Old-Fashioned Oatmeal (2024)

Mealtimes
Healthy Cereal Recipes
Healthy Oatmeal Recipes

4.6

(7)

6 Reviews

Unlike quick-cooking oats, old-fashioned oatmeal has time to turn extra-creamy and luscious with just a few minutes more of cooking time. With a bit of milk and the toppings of your choice, this oatmeal recipe can be your go-to morning staple for a filling, healthy breakfast.

Erin Alderson

Erin Alderson is a California-based vegetarian cook and food writer. She is the author of three books (The Homemade Flour Cookbook, The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen and The Yearlong Pantry) as well as Casual (a series of recipe zines) and the founder of Naturally Ella, a go-to destination for online vegetarian recipes since 2007.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines

Updated on May 1, 2024

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Tested byEatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well.Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen

The Best Oatmeal Toppings to Try

Here's a list of some of our favorite toppings that can elevate a plain bowl of oatmeal into something grand—plus add more nutrition and fiber to your day. Fruit (fresh, frozen or dried): bananas or apples; chopped stone fruits like cherries, apricots, peaches, mangoes and nectarines; berries; applesauce, jam or preserves. Nuts or seeds: crushed almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, peanut butter; chia seeds, ground flaxseeds and sesame seeds. Sweeteners: brown sugar, honey maple syrup, shaved dark chocolate. Spices: ginger, cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg. Dairy and dairy alternatives: milk, yogurt or plant-based, calcium-fortified milk.

Combinations to try

1 soft-boiled egg + 1/3 cup sauteed spinach + 1 teaspoon chili crisp or togarashi seasoning (omit honey and cinnamon from base recipe)
1/4 cup shredded carrot + 1 tablespoon chopped toasted walnuts + 1 tablespoon golden raisins + 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 medium banana, sliced + 1 tablespoon peanut butter + 1 teaspoon chia seeds + 1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 cup blueberries + 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes + 1 tablespoon chopped toasted macadamia nuts + 1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup sliced peaches + 2 tablespoons cinnamon granola + 2 tablespoons vanilla yogurt

Ingredients

1 cup water or low-fat milk
Pinch of salt
½ cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons low-fat milk for serving
1 to 2 teaspoons honey, cane sugar or brown sugar for serving
Pinch of cinnamon

Directions

Combine water (or milk) and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir in oats and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.
Top with milk, sweetener, cinnamon, dried fruits or nuts, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are oats good for you?

Whether you choose steel-cut oats, old-fashioned (rolled) oats or plain instant oats, the nutrition is the same. You'll get complex carbs, fiber, plant protein, vitamins and minerals. Eating oats has been linked with reduced cholesterol levels, balanced blood sugar and a healthy digestive tract.
Are old-fashioned oats gluten-free?

The answer is sometimes. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use oats that are labeled "gluten-free," as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.
What’s the difference between old-fashioned oats and quick oats?

Both old-fashioned oats and quick oats are oat groats that are steamed and pressed (or rolled) into flakes. Old-fashioned oats are steamed and pressed a little less than quick-cooking oats, which helps them retain their texture when they're cooked. Old-fashioned oats take longer to cook than quick-cooking oats (about five minutes for old-fashioned oats versus one minute for quick oats).
Can Old-Fashioned Oatmeal be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can whip up a batch one day and enjoy it for the next five days. Make sure you cool the oatmeal before adding it to airtight containers and placing it in the fridge. It can easily be reheated on the stove or in the microwave, but it's best to add a little milk or water to it before doing so.
Can I make Old-Fashioned Oatmeal in the microwave?

Yes! Combine water (or milk), salt and oats in a 2-cup microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Stir before serving.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S., Hilary Meyer and Linda Frahm

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, December 2018

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

150	Calories
3g	Fat
27g	Carbs
5g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe1
Serving Size1 cup
Calories150
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate27g	10%
Dietary Fiber4g	14%
Total Sugars1g
Protein5g	10%
Total Fat3g	4%
Saturated Fat1g	3%
Folate20mcg	5%
Sodium152mg	7%
Calcium27mg	2%
Iron1mg	8%
Magnesium42mg	10%
Potassium152mg	3%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.