffles. Make a big batch during the weekend and then pop them in the toaster to reheat throughout the week. I am also a big fan of these egg, ham, and hash brown breakfast muffins for a quick and easy healthy meal.

Depending on the type of oats (cough steel-cut oatmeal) some oatmeal varieties can take a long time, up to 45 minutes, to cook. Simplify your life by making a big batch of your favorite oatmeal steel cut oats, rolled oats, or quick-cooking oats will work. Refrigerate it and then reheat the oatmeal for breakfast throughout the whole week.

Note: I don't recommend reheating instant oatmeal. Additional heating will only make the texture mushier.

There are three simple methods for reheating cold oatmeal.

Stovetop Method

Need to reheat several servings of oatmeal? The stovetop is the best method. It also does the best job of preserving the oatmeal's creamy texture.

To reheat oatmeal on the stove, you’ll need a small saucepan and a splash of milk or a little water.

1. Start by adding your cooked oats to the saucepan, along with a splash of milk or water, and heat over medium heat.
2. Stir the oatmeal occasionally as it heats up, adding more liquid as needed to keep it from drying out.
3. Once the oatmeal is heated through and has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve with your favorite toppings.

Microwave Oven Method

Only need to reheat a single serving of oatmeal? The microwave is the quickest way.

To reheat oatmeal in the microwave, you’ll need a microwave-safe bowl and a splash of water or a little milk.

1. Start by adding your already-cooked oatmeal to the microwaveable container, along with a splash of milk or water.
2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Check the oatmeal and stir it, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
4. Once the oatmeal is heated through and has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the microwave and serve it with your favorite toppings.

Oven Method

This is the easiest method to reheat several servings of oatmeal without the need to stay by the stove and stir the oatmeal as it reheats.

To reheat oatmeal on the stove, you’ll need an oven-safe baking dish and a splash of milk or a little water.

1. Start by adding your pre-cooked oatmeal to the oven-safe baking dish, along with a splash of milk or water.
2. Cover the oatmeal with foil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the oatmeal from the oven and add your favorite toppings to the hot oatmeal.

Serving Suggestions

Oatmeal is one of the most popular breakfast options around the world. But plain oatmeal can be pretty bland and unappetizing. My first tip is to start with a flavorful oatmeal recipe like this Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal. It is infused with five different spices during the cooking process and is great for oatmeal lovers.

My next tip is to explore the world of toppings! There are so many different topping options to choose from.

Fruit: There are so many fruits that pair well with cinnamon. Try adding some fresh apples, pears, fresh berries, bananas, or peaches.

Dried Fruit: No fresh fruit on hand? Feel free to add your favorite dried fruit. I love adding raisins, craisins, or chopped dried apricots.

Jam or Jelly

Nut or Seed Butter: Stir in your favorite nut butter like cashew or peanut butter for added creaminess and extra protein.

Nuts or Seeds: Add a little crunch to your oatmeal with your favorite nuts and/or seeds. Try adding almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.

Savory: Reduce the amount of sugar you add to the original batch of oatmeal. Then top it with sauteed veggies, a fried egg, or cooked bacon, sausage, or ham.

Tips

• Add a splash of milk or water to the oatmeal when reheating to keep it from drying out.
• Stir the oatmeal occasionally as it heats up to ensure that it heats evenly.
• Don’t overheat the oatmeal, as this can cause it to become mushy or dry.
• Avoid high heat to ensure your oatmeal doesn't burn.
• Dried oatmeal is a pain to clean. Be sure to fill your saucepan with water to soak while you enjoy your bowl of oatmeal. It will make cleaning up so much easier.
• If you want to add flavor to your reheated oatmeal, try adding some cinnamon, brown sugar, or fruit.

How To Meal Prep Oatmeal

Make your favorite oatmeal recipe but be sure to double or triple the batch.

Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If you are planning to reheat the oatmeal in single-serving portions, I suggest storing it in single-serving portions in a microwave-safe container.

That way all you need to do in the morning is remove the container from the refrigerator, take off the lid, and follow the microwave reheating instructions listed above.

I do not suggest storing reheated oatmeal. Reheating oatmeal multiple times will either cause it to dry out or break down and become mushy.

FAQ

Reheating oatmeal is a simple and easy process that can be done on the stove or in the microwave. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly reheated oatmeal every time. So go ahead and make a big batch of oatmeal for breakfast, and enjoy the convenience of reheating it throughout the week!

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