During the coldest months of the year, a steamy bowl of Creamy Oatmeal is the most comforting way to start the day. This creamy oat recipe features old fashioned rolled oats and comes together in about 15 minutes, so it’s ready to warm bellies in no time. | This post is brought to you by Bob’s Red Mill.
Why You’ll Love These Creamy Oats
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are an essential pantry staple. They’re economical, have a long storage life and are so versatile. With rolled oats on hand you can whip up delicious Vegan Oatmeal Cookies, make Maple Oat Sourdough Bread, fluffy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins and creamy oatmeal whenever the mood strikes! Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Super Easy to Make – this recipe comes together in about 15 minutes with just a few pantry staples.
- Versatile – so many ways to personalize and jazz up oatmeal, from sweetness (or not) to all the toppings!
- Naturally Sweetened – maple syrup lightly sweetens the oatmeal.
Plus, oats are fiber rich which helps us stay satisfied well into the morning.
Start With The Best Ingredients for Creamy Oats
These creamy oats are made in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill. I’m thrilled to partner with a brand I trust for high quality pantry staples sharing whole grain recipes I love making for friends, family and the Vanilla And Bean community. Bob’s Red Mill ingredients are high quality and accessible at your well stocked grocery and natural foods stores.
Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats offer an earthy flavor, soft but chewy texture and whole grain goodness. If gluten free, this recipe can be made with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats. Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy oats recipe: (see recipe card for details):
- Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats – my choice an earthy flavor, pure and delicious.
- Water – it’s your cooking liquid! No need for milk as oatmeal gets thick and creamy without it. Serve Cashew Milk, almond, oat or dairy milk on the side.
- Fine Sea Salt – just a touch to bring out rolled oats earthy, nutty flavors.
- Pure Maple Syrup – or if you prefer, brown sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon – a perfect partner with oatmeal.
- Vanilla Extract (optional)
Quick Guide: How to Make Creamy Oatmeal Recipe
Simple ingredients create the tastiest and most comforting oatmeal. Here’s how to make creamy oatmeal on the stove (see recipe card for details):
- First, bring water to a boil with a bit of salt.
- Second, add the old fashioned oats and bring to a very low simmer over medium heat, then reduce temperature to low.
- Next, cook until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Last, remove from heat and set aside for about five minutes or until desired consistency. Stir in maple syrup and cinnamon.
While the oatmeal is bubbling away, gather your toppings and toast/chop/dice all the things!
How to Make Oatmeal Creamy
Oatmeal is creamy by nature since oats are starchy. As oats cook on the stove, starches gelatinize (release their starches) creating a thick and creamy oatmeal. But to get the consistency of oatmeal just right, here are a few PRO TIPS to follow:
- Cook your oats with water instead of milk. Save the milk for a splash at the breakfast table.
- When cooking oats, add your oats to boiling water rather than tepid water. Adding oats to tepid water creates an otherwise pastyish oatmeal consistency.
- Cook your oats on low heat, just enough to bring the mixture to a sloooow, looow bubble!
For creamy overnight oats, give my Easy Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk a go!
For Picky Eaters: How to Make Oatmeal Taste Good
While I love the earthy flavor and texture of oatmeal, for picky eaters in the house, there are lots of ways to jazz up the flavor of oatmeal, just from going on a pantry scavenger hunt!
Sweeten your oats with maple syrup, brown sugar or honey or try it without a sweetener leaning on fruit for its natural sweetness. Butter is always an option, but beyond these, here are some ideas about how to make oatmeal taste good:
For Fall – Winter
- Stewed Apples + Chopped Pecans/Walnuts + Cinnamon
- Stewed Pears + Walnuts + Cinnamon
- Peanut Butter + Diced Apples + Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Butter + Pecans + Cinnamon
- Sliced Figs + Honey + Hazelnuts
- Pears + Dried Cranberries + Cinnamon + Cardamom
For Spring – Summer
- Blueberry Compote + Hemp Seeds
- Rhubarb Freezer Jam + Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh In Season Berries + Cinnamon + Hemp Hearts
- Diced Peaches + Pecans + Cinnamon
Anytime
- Fried Bananas + Walnuts + Mini Chocolate Chips
- Almond Butter + Coconut + Mini Chocolate Chips
- Bananas + Peanut Butter + Mini Chocolate Chips
- Butter + Brown Sugar + Raisins
For a Savory Approach (omit the maple and cinnamon)
- Fried Egg + Pesto + Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Poached Egg + Roasted Asparagus + Parmesan Cheese
- Fried Egg + Avocado + Cherry Tomatoes
A Few Recipe Tips
Meal Prep: This creamy oats recipe is ideal for meal prep. Store in individual serving containers in the fridge for up to three days. Rewarm gently with a splash of milk or water on stove top or microwave.
Gluten Free? Look for Bob’s Red Mill Organic Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats to use in this recipe. They’re processed in a dedicated gluten free facility. It’s an easy swap!
For more recipes featuring Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, head to their website and see my short list below!
More Whole Grain Breakfast Recipes to Love
Creamy Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups (1.15 kg) Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 2 cups (200 grams) Old Fashioned Rolled Oats I use Bob's Red Mill
- 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional
Instructions
- In a three quart sauce pan or Dutch oven, add the water and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the oats, stir, then turn the heat to low to medium low. Cook 10 minutes for a very creamy oatmeal or up to 13 minutes for a little less creamy oatmeal. Stir occassionally, making sure the oatmeal is on a low enough heat so that it won't stick to the bottom. The oatmeal will bubble and spit a bit but it shouldn't boil. It will thicken as it cooks.
- Remove from heat and set aside for 3-5 minutes. It will thicken further as it sets. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla if using. Taste for sweetness adjustment. Spoon into bowls, share with your favorite toppings and a splash of milk if desired.
- To Store: Store in a lidded container in the fridge for up to four days. Gently rewarm stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or water.
Tom grew up on oatmeal for breakfast Traci so I love making it for him especially when the temps start to dip. He loves it topped with brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins! Looks delish!
Brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins is so classic and SO good! I didn’t discover oatmeal until I was a young adult. Lucky Tom for growing up on it! It’s so good for us.