Oatmeal Recipe: The Best Cozy Bowl You’ll Fall in Love With

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of oatmeal to start your day on the right foot. Whether you prefer it creamy, chewy, sweet, or hearty, oatmeal is a versatile and comforting breakfast that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
In today’s post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about preparing the perfect bowl of oatmeal recipe, from what it is to why it’s a daily essential, plus how to serve it, cook it, and enjoy every spoonful.

“This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”

What is Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a hot cereal made by cooking oats in liquid—usually water, milk, or a combination of both. It comes in various forms, such as rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or instant oats. This wholesome dish is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a powerhouse breakfast option for busy mornings or slow weekends.

Why You’ll Love It

• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fiber and complex carbs to keep you full for hours.
• Customizable: Sweet or savory, oatmeal can be topped with anything from fruit and nuts to eggs and cheese.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal prep.
• Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective breakfast that’s both wholesome and hearty.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious topping and mix-in ideas to make your oatmeal even more irresistible:

• Sliced bananas, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Berries and a spoonful of almond butter
• Apple chunks, walnuts, and maple syrup
• Chia seeds, coconut flakes, and fresh mango
• A soft-boiled egg, avocado, and sriracha (for a savory twist)

Healthy oatmeal recipes

• Maple Brown Sugar: This is a classic flavor most oatmeal packets come in. But the homemade maple brown sugar is so much better. I make it with brown sugar, maple syrup, pecans and cinnamon.

• Banana Nut: This is another one of the classic oatmeal flavors that comes in a packet, so I love recreating it with actual fresh bananas (not the taste of bananas). I usually slice half a banana and add walnuts, ground flaxseeds and cinnamon. Make a batch of candied walnuts for a sweet crunchy bite.

• Strawberry & Cream: This is such a dreamy yummy combination. Just add fresh sliced strawberries, a splash of half and half or coconut cream or any non-dairy creamer, along with some honey and a touch of vanilla extract.

• Chocolate Peanut Butter: This one’s for the kiddos. And who am I kidding, sometimes for me too! When the oatmeal is still warm, I stir in cocoa or cacao powder and keep stirring until the mixture looks chocolatey. Then embellish the chocolate taste with chocolate chips, and add a spoon of peanut butter along with crunchy peanuts on top. And it’s a bit on the indulgent side of healthy, but nonetheless still good for you.

Ingredients

Base Recipe

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup water
• Pinch salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice

Maple Brown Sugar

• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Banana Nut

• ½ banana sliced
• 2 tablespoons walnuts
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Strawberry & Cream

• ½ cup strawberries sliced
• 1 tablespoon half and half
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Peanut Butter

• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoons roasted peanuts

How to Make Oatmeal

Microwave Instructions

• Place the oats, water and salt in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on high for 90 seconds. Then add 15-second increments.
• If needed, continue heating in 15-second increments until the oatmeal is puffed and softened. This is usually only necessary the first time. Once you know the exact time for your microwave, you can repeat it in the future.
• Add milk and stir before serving.

Stovetop Instructions

• In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and pour in the oats.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid (about 5 minutes).
• Add the milk and remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Assembly

• Stir in the toppings and let rest for a few minutes to cool. Thin with a little more milk, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Per Serving

Please note the nutrition does not include any toppings.

(Serving: 1bowl)

• Calories: 171kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg (unless using dairy milk)
• Sodium: 171mg
• Potassium: 147mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1g (without added sweeteners)

Note: Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

• Simple, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable—oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl. It fuels your body, comforts your soul, and makes mornings better. Whether you enjoy it with fruit and nuts or as a savory bowl, this oatmeal recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.
• Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.