Are you exhausted from rushing to prepare oatmeal every morning? Wondering if can you make oatmeal the day before and reheat it for a speedy breakfast.
You can easily prepare the oatmeal the day before and use it by reheating it the next morning. Use old-fashioned oats or steel-cut oats for the best texture when reheating, and wait to add any mix-ins until the oatmeal is ready to be served. Cook oatmeal as you normally would, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The following day, it can be easily reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
Continue reading to learn more about preparing and storing overnight oatmeal.
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How to Make Oatmeal the Day Before?
Making oatmeal the day before is as simple as cooking up a batch of oatmeal as you normally would. Just follow your favorite recipe, or use the instructions on the back of the oatmeal package. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use old-fashioned oats or steel-cut oats for the best texture when reheated. Quick oats tend to get mushy when reheated.
- Don’t add too much liquid when cooking the oatmeal. Oatmeal absorbs liquid as it sits, so if you add too much liquid, it will become soupy when you reheat it.
- If you’re adding any mix-ins, like nuts, dried fruit, or spices, hold off on adding them until you’re ready to serve the oatmeal. These ingredients can lose their texture or flavor when reheated.
Once your oatmeal is cooked, let it cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Read Also: Does Milk Make Oatmeal Taste Better?
How to Reheat Oatmeal the Next Day?
There are a few different ways to reheat oatmeal the next day. Here are a few options:
- Microwave: The easiest and quickest way to reheat oatmeal is in the microwave. Just transfer the oatmeal to a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or water (if needed) to loosen it up, and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s hot. Stir the oatmeal well before serving.
- Stovetop: To reheat oatmeal on the stovetop, transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s hot. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
- Oven: To reheat oatmeal in the oven, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot.
How Long Does Oatmeal Last in the Refrigerator?
Oatmeal will last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. After that, it may start to spoil or develop off-flavors. It’s always a good idea to label your oatmeal with the date you made it, so you know how long it’s been in the refrigerator.
What are the benefits of making oatmeal a day before?
There are several benefits to making oatmeal the day before:
- Time-saving: One of the main benefits of making oatmeal the day before is that it can save you time in the morning. Instead of spending time cooking up a batch of oatmeal from scratch, you can simply reheat the oatmeal you made the day before.
- Convenience: Having pre-made oatmeal in the refrigerator means you have a quick and easy breakfast option ready to go on busy mornings. Simply reheat the oatmeal and add your favorite mix-ins, and you have a tasty and convenient breakfast in no time.
- Meal prep: Making oatmeal the day before can also be a great way to meal prep for the week. Cook up a big batch of oatmeal and portion it out into individual servings, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, you have a healthy breakfast option ready to go every day.
- Variety: Making oatmeal the day before can also allow you to mix up your breakfast routine and try out different oatmeal flavors and mix-ins. For example, you could make a batch of apple cinnamon oatmeal one day, and a batch of berry oatmeal the next.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze oatmeal! In fact, freezing oatmeal can be a great way to have a quick and easy breakfast ready to go on busy mornings. Just cook up a batch of oatmeal as you normally would, let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date, then freeze it for up to 3 months.
To thaw and reheat frozen oatmeal, transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you want to eat it. You can also thaw it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir the oatmeal well before serving, as it may have separated or become clumpy while freezing.
It’s worth noting that some people find that the texture of oatmeal changes slightly when it’s frozen and thawed. It may become a little softer or mushy. However, this shouldn’t affect the flavor of the oatmeal, and it will still be a tasty and convenient breakfast option.
Freezing oatmeal can be a great way to make a big batch of oatmeal and have individual servings ready to go for busy mornings. Just portion out the oatmeal into individual containers or bags, then freeze them. When you’re ready to eat, thaw a serving in the refrigerator or microwave, then heat it up and add your favorite mix-ins.
Read Also: How to Make Oatmeal in Microwave?
Final Thought
Making oatmeal the day before is a great time-saving hack for busy mornings. Not only can it save you time in the morning, but it also provides a quick and convenient breakfast option that you can customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Additionally, making oatmeal the day before can be a useful tool for meal prep, allowing you to have a healthy breakfast option ready to go every day. And with the option to freeze oatmeal, you can have an easy breakfast option on hand for even the busiest of mornings.
So go ahead and try making oatmeal the day before and see how it can simplify your breakfast routine.
FAQs | Make Oatmeal the Day Before
Here are five frequently asked questions about making oatmeal the day before:
Can You Make Oatmeal The Day Before?
Yes, you can make oatmeal the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to use old-fashioned oats or steel-cut oats for the best texture when reheated, and hold off on adding any mix-ins until you’re ready to serve the oatmeal.
How Do You Reheat Oatmeal The Next Day?
There are a few different ways to reheat oatmeal the next day. You can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, or heat it up on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat.
You can also heat it in the oven by transferring it to an oven-safe dish and baking it at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
How Long Does Oatmeal Last In The Refrigerator?
Oatmeal will last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. After that, it may start to spoil or develop off-flavors. It’s always a good idea to label your oatmeal with the date you made it, so you know how long it’s been in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze oatmeal for up to 3 months. Just cook up a batch of oatmeal as you normally would, let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
To thaw and reheat frozen oatmeal, transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you want to eat it, or thaw it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Does The Texture Of Oatmeal Change When It’s Frozen And Thawed?
Some people find that the texture of oatmeal changes slightly when it’s frozen and thawed. It may become a little softer or mushy. However, this shouldn’t affect the flavor of the oatmeal, and it will still be a tasty and convenient breakfast option.