Preparing oatmeal for breakfast is always a nutritious and quick option, but we don’t have enough time to prepare it every day, so can you make oatmeal ahead?
Yes, you can make overnight oats, make-ahead oatmeal, slow cooker oatmeal, and freezer oatmeal in advance. Every method has its own advantage and disadvantage now it depends on you which one you choose. However, whether you are in a hurry or just want to get breakfast ready to go, o make oatmeal in advance is a convenient and healthy option for you.
This article explores various methods for preparing and storing oatmeal so that it remains fresh and delicious.
Contents
What is oatmeal?
Oatmeal is a type of porridge made from oats, which are a type of cereal grain. Oats are typically ground into flour or coarsely chopped, and then cooked in water or milk to create a soft, creamy consistency.
Oatmeal is typically served as a hot breakfast food and is often sweetened with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners, and topped with fruit, nuts, or other mix-ins. Oatmeal is a popular breakfast choice because it is quick, easy, and nutritious, and it is high in fiber and protein.
Read Also: Can You Make Oatmeal the Day Before?
Ways to make Oatmeal ahead
Following are the ways to make oatmeal ahead:
Overnight Oats
One of the most popular ways to make oatmeal ahead is to prepare “overnight oats.” This involves mixing together oats, milk or yogurt, and any desired toppings or mix-ins in a jar or container, and letting it sit in the fridge overnight. The oats will soften and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy and delicious breakfast that is ready to eat in the morning.
To make overnight oats, you can use old-fashioned oats or steel-cut oats, although old-fashioned oats tend to work best because they are more pliable and softer. You can also use any type of milk or yogurt, depending on your preference. Some people like to add fruit, nuts, seeds, or other mix-ins to their overnight oats to add flavor and nutrition.
To store overnight oats, you can use a jar with a lid or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to label and date the container, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. Overnight oats will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, so you can make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
Make-Ahead Oatmeal
Another way to make oatmeal ahead is to actually cook the oats on the stove or in the microwave and then store them in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to eat them. This is a good option if you prefer hot oatmeal or if you want to make a larger batch that will last for several days.
To make make-ahead oatmeal, you can use the same method as you would for cooking oatmeal on the stove or in the microwave. Just be sure to let the oatmeal cool completely before storing it in the fridge or freezer. You can store cooked oatmeal in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat make-ahead oatmeal, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container for about a minute, or heat it on the stove in a saucepan until it reaches your desired temperature. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to the oatmeal to help it rehydrate if it has become too dry.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
If you have a slow cooker, you can use it to make oatmeal ahead of time. Slow cooker oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings because it cooks while you sleep, so you can wake up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast.
To make slow cooker oatmeal, you’ll need to mix together oats, liquid (such as milk or water), and any desired mix-ins (such as fruit, nuts, or seeds) in a slow cooker. Then, set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 8 hours, or until the oats are tender.
Slow cooker oatmeal is a great way to make oatmeal ahead of time because it is so convenient. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll wake up to a delicious and hot breakfast. You can also use a slow cooker to make a larger batch of oatmeal, which will last for several days. To reheat slow cooker oatmeal, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container or heat it on the stove in a saucepan until it reaches your desired temperature.
Freezer Oatmeal
Another option for making oatmeal ahead is to freeze it. This is a good option if you want to make a large batch of oatmeal that will last for several weeks. To freeze oatmeal, you’ll need to cook it on the stove or in the microwave and then let it cool completely.
Once the oatmeal is cool, you can portion it out into individual servings and place them in a plastic bag or container. Make sure to label and date the bag or container, and store it in the freezer until you are ready to eat it.
To thaw and reheat frozen oatmeal, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container for about a minute, or heat it on the stove in a saucepan until it reaches your desired temperature. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to the oatmeal to help it rehydrate if it has become too dry.
Pros and Cons of Making Oatmeal Ahead
While making oatmeal ahead can be convenient and save time, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. One potential downside is that oatmeal can become dry or lose its texture when it is stored in the fridge or freezer. This can be mitigated by adding a little bit of milk or water when reheating the oatmeal to help it rehydrate.
Another potential drawback is that some people may prefer the taste and texture of freshly cooked oatmeal. While make-ahead oatmeal can be tasty and convenient, it may not be quite as good as freshly cooked oatmeal. This is a matter of personal preference, and you’ll have to decide for yourself which method works best for you.
Read Also: Does Milk Make Oatmeal Taste Better?
Conclusion
There are several ways to make oatmeal ahead of time, including overnight oats, make-ahead oatmeal, slow cooker oatmeal, and freezer oatmeal. Each method has its own pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which method works best for you. Whether you’re in a rush in the morning or just want to have breakfast ready to go, making oatmeal ahead can be a convenient and delicious option.
FAQs | Can You Make Oatmeal Ahead
Here are five relevant FAQs for the topic of Can You Make Oatmeal Ahead?:
Can You Make Oatmeal The Night Before?
Yes, you can make oatmeal the night before by preparing “overnight oats.” This involves mixing together oats, milk, or yogurt, and any desired toppings or mix-ins in a jar or container, and letting it sit in the fridge overnight.
The oats will soften and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy and delicious breakfast that is ready to eat in the morning.
How Do You Store Make-Ahead Oatmeal?
To store make-ahead oatmeal, you can use a jar with a lid or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to label and date the container, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to eat it.
Cooked oatmeal will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze oatmeal. To freeze oatmeal, you’ll need to cook it on the stove or in the microwave and then let it cool completely.
Once the oatmeal is cool, you can portion it out into individual servings and place them in a plastic bag or container. Make sure to label and date the bag or container, and store it in the freezer until you are ready to eat it.
How Do You Reheat Frozen Oatmeal?
To thaw and reheat frozen oatmeal, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container for about a minute, or heat it on the stove in a saucepan until it reaches your desired temperature.
You may need to add a splash of milk or water to the oatmeal to help it rehydrate if it has become too dry.
Is It Better To Eat Oatmeal Fresh Or Make It Ahead Of Time?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some people may prefer the taste and texture of freshly cooked oatmeal, while others may find that make-ahead oatmeal is more convenient and still tastes good. It’s up to you to decide which method works best for you.