Don’t chunk that leftover oatmeal! You can reheat leftover oatmeal with a splash of milk no problem. Here is the cooking process you need to know.
When watching every penny, making good use of leftovers is one of the most cost-effective things you can do!
You may be thinking – oatmeal? Really?
In my opinion, reheating oatmeal on the stovetop is the best way to prevent food waste and enjoy oatmeal leftovers.
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What Type of Oats Should I Use?
I’m not talking about the prepackaged, pre-flavored oatmeal that comes from the grocery store.
My oatmeal recipe uses old fashioned oats, not instant oats. Old fashioned oats, or rolled oats, are oats that have been rolled and flattened. They are firmer in texture and take longer to cook.
Instant oats are precooked and pressed. They are thinner and cook much quicker.
I like to use old fashioned oats exclusively in my kitchen because they are a versatile ingredient. I love using them to make oat flour, granola, and baked oatmeal.
Instant oats are a great ingredient to use during a busy season of life, like postpartum, school being in session, or illness.
Both instant and rolled oats come from whole oat groats, which are the kernels of the oats. Oats from the grocery store are processed oat groats that have had the outer husks removed and the oat groats have been run through a flaker to produce the ready-to-use product we buy.
How to Reheat Oatmeal Leftovers with No Microwave – Stovetop Method
Remove your leftover oatmeal from your airtight container and add about 1 cup of cooked oatmeal to 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk in a medium saucepan.
Heat over low to medium heat until the oatmeal has reabsorbed the milk and the oats are steaming and creamy.
Add to a bowl and top with any of your favorite toppings like frozen fruit, brown sugar, nuts, or fresh fruit.
For the creamiest texture, you can add things like peanut butter, mashed banana, and greek yogurt with maple syrup.
I don’t recommend you store oatmeal that you have reheated. While it is safe to reheat leftovers, it’s recommended to only reheat the leftovers you intend to eat.
How to Store Oatmeal for Leftovers
Whether you bake or use the stovetop method to prepare your oatmeal, it’s recommended the oatmeal comes to room temperature prior to storing.
When your oatmeal has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for about three or four days.
You can even freeze oatmeal! One creative hack is to freeze oatmeal in individual portions, like in a muffin tin. When you’re ready to enjoy another bowl of oatmeal, remove a serving and reheat with milk in a saucepan!
Looking for more breakfast ideas?
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Oatmeal Meal Prep Ideas
My baked oatmeal recipe can easily double as an overnight oats recipe. However, it will still need to be baked!
The night before you want oatmeal, simply prepare your 9×13 inch casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator.
If you don’t need baked oatmeal for a crowd, bake the oatmeal at the beginning of a busy week and divide it up into individual portions. You can easily portion them into mason jars and add different flavors for variation throughout the week.
If you are looking for something like a true overnight oats recipe, I recommend you use instant oats. Just add a couple of tablespoons of milk to each individual serving, top with your desired toppings, and heat for 1-2 minutes when you’re ready to eat!
Oatmeal can also be enjoyed as a cold breakfast. Cold oatmeal pairs well with anything we’ve already talked about, like yogurt and fresh fruit.
Have You Tried These Oatmeal Recipes?
Oatmeal is a great starting point for many flavor combinations.
During the fall, you can experiment with flavors like cinnamon spice oatmeal, or even pumpkin spice! During the summer you can enjoy fresh, stewed berries in your oatmeal.
Oatmeal lovers – what’s you’re favorite way to enjoy oatmeal? Comment on this blog post and let me know!
For even more simple recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest!
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