Make an assortment of flavors of instant oatmeal in minutes and have delicious breakfast options ready and waiting for the whole family.

instant oatmeal in containers with fruit

Instant Oatmeal

The little packets of instant oats from the supermarket are so crazy convenient, but I always want to adjust the flavor so they’re a little less sweet. And customize them with additional ingredients to suit my family.

Instant oats cook super fast (hence the “instant”!) and are so versatile. In this recipe, you can make them in these flavors:

  • Apple
  • Strawberry
  • Blueberry
  • Mango
  • Raisin
  • Brown Sugar

TIP: Each of these flavors is shelf-stable, so you can make up a few containers and stash them into the pantry for quick breakfasts to come!

Ingredients You Need

To make instant oatmeal at home, you need:

quaker instant oats
  • Instant oats: Sometimes called “1 minute oats” or “quick oats”
  • Dried fruit: Such as raisins, dried apples, dried blueberries, or dried mango.
  • Brown sugar: This is optional to add flavor.
  • Hemp seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds: These are optional to add more fat, protein, and fiber.

TIP: For serving, you simply need water and a little milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this recipe for oatmeal. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.

how to make instant oatmeal in step by step grid.
  1. Add the oats to storage containers (or a bowl).
  2. Add the fruit of choice.
  3. Add any desired add-ins.
  4. Store.

TIP: To serve this either right after making the mix or on a future day, top with warm water and let sit until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between instant oatmeal and regular oatmeal?

Regular rolled oatmeal are thicker and take a little longer to cook. Instant oats are broken up more, which means the pieces are thinners and cook faster.

Is instant oatmeal “bad” for you?

No, though they do often get a bad wrap. Many of the packets available from the store are very sweet, but all oatmeal has fiber and B vitamins. You can customize the flavor and added sugar by buying plain instant oats and adding fruit or other add-ins at home.

What’s goes well with instant oatmeal?

We like to add fruit, hemp or chia seeds, milk, and nut or seed butter. Also: Sprinkles can go far if the kids aren’t super fans of oatmeal!

instant oats in two bowls with milk

How to Store

Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months at room temperature.

Best Tips for Success

  • Start with instant oats to ensure that they cook quickly when you’re ready to use them.
  • Add fruit, cinnamon, and seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Top with milk and nut or seed butter when ready to serve as desired.
  • Gluten-free: Use GF certified rolled oats.
  • Dairy-free: Top with your favorite non-dairy milk.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!

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instant-oatmeal-in-storage-containers

Easy Instant Oatmeal

You can make a handful of containers ahead of time, then pull them out for easy breakfasts when you need them. Or, make and serve all at once.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Breakfast
Calories 210kcal
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 3 cups instant oats (sometimes called "quick oats" or "1-minute oats"
  • 3/4 cup dried fruit (like dried blueberries, raisins, apples, or mango, or freeze-dried strawberries)
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds (optional; or chia or flax seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • milk and/or nut or seeds butter (optional, for serving)
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Instructions

To make the oatmeal mix:

  • Divide the oats into ix 1-cup containers or bags.
  • Add 2 tablespoons dried fruit and 1 teaspoon seeds (if using) to each.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon. Seal and store for up to 3 months.

To cook the instant oats:

  • Pour one container or bag into a heat-safe bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water, stir, and cover with a plate. Let sit for 2 minutes. The oats mixture will absorb the liquid and plump up.
  • (Alternatively, you can add the water to the bowl with the oats and cook in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, stopping to stir at least once. This way makes for slightly more well cooked instant oats.
  • Top with milk, brown sugar or honey, nut or seed butter, or with sprinkles as desired.

Notes

  • Start with instant oats to ensure that they cook quickly when you’re ready to use them.
  • Add fruit, cinnamon, and seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Top with milk and nut or seed butter when ready to serve as desired. (Adding nut or seed butter will make them more filling.)
  • Gluten-free: Use GF certified rolled oats.
  • Dairy-free: Top with your favorite non-dairy milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 179mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 45IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published August 2021.

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Comments

  1. Do you have a link to those containers? The link under the equipment section for containers isn’t the same. Thanks!