How To Make The Creamiest Oatmeal Ever
Do you want to know how to make creamy oatmeal? Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make the creamiest oatmeal ever.
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This blog post will show you the secrets to making a delicious bowl of the best oatmeal that is creamy, flavorful, and sure to satisfy your breakfast cravings. Keep reading to learn how to make creamy oatmeal that you'll love.
And I am not talking about instant oatmeal here!
Pick the Right Type of Oats
Oats are one of the most nutritious and versatile grains available, so it’s no wonder that they make an excellent base for creamy oatmeal.
One of the keys to making the creamiest oatmeal is picking the right type of oats. There are several different types of oats available, each with its own unique texture and flavor.
Old Fashioned Oats
Old-fashioned oats, which come in a quick oats variety, are flattened into thin flakes and are great for making oatmeal with water. They require a longer cooking time than other types of oats, but they absorb liquid easily, making them ideal for creating a creamy consistency.
Steel Cut Oats
Steel-cut oats are cut into small pieces, giving them a chewy texture. They also require a longer cooking time, but are perfect for making oatmeal with milk.
Instant Oats
Instant oats come pre-cooked and dried, so they have a softer texture than regular oats. They cook quickly, making them a great choice for busy mornings. Instant oats can be made with either water or milk for a creamy texture.
Different Preparation Methods For Making Creamy Oatmeal
No matter what method you choose for making oatmeal, the key to getting a creamy texture is to add enough liquid. The ratios will vary depending on the type of oats you are using and whether you are cooking with water or milk.
Stovetop Oatmeal
The traditional method of making oatmeal is on the stovetop.
Start by bringing your liquid of choice to a boil, and then add your oats. For a creamier texture and the best results, use a 1:2 ratio of oats to liquid and frequently stir to avoid sticking and burning.
Reduce the heat and let the oats simmer until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes cook time for quick-cooking oats.
Here are a few ways to make stovetop oatmeal with different options. Each reflects instructions for making a single serving.
Making Creamy Oatmeal with Water:
Making oatmeal with water is the most basic and traditional method.
To make creamy oatmeal with water, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of milk (optional)
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small pot, add the water and salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the oats and reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally.
- Cook the oatmeal for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add milk and sweetener (optional), and stir until combined.
- Remove the oatmeal from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Making Creamy Oatmeal with Milk
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use milk instead of water.
To make creamy oatmeal with milk, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small pot, add the milk and salt, and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the oats and stir occasionally.
- Cook the oatmeal for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add sweetener (optional), and stir until combined.
- Remove the oatmeal from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Making Creamy Oatmeal with Oat Milk:
Oat milk is a great alternative to dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
To make creamy oatmeal with oat milk, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of oat milk
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small pot, add the oat milk and salt, and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the oats and stir occasionally.
- Cook the oatmeal for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add sweetener (optional), and stir until combined.
- Remove the oatmeal from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Making Creamy Oatmeal with Almond Milk:
Almond milk is another great dairy-free option. You can use sweetened or unsweetened almond milk depending on your preferences
To make creamy oatmeal with almond milk, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small pot, add the almond milk and salt, and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the oats and stir occasionally.
- Cook the oatmeal for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add sweetener (optional), and stir until combined.
- Remove the oatmeal from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Crockpot Oatmeal
Making oatmeal in the crockpot is an easy way to have it ready for you in the morning. Start by combining your oats and liquid (a 1:4 ratio works best) and then cook on low for 8-10 hours. You can also add other ingredients, like dried fruit or nuts, at this stage. When the oatmeal is done cooking, stir it and add any additional toppings before serving.
Instant Pot Oatmeal
The Instant Pot is a great way to make oatmeal quickly and easily. Start by adding 1 cup of oats to 1 1⁄2 cups of liquid in the pot. Seal the lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 2 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, do a quick release of pressure and stir in any additional ingredients.
Microwave Oatmeal
Making oatmeal in the microwave is simple and fast. Begin by combining 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup liquid in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes and then stir, and if needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until desired consistency is reached. Add additional toppings before serving.
Use Dairy or a Non-Dairy Milk Substitute
When making creamy oatmeal, you can use either dairy milk (including whole milk, 2% milk, or skim low-fat milk) or a non-dairy substitute. For a more traditional approach, you can use regular milk, or cow's milk. Cow's milk is high in fat and protein, which helps create a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can also opt for a plant-based option like almond or oat milk.
If you're looking to make creamy oatmeal without dairy, you can also use water. Add 1 part oats to 2 parts water, and simmer the mixture over medium heat. Cook the oatmeal until it reaches your desired consistency, stirring frequently. You may need to adjust the liquid-to-oat ratio depending on your preference. For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter, nut butter, or coconut oil before serving.
Sweeten to Taste
Oatmeal is a blank canvas that allows you to get creative with your sweetening. You can use a variety of ingredients to make your oatmeal delicious and customize it to your liking.
If you are using water to make your oatmeal, you can add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, or pure maple syrup. Start with a small amount (1 teaspoon) and add more until you reach the desired sweetness.
If you are using dairy or a non-dairy milk substitute, you can sweeten your oatmeal with any of the ingredients mentioned above as well as condensed milk, coconut sugar, and flavored syrups. Again, start with a small amount (1 teaspoon) and adjust to taste.
Some people even like adding in a teaspoon of vanilla extract during the cooking process for added flavor.
Whichever ingredient you choose to use, make sure to add it to the oatmeal while it is still hot so that it dissolves properly and evenly distributes flavor. With a few simple tweaks, you will be able to create the creamiest oatmeal ever!
Delicious Toppings for Oatmeal
Making creamy oatmeal is not just about the ingredients you use, it’s also about adding your favorite toppings. The toppings you choose will depend on your tastes and what type of flavors you are looking for.
Topping Ideas for Oatmeal with Water
- Fruits like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and apples
- Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, and cashews
- Seeds like chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds
- Dry fruit like raisins, cranberries, and apricots
- Honey or agave syrup
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
- Nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter
Topping Ideas for Oatmeal with Milk
- Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and apples
- Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, and cashews
- Seeds like chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds
- Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, and apricots
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract or almond extract
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
- Nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Creamy yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Shredded coconut or granola
No matter which toppings you choose to put on your oatmeal, you can be sure that it will be a tasty and creamy dish. Experiment with different combinations to find the one that’s right for you!
Making creamy oatmeal is a delicious and healthy breakfast option. Whether you use water, milk, or a combination of both, the possibilities are truly endless. With the right type of oats and the right preparation method, you can make creamy oatmeal with either water or milk.
