Oatmeal is a healthy and affordable breakfast option that can easily be prepared in bulk and stored for up to a week. The key to making oatmeal last is proper storage and reheating. With some simple strategies, you can enjoy delicious homemade oatmeal all week long.
Should you make oatmeal in advance?
Making oatmeal ahead of time and storing it for later in the week has several advantages:
- Saves time – Preparing a big batch on the weekend means your breakfast is ready to grab and go on busy weekday mornings.
- More convenient – Having pre-portioned oatmeal containers ready to reheat makes it an easy breakfast you don’t have to think about.
- Healthier than packaged – Homemade oatmeal doesn’t have the added sugars or preservatives of the instant packets.
- Saves money – Buying regular oats in bulk is cheaper per serving compared to instant oatmeal packets.
As long as you store and reheat it properly, pre-made oatmeal retains its texture and flavor for 3-4 days refrigerated or up to one week frozen.
What’s the best way to store oatmeal?
To maximize how long your oatmeal lasts, follow these storage tips:
- Let cool completely before storing. Hot oatmeal will keep cooking and become mushy.
- Store in airtight containers. Mason jars or food storage containers with lids prevent oxygen exposure which causes spoilage.
- Small portions are best. Divide into single servings or half-cup portions.
- Use shallow containers. This allows the oatmeal to cool faster when refrigerating.
- Refrigerate promptly. Get pre-made oatmeal into the fridge within 1-2 hours.
- Freeze for longer storage. Frozen oatmeal stays good for up to one week.
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your oatmeal from spoiling or getting mushy over the course of the week.
What’s the best way to reheat oatmeal?
The microwave tends to be the quickest and easiest way to reheat oatmeal. For best results, follow these steps:
- Give it a stir. This evenly distributes moisture.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals. Check and stir between intervals to prevent overcooking.
- Add a splash of milk. The liquid helps loosen up the texture.
- Top with fresh fruit. Berries, bananas, and apples taste great with oatmeal.
Refrigerated oatmeal may take 1-2 minutes total, while frozen oatmeal will need at least 3-4 minutes in the microwave. Listen for sizzling sounds or watch for bubbling around the edges to know when it’s hot enough.
Let the heated oatmeal sit for 1 minute before eating. This allows the texture to fully rehydrate if any parts seem too thick or dry.
What are the best oatmeal recipes for meal prepping?
Almost any oatmeal recipe can be prepared in bulk for meal prepping. Here are some great make-ahead options:
Basic Oats
- Rolled or old-fashioned oats
- Milk or water
- Pinch of salt
- Sweetener like brown sugar or honey (optional)
- Fruit like berries or bananas
This simple classic can be endlessly customized with different fruits, nuts, spices, or other mix-ins.
Overnight Oats
- Rolled oats
- Milk or yogurt
- Chia seeds or ground flax
- Cocoa powder, cinnamon or vanilla (optional)
- Mix-ins like peanut butter or protein powder
Layer the ingredients in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and wake up to creamy ready-to-eat oatmeal.
Baked Oatmeal
- Oats
- Milk and eggs
- Fruit like apples, berries, or bananas
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
- Nuts or seeds
Bake a batch in the oven, cut into squares, and store in the fridge to grab all week.
Savory Oatmeal
- Oats cooked in broth
- Sautéed veggies like onions, mushrooms, peppers
- Shredded cheese
- Herbs and spices
- Chopped nuts
- Cooked meat like chicken, bacon, or sausage (optional)
For a heartier breakfast, load up your oatmeal with eggs, veggies, cheese, and lean protein.
What are the best oats to use?
Steel-cut and rolled oats have the best texture for meal prepping compared to quick oats or instant packets.
Steel-Cut Oats
- Chopped whole oat groats
- Hearty, chewy texture
- Takes longer to cook
- Holds up well to reheating
Rolled Oats
- Oat groats steamed and rolled flat
- Soft, creamy texture
- Faster cooking
- Most commonly used for oatmeal
Steel-cut or rolled oats are less processed than quick oats. This makes them better for meal prepping since they don’t get mushy or dried out as quickly.
Quick Oats
- Rolled oats chopped into smaller pieces
- Cooks very quickly
- Can get gluey when reheated
- Best for single-serve instant packets
Avoid quick oats or instant oatmeal packets for meal prepping. The more processed texture doesn’t hold up as well to storage and reheating multiple times.
What are the best add-ins and toppings?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your oatmeal! Here are some healthy and delicious mix-in ideas:
Fruits
- Berries – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
- Bananas
- Apples – chopped or shredded
- Dried fruit – raisins, cranberries, apricots
Fruit adds natural sweetness and fiber. Fresh or frozen berries are delicious mixed right into oats while apples and bananas can be layered or served on top.
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Nut butter – almond, peanut, cashew
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Nuts and seeds provide crunch and healthy fats. Sprinkle them on at the end for added texture.
Sweeteners
- Maple syrup or honey – sparingly for sweetness
- Dark brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Molasses
A touch of sweetener can make oatmeal feel like a treat. But limit added sugars and stick to natural options.
Dairy and Milk Alternatives
- Milk – dairy, almond, soy, oat
- Yogurt – Greek, regular, flavored
- Cheese – cheddar, feta, cottage cheese
Dairy provides creaminess and protein. Non-dairy alternatives work too.
What are the health benefits of oatmeal?
Starting your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal offers many nutritional perks:
Rich in Fiber
- High in soluble fiber from oat beta-glucan
- 4 grams per 1/2 cup cooked oats
- Promotes gut health and reduces cholesterol
- Keeps you feeling full and satisfied
Good Source of Protein
- Provides about 5 grams per 1/2 cup serving
- Contains protein for building and repairing muscle
Rich in Important Vitamins and Minerals
- High in manganese and phosphorus
- Also provides iron, magnesium, zinc, folate, and B vitamins
Whole Grain Goodness
- Made from whole, minimally processed oat groats
- Provides antioxidants, phytonutrients, and bran
- Linked to reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes
Oatmeal is truly a nutritious way to fuel your morning. Enjoying a bowl on busy workday mornings provides lasting energy.
Conclusion
Preparing oatmeal in bulk and storing it to enjoy all week long is simple and convenient. With proper storage containers, refrigeration or freezing, and some microwave reheating, you can make a healthy and quick breakfast with no hassle. Customize your oats with different fruits, nuts, spices, and other mix-ins so you look forward to each bowl. Starting your day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal provides a nutritional boost to power you through your morning.