How to Make Oatmeal

Here at Proper Good, we think oatmeal is a seriously misunderstood food.

People believe this nutrient-dense, heart-healthy meal is bland, and that simply isn’t true. It all comes down to preparing oatmeal properly, and that’s easier than you may think! Make this pantry staple a go to for your next meal at any time of the day, because who says you can only eat oatmeal for breakfast? It’s an incredible snack or meal any time.

Ready to start your day fueled with a burst of energy? Follow the tips below to make an amazing bowl of oatmeal using minimal time and effort. Have questions? Don’t be shy and drop them in the comments! We’re here to help.

What is the ratio for making oatmeal?

For many home chefs, the most confusing part of making oatmeal is getting the ratio of oats to liquid right. 

Here’s a simple guide:

The ratio of oats to liquid is 1:2–which means 1 part oats to every 2 parts liquid. Just remember that for every ½ cup of oats, you’ll need 1 cup of water or milk. That’s it, easy peasy!

To make sure you’re getting the most accurate proportions, we recommend measuring the oats with a measuring cup (intended for solids) and liquid with a glass measuring cup (intended for liquids). Using too much or not enough of one or both ingredients can result in oatmeal that is too gummy or thin… and no one likes thin oatmeal right?

Do you make oatmeal with milk or water?

A question as old as time… when considering the benefits of using milk or water, milk has a slight advantage because it packs an extra portion of protein. Milk also affects the texture of the oatmeal and makes it creamier versus dense.

However, it all comes down to personal preference! Some people like oatmeal with a thinner texture, in which case, water is a great fit and will have less carbs and sugar than milk.

Many folks enjoy the consistency of oatmeal best when using a combination of milk and water… maybe it’s the perfect mix?! So using the ratios above, this would amount to ½ cup of oats combined with ½ cup water and ½ cup milk.

If you’re lactose intolerant, there are also a lot of dairy alternatives you can use, such as almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or pea milk. Or even try oat milk… oats soaked in oat milk?! Yep, give it a go. 

Over here at Proper Good, we don’t have a preference. All oatmeal is created equal and we enjoy it with either water or milk depending on what tickles our fancy that day! We encourage you to try both and see what tastes best to you :-)

Making oatmeal on the stove

Don’t worry, making oatmeal on the stovetop could not be simpler! You only need three basic ingredients to build the foundation for your bowl of oatmeal–old fashioned or rolled oats, milk or water (or a combination of both), and a dash of salt. 

Note that rolled oats will cook quicker as they’re thin, but will have a different texture to traditional oats that will take longer to cook but provide a denser texture - again, it’s all down to your preference here.

Using the ratios above, measure out your oatmeal and milk/water. Then, bring the liquid to a boil over the stovetop in a small pot or saucepan. Once the liquid has been brought to a boil, reduce the heat to low and then add the oats.

Don’t forget to be patient and stir frequently so it doesn’t stick! Once the mixture is thick with all of the liquid absorbed, remove from the stovetop. If you’re using the ratio of ½ rolled oats to 1 cup liquid, this takes about five minutes.

Making oatmeal in the microwave

Many people wonder if the health benefits of making oatmeal in the stove versus microwave is higher. The answer to that is no! The microwave is a perfectly safe way to make oatmeal. 

In fact, we’re been a big fan of microwaves for quite some time because it is a fast, easy way to make a healthy meal very quickly and on-the-go.

Measure the oatmeal and milk/water using the same ratio as above. Select a microwave safe bowl in which the oatmeal/liquid mixture only fills halfway up–if you choose a bowl that’s too small, the water could boil over!

Microwave uncovered on high for around 2 minutes. Let sit for 1 minute while the mixture cools, then take out and garnish with the toppings of your choice… think fruit, nuts and a sweetener of choice!

Help! What do I do if I overcook or undercook my oatmeal?

Luckily, this is easy to fix. If you’re worried you’ve overcooked your oatmeal, remove the pan from heat and mix in a dash of water or milk. Stir the mixture and see if this helps create a smoother consistency.

For undercooked oatmeal, simply add the pan back to the stovetop or microwave and cook for an extra minute or so until the mixture has reached your desired level of doneness.

Is it safe to eat oats soaked in milk without cooking them?

Absolutely! In fact, many people love “overnight oats,” which is perfect as a low-maintenance breakfast.

To make overnight oats, combine oats with liquid using the ratios above in a small container or jar before bedtime. We’ve found that a small mason jar is the perfect size for overnight oats and portable for an on-the-go morning.

Cover the container and refrigerate overnight. Then, enjoy a tasty breakfast the next day having done barely any meal prep! There are so many toppings to go well with overnight oats, and a few of our favorites are blueberries, granny smith apples, and pecans.

In Summary

We hope this article provided helpful tips and guidance for you to start making oatmeal part of your regular meal routine!

But of course, sometimes you’re on the move and wanting to bypass the prep and dish clean up that comes with measuring oats, liquid, and toppings. 

That’s why we created the new Proper Good Oatmeal, which takes the guesswork out of making oatmeal!

Proper Good Oatmeal

Proper Good Oatmeal is the only fully cooked, ready-to-eat oatmeal available… it’s zero prep, which means there’s no water to add, no waiting to soak oats, and no washing up! It’s just 5 ingredients of Steel Cut Oats, Chia, Flax, Hemp and Coconut Oil… this thick, al dente style oatmeal has an incredible texture and is ready to eat cold or heat in its BPA-Free Microwave Safe pouch in 60 seconds. 

It’s Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and packed with fiber to keep you full for hours, and is available in a perfect plain (to add your own toppings) or in a variety of delicious flavors with gourmet stir-in packets featuring fruits, nuts and maple powder. Plus, there’s no fridge needed so you can take it to work, school or travelling. Breakfast has been solved.

Click the link HERE to shop our insanely tasty oatmeals!