Oatmeal Porridge
A warm, comforting bowl of creamy oatmeal porridge, simmered with milk and a hint of cinnamon. This classic Irish-American breakfast is hearty, wholesome, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a chilly morning or a nourishing start to any day.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water, whole milk, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to low
- a.Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oats are tender and the porridge has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat
- a.Stir in the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the porridge rest for 1-2 minutes to thicken further.
- 5
Ladle the hot porridge into four bowls
- a.Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced bananas, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an exceptionally rich and creamy texture, replace the water with an equal amount of milk.
- 2Toast the dry oats in the saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding liquids to enhance their natural nutty flavor.
- 3Use a saucepan that is large enough to allow the porridge to bubble up without spilling over. Keep the heat on low once it starts simmering.
- 4Cook a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
- 5For perfect texture, add the salt at the beginning of cooking. This helps the oats break down and become creamier.
Adapt it for your goals.
Apple Cinnamon
Stir in 1 finely diced apple and an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon along with the oats at the beginning of cooking.
Peanut Butter & BananaPeanut Butter & Banana
After cooking, swirl 1 tablespoon of peanut butter into each bowl before serving and top with fresh banana slices.
Vegan & Dairy FreeVegan & Dairy-Free
Use your favorite plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) instead of dairy milk and sweeten with maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder after cooking, or top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Heart Health
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Provides Sustained Energy
As a complex carbohydrate, oatmeal is digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full and energized for hours.
Aids in Digestion
The high fiber content in oats promotes regular bowel movements and supports a healthy gut microbiome, contributing to overall digestive wellness.
Rich in Antioxidants
Oats contain a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are not found in other cereal grains. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, oatmeal porridge is very healthy. It's an excellent source of whole grains and is high in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. It also provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling full.