Making your own microwave oatmeal is an easy, healthier, and more affordable option than store-bought varieties. With just a few ingredients like rolled oats, dried fruit, nuts, and brown sugar, you can prepare a wholesome, custom-made oatmeal mix. This version skips artificial ingredients and excessive sugars, offering a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled/old-fashioned oats (not quick oats or instant oats)

• ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, blueberries, cherries, or diced dried apples, apricots, or peaches)

• ½ cup sliced, slivered, or chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts)

• ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Combine the oats, dried fruit, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large jar, storage container, or ziplock bag. Shake well to mix.

2. When you’re ready to cook, give the jar a shake to mix any settled ingredients. Scoop 1/3 cup of the oatmeal mix into a deep cereal bowl.

3. Add 2/3 cup of water and stir. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue to cook for another minute or until the water is absorbed, and the oats are tender.

4. Stir again and let the oatmeal thicken as it cools. Add fresh fruit, milk, or extra nuts as desired.

Nutrients

Each serving (1/3 cup of the mix with 2/3 cup of water) contains approximately:

• Calories: 165 kcal

• Protein: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fat: 3.5g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugars: 11g

Why Choose Homemade Microwave Oatmeal?

The appeal of homemade microwave oatmeal is clear. First and foremost, it allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, more nutritious meal. Store-bought oatmeal often contains artificial flavors, added sugars, and preservatives, which can contribute to unhealthy eating habits. By making your own oatmeal mix, you skip these additives and have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness, texture, and flavors to your liking.

Moreover, this version of oatmeal is affordable and quick to prepare. Buying individual ingredients like oats, dried fruit, and nuts in bulk allows for multiple servings, making it a cost-effective choice for the long term. The oatmeal is also incredibly convenient, as it can be prepared in less than 5 minutes, even on busy mornings.

The Ingredients: Customizing Your Oatmeal

One of the best things about homemade oatmeal is the ability to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make up this oatmeal mix:

Rolled Oats: The Foundation of Your Oatmeal

Rolled oats are the best choice for homemade oatmeal, as they provide a hearty texture that holds up well during cooking. Unlike quick oats or instant oats, rolled oats retain more of their natural fiber, which helps to keep you full longer. They also offer a chewier, more satisfying texture that’s perfect for a comforting breakfast. Rolled oats are also rich in soluble fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health.

Dried Fruit: A Touch of Sweetness and Nutrients

Adding dried fruit to your oatmeal mix provides a burst of natural sweetness, eliminating the need for excessive amounts of sugar. The dried fruit also adds a chewy texture that complements the oats. There are many options to choose from, including raisins, dried cranberries, blueberries, cherries, or diced dried apples, apricots, or peaches. Each type of dried fruit brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.

In addition to flavor, dried fruit also provides essential vitamins and minerals. For example, dried cranberries are high in vitamin C, while dried apricots offer a good source of vitamin A. The antioxidants in dried fruit can also help protect your body from free radical damage, contributing to overall health.

Nuts: Crunch and Protein

To make your oatmeal more filling and nutrient-dense, consider adding nuts. Sliced, slivered, or chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts can provide a satisfying crunch and boost the protein content of your oatmeal. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Additionally, nuts are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They also provide a good amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and boosts the immune system.

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Flavor and Warmth

For sweetness and warmth, this oatmeal mix includes brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Brown sugar not only adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness but also provides a touch of molasses, which contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on how sweet you want your oatmeal to be, or even omit it for a more natural flavor.

Cinnamon adds depth to the flavor profile of the oatmeal, contributing a warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Cinnamon is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.

How to Prepare Your Homemade Microwave Oatmeal

Once you’ve prepared your oatmeal mix, it’s quick and easy to prepare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect bowl of microwave oatmeal:

1. Shake the Mix: When you’re ready to make your oatmeal, give the jar, storage container, or ziplock bag a quick shake to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

2. Scoop the Oatmeal Mix: Scoop about 1/3 cup of the oatmeal mix into a deep cereal bowl. This will be your serving size for one bowl of oatmeal.

3. Add Water: Pour 2/3 cup of water into the bowl with the oatmeal mix and stir to combine.

4. Microwave: Microwave the oatmeal on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue to cook for another minute or until the water is absorbed, and the oats are tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it to avoid overflowing.

5. Stir and Let It Thicken: After microwaving, stir the oatmeal once more and let it cool for a minute or two. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools to your desired consistency.

6. Customize Your Oatmeal: Once your oatmeal is ready, feel free to add fresh fruit, milk, or extra nuts as desired. This is the time to make it your own and add any additional flavors you enjoy!

Customizing Your Oatmeal

One of the great things about making your own oatmeal mix is the ability to tailor it to your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for customizing your homemade microwave oatmeal:

• Add Fresh Fruit: Top your oatmeal with fresh fruit such as bananas, berries, or sliced apples for added vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.

• Use Milk Instead of Water: For a creamier texture, substitute water with milk or a milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk. This will add extra calcium and protein to your oatmeal.

• Sweeten Naturally: Instead of brown sugar, try using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a more wholesome option.

• Mix in Nut Butters: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for added flavor and richness.

Conclusion: A Healthier, Customizable, and Quick Breakfast

In conclusion, making your own microwave oatmeal is a simple, affordable, and healthier alternative to store-bought versions. By using whole ingredients like rolled oats, dried fruit, and nuts, you can create a customized oatmeal mix that’s not only delicious but also full of nutrients. The quick microwave cooking method makes it perfect for busy mornings when you need a nourishing breakfast in just a few minutes. Whether you enjoy it as is or top it with your favorite add-ins, this homemade oatmeal is sure to become a go-to breakfast option.