Life sucks, oatmeal doesn’t have to. Learn about the different types of oatmeal and create your own breakfast of champions!
Way back when, the word oatmeal conjured up an image in my mind of sad, old people eating breakfast with their dentures. Nowadays, that image still pops up in my mind, BUT I’ve learned to love oatmeal. It’s really versatile, and with the right ingredients, it’s a great breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack.
Before we get into it, I’d just like to point out that while oats technically are a gluten-free grain, always read the package. Some may be processed in a facility that isn’t completely gluten free. This could spell disaster for anyone who has celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy. Always read the label.
Recipes are at the bottom of this post.
Oatmeal: Your Friend With Benefits
- Can help cholesterol levels
- Great source of fibre, iron, and protein
- Oatmeal makes a great meal or snack for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone with dietary restrictions
- Can help with stabilizing blood sugar levels
- May assist with weight loss
- When applied topically, oats make a great addition to your skincare routine. Check out some oatmeal masks here.
4 Different Types of Oatmeal
These 4 types are in order of the highest GI level to the lowest GI level. (The glycemic index rates foods based on how much they spike your blood sugar. A food with a low glycemic index, or low GI, will not cause a drastic change in blood sugar levels.)
Instant Oatmeal
- Instant oats cook the fastest hence the name
- Oat flakes are very small in size
- Usually sold as individual packets
- These are awesome for an on the go option or something to take with while you’re travelling.
- Come in a variety of flavours
- Always read the label as many will contain added sugars and/or flavours
Quick Oats
- Sold in a bag as opposed to instant oats which are usually sold as individual packets
- Take about 1-3 minutes to cook depending on the amount
- A better alternative if you’re looking for something that cooks quickly, but also doesn’t contain the amount of sugar/additives that instant has.
Rolled Oats or Old Fashioned Oats
- The most versatile out of the 4
- An awesome choice for baking
- They take a little bit longer to cook. Up to 10 minutes depending on how much you’re making.
- Rolled oats don’t take as long to cook as steel cut
- They also undergo less processing than quick oats
Steel Cut Oats
- Undergo the least amount of processing
- The healthiest choice out of the 4
- Have the lowest glycemic index as compared to the other varieties
- Take the longest to cook
- These aren’t recommended for baking because of their texture
Key Points
- The healthiest and most nutritious oats (steel cut) also take the longest to cook
- The quicker the cook time, the more processed the oats
- Rolled oats/old fashioned oats are the best for baking. They’re also great for a “happy medium”
How to Cook Oatmeal
Pro Tip: Instead of water, you can also cook oats in any type of broth or milk. Switch it up to create sweet and savoury creations. Try bone broth, beef broth, almond milk, or oat milk for an interesting meal.
Instant Oats
Follow package directions if buying single serve instant oats. Typically, it’s 1/2 cup water for one packet of instant oats.
Stovetop: In a medium saucepan, combine instant oats and water. Heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until water has absored. This usually takes around 2 minutes.
Microwave: Combine water and instant oats in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through. Remove and serve with your favourite toppings.
Quick Oats
Stovetop: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of quick oats and bring the heat down to medium. Stir and cook for one minute. Remove from heat and add your favourite toppings.
Microwave: In a microwave safe bowl, combine 1 cup water and 1/2 cup quick oats. Microwave on high heat for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Stir and serve.
Rolled Oats/Old Fashioned Oats
Stovetop: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup rolled oats and wait for the water to boil again. Reduce heat to low and let the oats simmer. This usually takes around 5 minutes. Once all the liquid has absorbed, remove from heat. Serve it warm and with your favourite mixins and toppings.
Microwave: In a microwave safe bowl, combine 1 cup water and 1/2 cup rolled oats. Microwave on high heat for 2 minutes. Stir and serve. (If the oats haven’t absorbed all the water yet, keep microwaving at 30 second increments until ready.)
Steel Cut Oats
Stovetop: Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of steel cut oats. Reduce heat to medium low. Stir occasionally until all the water has absorbed. This should take anywhere from 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: In a microwave safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup steel cut oats. Microwave on high heat for five minutes. Remove and stir. Microwave again on high heat for five minutes. Give it another stir and serve it with your favourite toppings.
Storing Different Types of Oatmeal
All types of oats should be stored in an airtight container. They thrive best in cool and dark environments. Unopened, oats should keep for around 1-2 years. After opening, they’ll last anywhere from 6-12 months if properly stored.
For easy breezy meals, cooked oatmeal will last 4-5 days in the fridge and about three months in the freezer.
Reheating Oatmeal
If you suffer from extreme hunger in the mornings and don’t feel like waiting a half an hour for your steel cut oats to cook, you can cook a large batch in advance and reheat as needed.
In a medium pot, add as much leftover oatmeal as you’d like. Add a small amount of liquid (broth, water, or milk) and reheat on medium heat. If you need to add more liquid, you may do so. Keep stirring until the liquid has absorbed and desired consistency is reached.
Different Uses for Oatmeal
- Baking (oatmeal cookies, oat bread, oat squares, the possibilities are endless)
- Make your own granola
- Easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or quick snack
- Make an oatmeal latte
- Grind it up to make oat flour
- Save a cowboy, feed your horse. Oats can be used as horse food.
- Use it as a part of your beauty routine. Oats make the perfect skincare, face masks, and oat baths.
Oatmeal Recipes
Oatmeal. It’s incredibly healthy, but let’s face it, it’s so boring. Life is already a pain. You don’t need your food to be the same way. Let me change your mind about this mundane grain! The possibilities are endless! Eat it sweet or savory. Do both at the same time if you’re feeling really adventurous. It’s as versatile as rice or quinoa, so you can throw in just about anything. Have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a quick snack. Let nothing and no one stop you! The kitchen world is yours! I created a few recipes for you as a guideline. Use them as your base, or go nuts and create your own.
Please note: I didn’t use exact measurements or ratios. It all depends on how much oatmeal you’re cooking up and your personal taste. You can add or omit ingredients to your heart’s desire. Feel like having 1/2 cup maple syrup on just 1/4 cup oatmeal? Go for it!
Sweet Recipes
Everybody’s Gone Bananas
- Cook oats in milk (optional)
- Stir in some cocoa powder while the oats are cooking
- Mix in some sliced bananas and chocolate chips
- Drizzle maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or a dollop of Nutella on top
You’re Gunna Love my Nuts
- Mix in raisins, cranberries, or any dried fruit of choice.
- Add granola of choice
- Top with almonds, pecans, walnuts, or any other nuts you love and adore
Jamaican Me Crazy
- Cook oats in coconut milk (optional)
- Mix in diced pineapple, kiwi, bananas, and mangoes
- Top with shredded coconut
- Pairs well with AM rum
- YAHMON!
It’s Somebody’s Birthday, Somewhere!
- Cook oats in milk or almond milk
- Stir in butter flavouring (optional) and/or vanilla extract when finished cooking.
- Top with sprinkles
- Optional: Add a small scoop of vanilla yogurt. (Or ice cream if you’re a REAL adult.)
Gimme Smore
- Cook oats in milk
- Top with graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, and mini chocolate chips
- Blow torch it to get an authentic campsite taste (Please do not attempt)
Canadian, eh?
- Top your plain oatmeal with maple syrup and brown sugar.
- Pairs well with a Tim Horton’s coffee.
- NOW LET’S GO PLAY SOME HOCKEY!
Memories of Grandma’s House
- Peel and slice and/or dice apple of choice.
- Mix in cinnamon and brown sugar.
Savoury Recipes
Don’t Kale my Vibe
- Fry or scramble an egg.
- Top with chopped kale and sliced avocado.
Mexi-CAN! (I CAN do it all! Especially after eating this.)
- Cook oats in chicken or veggie broth. Add a dash of lime juice, and some cumin, chili powder, and/or paprika.
- Top with (the options are endless) sliced avocado, salsa, guacamole, and/or chopped cilantro.
- Olé!
That Big Buddah Gets Me Every Time
- Mix in chickpeas. You can spice them up and roast them beforehand for extra pizazz.
- Add chopped red pepper, kale, or spinach.
- Optional: Top with an egg cooked the way you like it.
Aint Nobody Got Thai For That
- Cook oats in coconut milk or broth
- Add a dash of soy sauce after oats have finished cooking.
- Top with grated ginger, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, and/or chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze some lime juice over top.
Take a Wok on the Wild Side
- Cook oats in chicken or veggie broth
- Add a dash of soy sauce after it’s finished cooking
- Mix in sliced green onions
- Top with an egg (cooked however you like it) and sesame seeds.
- Add a dash of sriracha if you wish
Some EGGsquisite Breakfast
- Cook an egg (or two) the way you like it
- Add chopped bacon and diced red onion
- Top with grated cheese
- Add salt and pepper to taste