Quick Answer
Yes, you can safely save and reheat oatmeal. Oatmeal is a very versatile food that stores well and can be eaten hot or cold. Leftover oatmeal will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, add a little milk or water and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Take care not to overcook or dry out the oatmeal when reheating.
How Long Does Oatmeal Last in the Fridge?
Cooked oatmeal will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The shelf life depends somewhat on the ingredients added to the oatmeal. Oatmeal made with water or milk will keep for 3-4 days, while oatmeal made with alternative milks like almond or coconut milk may only last 2-3 days. Fruit additions like fresh berries or bananas will shorten the fridge life to 1-2 days.
Keeping oatmeal tightly sealed in the refrigerator prevents it from drying out and extends the shelf life. Make sure to store it in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass and plastic containers work best. Transfer any leftover oatmeal to the storage container after cooking and allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Properly stored oatmeal stays safe to eat for 3-5 days, but the texture and flavor will start to degrade over time. Oatmeal is still edible for a few days after that, though it may taste stale or dried out. It’s best to throw away oatmeal that is more than a week old.
Signs Oatmeal Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that refrigerated oatmeal has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Strange odors like sourness or rotting
- Food discoloration – greying, darkening
- Dry, crunchy texture
- Tastes bitter or spoiled
As long as refrigerated oatmeal looks, smells, and tastes normal it is still safe to eat or reheat. But err on the side of caution and throw away oatmeal that is older than 5-7 days.
Does Oatmeal Freeze Well?
Oatmeal can be frozen for longer term storage. When frozen properly, oatmeal will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. To freeze oatmeal:
- Allow cooked oatmeal to cool completely.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Seal the container tightly.
- Label with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
The freezer preserves oatmeal longer but it can affect the texture. Frozen oatmeal may become a little mushy or watery when thawed. For best results, stir in some extra oats or a small amount of milk after thawing to improve the consistency.
Thawing Frozen Oatmeal
There are a few methods to safely thaw frozen oatmeal:
- Refrigerator Thawing – For slow thawing, place frozen oatmeal in the refrigerator 8-12 hours or overnight before use.
- Cold Water Bath – For quicker thawing, seal oatmeal in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave – Thaw frozen oatmeal in the microwave in short 30 second bursts, stirring between intervals. Take care not to overheat or cook the oatmeal.
Thawed oatmeal can be eaten cold or gently reheated before serving. Avoid refreezing thawed oatmeal.
How to Reheat Oatmeal
Leftover oatmeal is easily reheated for a quick breakfast or snack. There are a few simple methods to reheat oatmeal without drying it out or scorching it:
Microwave
- Transfer oatmeal to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons milk, water, or cream to prevent drying.
- Microwave on Medium power in 30 second intervals until heated through, stirring between intervals.
- Let sit 1-2 minutes before eating.
Take care not to overcook the oatmeal in the microwave or it can become gummy.
Stovetop
- Place oatmeal in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Gradually stir in milk or water to loosen the oatmeal to desired consistency.
- Heat through, stirring frequently until hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and let sit 1-2 minutes before serving.
The stovetop allows you to better control the temperature and prevent scorching.
Slow Cooker
- Transfer oatmeal to a small slow cooker.
- Add 1⁄4 cup milk, water, or cream.
- Cover and heat on Low for 2-3 hours.
- Stir well before serving.
The slow cooker allows oatmeal to heat gradually without sticking or burning.
Toaster Oven
- Spread oatmeal in a small baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Stir well before serving.
The toaster oven is great for heating oatmeal without drying it out.
Tips for Reheating Oatmeal
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating leftover oatmeal:
- Add a little bit of milk, water, or cream when reheating to loosen the oatmeal.
- Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
- Use medium-low heat settings to prevent scorching.
- Check temperature before serving and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Let sit 1-2 minutes before eating so the heat equalizes.
- Add fresh fruit, nuts, honey, or cinnamon to freshen up the flavor.
Properly stored oatmeal can be safely reheated and enjoyed multiple times. A quick reheat lets you enjoy the convenience of pre-made oatmeal anytime.
What Can You Add to Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is delicious on its own, but you can also customize it with different mix-ins. Some healthy and tasty oatmeal add-ins include:
| Add-In | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | Berries, bananas, apple slices – adds flavor, nutrients, and fiber |
| Nuts and Seeds | Slivered almonds, walnuts, chia seeds – boosts protein and healthy fats |
| Nut Butter | Almond butter, peanut butter – creaminess and plant protein |
| Dried Fruit | Raisins, cranberries, apricots – sweetness and antioxidants |
| Spices | Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger – warming flavor and aroma |
| Sweetener | Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar – touch of natural sweetness |
| Milk/Alt-Milk | Cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk – creaminess and calcium |
| Yogurt | Greek yogurt – protein, probiotics, and tang |
| Granola | For crunch and texture contrast |
Get creative with mix-ins to make your oatmeal unique. The possibilities are endless!
What are the Different Types of Oatmeal?
There are a few main varieties of oats used to make oatmeal:
Rolled Oats
Rolled oats are whole oat groats that have been steamed and flattened. They cook faster than other oats, in about 5 minutes. This is the most common type used for basic oatmeal.
Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats are oat groats chopped into smaller pieces rather than rolled. They take about 15-20 minutes to cook. Steel cut oats have a pleasant chewy texture.
Scottish Oats
Scottish oats are between rolled oats and steel cut oats in size. They are stone ground rather than steel cut, and retain more texture than rolled oats. They take about 10 minutes to cook.
Quick Oats
Quick oats are rolled oats that have been cut or chopped into smaller, thinner pieces before rolling. This allows them to cook faster, in just 1-2 minutes.
Instant Oats
Instant oats are pre-cooked, dried, and rolled very thin. They can be prepared in mere seconds with hot water, but have a mushier texture.
Any variety of oats can be used to make delicious oatmeal. Try a few kinds to discover your favorites.
Is Oatmeal Healthy?
Oatmeal is highly nutritious and has many health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why oatmeal is so good for you:
- Rich in Antioxidants – Oats contain polyphenols and avenanthramide antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
- May Lower Cholesterol – The beta-glucan fiber in oats helps remove LDL “bad” cholesterol from the body.
- Helps Control Blood Sugar – The fiber in oatmeal slows digestion and prevents blood sugar spikes.
- High in Fiber – Oatmeal provides 2-4 grams per serving to promote digestive and heart health.
- Contains Protein – Oats provide protein for sustained energy and muscle building/repair.
- Lowers Blood Pressure – Oats contain magnesium that relaxes blood vessels to reduce hypertension.
Oatmeal is associated with many additional benefits like lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It’s a very healthy way to start your day.
Conclusion
Oatmeal is a versatile breakfast food that can be easily saved for later. Refrigerating keeps oatmeal safe to eat for 3-5 days, while freezing extends the shelf life for months. Reheating leftover oatmeal is quick and easy in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven. Customize your oatmeal with healthy mix-ins for extra nutrition and flavor. Oatmeal makes for a tasty, satisfying, and wholesome meal any time of day.