If there’s one breakfast that checks every box—wholesome, easy, customizable, fast, and comforting—it has to be Homemade Instant Oatmeal. This simple, mix-ahead recipe transforms humble oats and pantry staples into a hearty, portable breakfast you’ll actually look forward to eating. Whether you’re hustling out the door or craving a cozy moment at home, this oatmeal delivers warmth and nourishment with barely any fuss. Plus, making your own means you control the flavors, textures, and sweetness… and yes, ditch those sugary packets for good!

Homemade Instant Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic behind Homemade Instant Oatmeal is just how few, but essential, ingredients you really need. Each one brings its own distinct flair for taste, texture, creaminess, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start mixing:

Quick-cooking oats: The heart of your oatmeal; they soak up liquid fast and create that classic creamy texture.
Salt: Just a little brings all the flavors together and keeps your oatmeal from tasting too flat.
Powdered milk (optional): Makes your oats super creamy and rich—skip it for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar: Hints of caramel and molasses make your oatmeal wonderfully cozy and not too sweet.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, giving your oats that classic, homey feel.
Ground nutmeg: Just a touch, but it gives your oatmeal an irresistible bakery-fresh aroma.
Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates): Provides chewiness and natural sweetness with every bite.
Chopped nuts (optional): For delicious crunch and a boost of nutrition—think walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional): Packs in extra fiber, omega-3s, and a little wholesome texture.

How to Make Homemade Instant Oatmeal

Step 1: Gather and Measure Ingredients

Start by measuring everything out. This little moment of prep ensures that once you begin mixing, it’s just a matter of combining ingredients—no scrambling for last-minute add-ins. Lay out your oats, salt, powdered milk, brown sugar, spices, fruits, nuts, and any nutritious seeds you want to include. Trust me, having everything ready makes this process not only faster but a whole lot more fun.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and pour in the oats, salt, powdered milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together until the spices and sugar are evenly dispersed. This step is what gives each bowl of Homemade Instant Oatmeal its signature, just-right flavors—no lumpy bites or bland patches here!

Step 3: Add Fruit, Nuts, and Seeds

Now for the fun part: toss in your dried fruit, chopped nuts, and any flaxseed or chia seeds (if using). Give it all a big stir. The little pops of color and texture really set this apart from the store-bought stuff. Every spoonful feels a bit like a warm hug.

Step 4: Portion and Store

Choose your storage method: either pour the whole batch into an airtight jar or container, or scoop the mixture into individual serving-size bags or mason jars (about ½ cup each). This makes your Homemade Instant Oatmeal perfect for meal prep—a true lifesaver on busy mornings.

Step 5: Prepare and Enjoy

When you’re ready to eat, simply add ¾ cup boiling water or hot milk to your serving of oatmeal mix. Stir, cover, and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. The oats will plump up, flavors will mingle, and you’ll have a hearty bowl of oatmeal that’s ready to customize to your heart’s content.

How to Serve Homemade Instant Oatmeal

Garnishes

One of the joys of Homemade Instant Oatmeal is dressing it up just the way you like. Try fresh fruit, a swirl of nut butter, sliced bananas, or an extra sprinkle of brown sugar. Even a handful of granola or a spoonful of yogurt adds something special—make it as simple or decadent as you wish.

Side Dishes

This oatmeal pairs beautifully with a hot mug of coffee or tea, but you can easily turn it into a full breakfast with a side of Greek yogurt, a hard-boiled egg, or a crisp apple. Want a grab-and-go setup? Pair a jarred serving of Homemade Instant Oatmeal with a smoothie for a balanced start to your day.

Creative Ways to Present

Homemade Instant Oatmeal isn’t just for bowls—prepare it in portable jars for breakfast on the run, or layer it parfait-style with fruit and nuts for a lunchbox treat. You can even pack up mix-and-match toppings and let each family member create their own breakfast masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Save any extra mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you’ve mixed in especially moist dried fruit, check occasionally to make sure everything stays dry and fresh—give your mix a little stir now and then.

Freezing

For longer storage, pop sealed portions of your Homemade Instant Oatmeal into the freezer. This extends its shelf life for up to three months, so you can always have a trusty breakfast mix on hand. Let the mix come to room temperature before using, or just add a little extra hot water when you prepare it.

Reheating

If you make your oatmeal ahead with hot water, simply reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, adding a splash of milk or water if needed. The oatmeal thickens as it sits, so a quick stir and some extra liquid can bring it right back to its creamy, comforting best.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

You can, but the texture will be chewier and it’ll take a bit longer to soften. Quick-cooking oats are best for true Homemade Instant Oatmeal, ensuring a creamy bowl with minimal wait time.

How do I make this oatmeal vegan?

Just skip the powdered milk and use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) when preparing. Everything else in the base mix is already friendly for a vegan diet.

What’s the best way to customize the flavor?

Get creative! Add a spoonful of cocoa powder for chocolate oats, swap in shredded coconut for tropical flair, play with different spices (like cardamom or ginger), or stir in freeze-dried fruits for a crunchy pop.

Can I prep Homemade Instant Oatmeal for travel?

Absolutely! Portion the dry mix into zipper bags or small jars. When you’re ready to eat—whether at work or on the road—just add hot water, stir, and enjoy a healthy breakfast anywhere.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids can mix and match fruits and nuts they love, and it’s easy to adjust sweetness to taste. Let them help assemble jars for a fun and healthy breakfast project, too.

Final Thoughts

Breakfast doesn’t get much easier or more customizable than Homemade Instant Oatmeal. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and a true timesaver for busy mornings. Grab those oats and give it a try—you’re about to discover just how delicious (and simple) homemade can be!

Homemade Instant Oatmeal Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make your own delicious homemade instant oatmeal with this simple and customizable recipe. Perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast on busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Oatmeal Mix:

3 cups quick-cooking oats
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup powdered milk (optional for creaminess)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Add-Ins:

½ cup dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
¼ cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, salt, powdered milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add Extras: Stir in dried fruit, nuts, and any optional add-ins like flaxseed or chia seeds.
Store or Portion: Store the oatmeal mixture in an airtight container or portion into individual servings (about ½ cup per serving).
To Prepare: Add ¾ cup boiling water or hot milk to ½ cup of oatmeal mix. Stir well and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Adjust sweetness or add more toppings as desired.