Can You Reheat Oatmeal?

If you are wondering if you can reheat oatmeal, this post will teach you everything you need to know!

Reheating oatmeal is the easiest meal prep there is. It is quick, healthy, and so delicious. This can be done with any type of cooked leftover oatmeal you have- regular oats, steel-cut oats, or even whole oat groats (which I have a great recipe for here).

Let me share a few other oatmeal recipes I love. Cinnamon spice oatmeal is a great homemade recipe if you are used to the packets! Cranberry oatmeal is another really delicious oatmeal recipe you might like, as is carrot cake oatmeal. Another healthy recipe you would like is blueberry oatmeal. Steel-cut oatmeal can also be reheated in the same way, so consider these pumpkin steel-cut oats. If you are looking for a baked oatmeal recipe, what about this delicious one from Cookie and Kate?

Can you save already-cooked oatmeal?

The good news is, YES! I love to find ways to reduce food waste and leftover oatmeal is an easy one. Oatmeal lovers can rejoice!

It makes perfect meal prep. In fact, when I am headed into a busy week, I like to double or triple my recipe to ensure I have leftovers. So make that big batch of oatmeal, and you will be able to put it to good use. It is an easy, healthy breakfast.

Let me run you through a really easy way to reheat it and how to use it as a nutritious breakfast solution

Does leftover oatmeal need to be refrigerated?

I like to cook my oatmeal with milk and sometimes even butter, so yes, I always make sure to refrigerate.

Be sure to cool the cooked thoroughly before placing it in the refrigerator.

Store oatmeal in an airtight container or even a plastic bag.

How to reheat oatmeal- microwave method

This is the easiest way and quickest way to reheat your oatmeal and the one I use most often.

1. Start by taking your cold oatmeal from the refrigerator. It also takes less time than reheating on the stovetop.
2. Place about 1 cup of oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. It will take a little liquid to steam the oatmeal until it is heated.
4. I generally add about 2-3 tablespoons per cup of oatmeal.
5. I like to use milk, but you can also use a little water as well. No need to mix it at this point.
6. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1 ½- 2 ½ minutes, depending on what type of oats they are. Steel-cut oats will take a little longer.
7. Carefully remove them from the microwave, using a hot pad as needed.
8. Remove the plate with caution, and use the hot pad as needed.
9. Give the oatmeal a good stir and top as you like.

How to reheat the oatmeal- stovetop method

1. Add oatmeal to a small pan.
2. I use about 1 cup of cold oats to ¼ cup of liquid, this can be milk or water. If you prefer small portions, you can use ½ cup of oatmeal to 1 tablespoon of liquid.
3. Cover tightly with a lid and heat over low heat. Make sure it is low so you don't burn it.
4. Let this heat for about 5-7 minutes. Steel-cut oatmeal will take a little more time, you might need to add another 2-3 minutes. Mix the oatmeal gently to ensure it is heated all the way through. Be careful as hot oatmeal can burn!
5. Remove it from the heat. Add sweetener and toppings as you like.

Reheating baked oatmeal

1. I like to reheat my baked oatmeal in the microwave. As I don't generally mix it, reheating it in the microwave is the easiest.
2. Place a square of baked oatmeal in a bowl.
3. Add just a splash of milk on top.
4. Top with a microwave-safe plate.
5. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes, depending on how thick your piece of baked oatmeal is.
6. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and plate as well. Be sure to check that it is at the desired temperature.
7. It is done and your healthy breakfast is ready to go.

Notes

• While any cooked oatmeal can be reheated, I don't think instant oatmeal gives the best results when it is heated again. They can be called instant oats or quick-cooking oats. Milk will give the oatmeal a more creamy texture, which is why I prefer it.
• I like to sweeten my oats with pure maple syrup, but my hubby really loves brown sugar.
• Adding a little butter to the oats before heating will also add more flavor. I love to add a tablespoon.
• Be careful when removing the plate from the bowl after it is reheated. It is hot and there is steam. I will even use a hot pad to take it off sometimes.
• If you are avoiding animal products, you can always use plant-based milk or plant-based butter for flavor.
• It will hold for a whole week in the fridge or even longer.
• You can also sprinkle your oats with chia seeds, they will add more protein and other health benefits to your bowl.
• Another topping I love to use is fresh fruit and dried fruit. They add so much flavor in an easy way. Choose your favorite toppings!