Oatmeal is one of the most popular healthy breakfast options. This nutritious grain is easy to prepare and versatile to serve with various toppings – sweet and savory. Simply add fresh fruits, nuts, maple syrup, jams, slices of bacon, fried egg, or any of your favorite toppings!
Can you reheat oatmeal?
What if one day you make too much porridge? Can you still reheat previously cooked oatmeal for tomorrow’s breakfast?
Absolutely, yes! In fact, you can make a big pot of porridge in advance and reheat it every morning. This way, you can always kick-start your day with a nutritious, filling breakfast.
There is nothing complicated with reheating pre-cooked oatmeal. You can easily do this task on a stovetop or in the microwave. Now, let’s get to the step-to-step guide of reheating this healthy meal!
Option 1: Reheating In a Microwave
Let’s start off with this all-time go-to reheating method. Microwaving is the quickest way to warm up pre-cooked oatmeal. It is also very convenient to warm up a single portion for your breakfast.
Here is how to reheat oatmeal in microwave:
Place the leftover porridge in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a little bit of liquid (water or milk), stir well, and cover the container. Leave a small opening to allow the steam to escape.
Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds interval on medium power.
After one cycle of reheating interval passed, take out the oatmeal. Mix well and check if it’s already thoroughly warmed. Return and repeat the same steps until the porridge is fully warmed up.
Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately!
Option 2: Reheating on a Stovetop
Reheating oatmeal on a stovetop follows a similar procedure to its original cooking. The only difference is it takes less time. Well, it’s still a little longer than reheating in a microwave. But, this method is your best bet whenever you have to deal with a big batch.
If you added cold toppings, such as fresh fruits, it’s recommended to scrape them off before reheating. Add them back when it’s time to serve.
Here are the detailed instructions.
Transfer the leftover oatmeal to a pot.
Add water or milk to loosen up the thick texture. The longer it sits in the fridge, the thicker the consistency because it absorbs most of the liquid. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add milk instead of water. Feel free to adjust the amount of the liquid to your liking.
Cook over low to medium heat and constantly stir for about 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid using high heat to prevent the bottom of the pot from burning.
After the porridge is evenly reheated, remove it immediately from the stove.
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
FAQs
How do you store leftover cooked oatmeal?
You can simply keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 to 5 days. Reheat it on the stove or microwave for a quick, warm breakfast.
Can you make oatmeal for the week?
Yes. Oatmeal makes an excellent make-ahead breakfast that you can enjoy every morning throughout the week. Simply prepare a big batch on the weekend, divide it into five containers, and refrigerate. Reheat it shortly before serving, or serve it chilled topped with fresh fruits.
Can I freeze cooked oatmeal?
Absolutely, yes. If you plan to make a big batch and freeze it, consider using steel-cut or rolled oats rather than quick-cooking ones. Cook as usual and let it cool down quickly.
To freeze individual servings, you can place cooked oatmeal in muffin tins and flash freeze for a couple of hours. Finally, pack into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
Can I eat cooked oatmeal cold?
Yes. As long as it is adequately refrigerated, you can eat it cold, straight from the fridge. Don’t eat it if the porridge has been left out overnight.
Can you cook oatmeal with just hot water?
Yes and no. You can prepare instant oats by adding hot water/milk and let the mixture stand for about 2 minutes before serving. For rolled or steel-cut oats, they need to be cooked on the stovetop or microwave. Follow the serving instructions on the packaging.
How long does oatmeal last once opened?
Raw oatmeal typically lasts for 6 to 12 months after opening, or check the best-by dates, whichever comes first. If you’re doubting, check its visual, smell, and taste to determine whether oatmeal has gone bad or not.
In A Nutshell
Oatmeal is a nutritious and filling breakfast. Fortunately, pre-cooked oatmeal can last up to 5 days. More importantly, it also reheats well!
Whether having leftovers or preparing a weekly meal plan, rest assured that you can always reheat the porridge quickly in two ways.
For the quickest method to reheat a single portion, microwaving is a great option. If you need to reheat for an entire family, the stovetop method is your best bet!
There you have it, two ways of reheating previously cooked oatmeal for a perfect, healthy breakfast!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
