Oatmeal is a traditional and healthy breakfast option, but making it in small batches every morning can be time-consuming. But can you make oatmeal in Bulk?
Yes, you can make oatmeal in bulk! Simply increase the quantity of your favorite oatmeal recipe and cook in a large pot or slow cooker. Also, you can make overnight oats in bulk by combining oats, milk, and your preferred toppings in a large container and refrigerating them. Enjoy a nutritious and convenient breakfast throughout the week!
In this article, we will discuss techniques for cooking oatmeal in bulk and storing it for later use.
Contents
How to Make Oatmeal in Bulk?
Making oatmeal in bulk is a great way to have a healthy and convenient breakfast ready to go all week long. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose your recipe: Start by finding a recipe for oatmeal that you love. You can use a traditional stovetop recipe, or opt for a slow cooker or overnight oats method.
- Multiply the ingredients: Once you have your recipe, simply multiply the ingredients by the desired amount to make a larger batch. For example, if you want to make 5 servings of oatmeal, multiply the ingredients by 5.
- Cook the oatmeal: If you’re using a stovetop recipe, cook the oatmeal in a large pot according to the recipe instructions. If you’re using a slow cooker, add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For overnight oats, mix the oats, milk, and desired toppings in a large container and store them in the fridge overnight.
- Enjoy: Once the oatmeal is cooked, portion it out into individual servings and store it in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy your bulk oatmeal all week long!
Read Also: Can You Make Oatmeal Ahead?
Tips and Techniques to make Oatmeal in bulk
Below are a few amazing tips and techniques to make oatmeal in bulk:
- Choosing the Right Oats
When it comes to making oatmeal in bulk, the type of oats you choose will make a big difference in the final product. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are the most common type of oats used for oatmeal and work well for bulk cooking.
They are made by steaming and rolling whole oat grains, which gives them a slightly flattened shape and a chewy texture.
Quick oats, on the other hand, are made by cutting the oat grains into smaller pieces before they are steamed and rolled. This makes them cook faster, but they can also become mushy and lose their texture when cooked in bulk.
Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are made by cutting the oat grains into small pieces with a steel blade. They have a chewy texture and nutty flavor, but they take longer to cook than rolled oats and may not be the best choice for bulk cooking.
- Determining the Ratio of Oats to Liquid
The ratio of oats to liquid is important for achieving the desired consistency of your bulk-cooked oatmeal. As a general rule, 1 cup of rolled oats will yield about 3 cups of cooked oatmeal when cooked with 2 cups of liquid.
However, the amount of liquid you use may vary depending on your personal preference for the thickness of your oatmeal. For a thicker, creamier consistency, you may want to use a little less liquid, while for a thinner, porridge-like consistency, you may want to use a little more.
- Cooking the Oatmeal
There are several methods for cooking oatmeal in bulk, including on the stovetop, in the microwave, and in a slow cooker.
Stovetop method: To cook oatmeal on the stovetop, combine the oats and liquid in a pot and bring them to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the oats are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. You can also add any mix-ins or sweeteners at this point, such as raisins, nuts, or honey.
Microwave method: To cook oatmeal in the microwave, combine the oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the oats are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir the oatmeal well and add any mix-ins or sweeteners as desired.
Slow cooker method: To cook oatmeal in a slow cooker, combine the oats and liquid in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the oats are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. You can also add any mix-ins or sweeteners at this point, such as dried fruit, nuts, or maple syrup.
- Storing the Oatmeal
Once the oatmeal has been cooked, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To store oatmeal in the refrigerator, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
Once the oatmeal has been cooked, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
To store oatmeal in the refrigerator, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also portion the oatmeal into individual servings and store them in the fridge for quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast options.
To store oatmeal in the freezer, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat the oatmeal, simply thaw it in the fridge or microwave it until it’s heated through.
- Reheating the Oatmeal
There are a few different ways to reheat bulk-cooked oatmeal, depending on your preference and the amount of time you have available.
Microwave method: To reheat oatmeal in the microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You may need to add a little extra liquid if the oatmeal seems too thick after reheating.
Stovetop method: To reheat oatmeal on the stovetop, transfer it to a pot and add a little extra liquid if needed. Heat the oatmeal over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
Slow cooker method: To reheat oatmeal in a slow cooker, transfer it to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 1-2 hours, or until it’s heated through.
Read Also: Can You Make Oatmeal the Day Before?
Final Thought
By following these tips and techniques for bulk cooking and storing oatmeal, you can enjoy a quick and convenient breakfast option that is both tasty and nourishing.
Whether you prefer your oatmeal plain or topped with your favorite mix-ins, bulk cooking is a great way to save time and money while still eating a healthy breakfast every day. So, you can definitely make oatmeal in bulk and enjoy it throughout the week.
FAQs | Make Oatmeal in Bulk
Following are the faqs related to making oatmeal in Bulk:
Can I Use Any Type Of Oats To Make Oatmeal In Bulk?
Yes, you can use any type of oats to make oatmeal in bulk. This includes old-fashioned oats, steel-cut oats, quick oats, and even rolled oats. Just choose the type of oats that you prefer and follow your desired recipe.
Can I Make Oatmeal In Bulk Using A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make oatmeal in bulk using a slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This is a great option if you want to have hot, freshly cooked oatmeal ready when you wake up in the morning.
Can I Make Overnight Oats In Bulk?
Yes, you can make overnight oats in bulk by mixing oats, milk, and your desired toppings in a large container and storing them in the fridge overnight. This is a convenient option if you want to have oats ready to eat in the morning, but don’t want to spend time cooking them.
Can I Freeze Oatmeal That I’ve Made In Bulk?
Yes, you can freeze oatmeal that you’ve made in bulk. Simply portion out the oatmeal into individual servings and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the oatmeal in the fridge or microwave and add your favorite toppings.
What Are Some Good Toppings For Oatmeal Made In Bulk?
There are many delicious toppings that you can add to oatmeal made in bulk. Some options include fruit (such as berries, bananas, and apples), nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds), and sweeteners (such as honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar).
You can also add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor. Experiment to find your favorite combination!