How do I make my oatmeal thicker or thinner?

For thicker oatmeal, cook a minute longer or reduce water by 2-3 tablespoons. For thinner, stir in a splash of hot water or milk after cooking.

Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, cook as directed, let cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk on the stove or microwave.

Why did my oatmeal turn out gummy or gluey?

Over-stirring or using too fine a oat variety (like instant oats) can make the porridge gummy. Stir gently and only occasionally, and use old-fashioned rolled oats.

Can I cook this oatmeal with milk instead of water?

Yes, but use half milk and half water to prevent scorching. Milk adds richness but can burn easily, so stir more frequently and keep the heat low.

Home / Recipes / american / Oatmeal Porridge

americanEasyveganvegetariangluten freedairy free

Oatmeal Porridge

RATING

4.4/5(118)

TASTE SCORE

6/10

A warm and creamy bowl of classic oatmeal, made simply with rolled oats and water. This comforting breakfast staple is ready in minutes and serves as the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

PREP

COOK

SERVES

1 CUP

303 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

2 cuprolled oats · old-fashioned4 cupwater1 pinchsalt2 tbspmaple syrup · for serving, adjust to taste2 pcsbanana · medium, sliced, for topping4 tbspwalnuts · roughly chopped, for topping

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

303

CALORIES · 1 CUP

Protein9g · 12%

Carbs51g · 67%

Fat8g · 24%

Fiber7g

Sugar14g

Saturated fat1g

Cholesterol0mg

Sodium42mg

Potassium461mg

Phosphorus276mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 4 STEPS

prep · ~1 min
Measure the ingredients.
Measure 2 cups of rolled oats and set aside. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
boil · ~7 min
Cook the oats.
1.Stir the oats and a pinch of salt into the boiling water.
2.Reduce the heat to low so the mixture is at a gentle simmer.
3.Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the porridge is creamy.
TIPFor thicker oatmeal, cook a minute longer; for thinner, stir in a splash more water.
rest · ~2 min
Let the oatmeal stand for 2 minutes off the heat.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and let it rest. This allows the oats to absorb any remaining liquid and thickens the porridge to the perfect consistency.
assemble
Spoon into bowls and add toppings.
1.Divide the oatmeal between four bowls.
2.Top each serving with sliced banana, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
TIPWarm the maple syrup slightly for an extra comforting touch.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats, for a creamier texture with better structure.
2
Stir the oats gently and only occasionally — over-stirring can make the porridge gummy.
3
Let the cooked oatmeal rest off the heat for 2 minutes to allow it to thicken perfectly.
4
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before topping for deeper nutty flavor.
5
Make ahead: cook the oats with a little extra water, then reheat with a splash of milk or water.

RECIPE VARIATIONS