Why This Recipe Works

Save time and money—and get better tasting instant oatmeal—by stirring up a big batch of this instant oatmeal mix. Once it’s ready, kids (and grown-ups!) can heat up a bowl of creamy, filling instant oatmeal in minutes, whenever they want. We start with old-fashioned rolled oats. The key to achieving the right texture in our finished mix is to finely chop half the oats in the food processor. Oats that have been cut into tiny pieces cook superquickly—keeping this recipe “instant”—while the whole oats cook more slowly and provide a nice chewy contrast. As they’re eating their oatmeal, ask kids if they notice the two different textures.

Before You Begin

This recipe is flavored with classic cinnamon, but you can also try these two flavor variations. To make Strawberries and Cream Instant Oatmeal Mix: Increase sugar to ½ cup. In step 1 of Instant Oatmeal Mix, add 3 cups freeze-dried strawberries and 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder to food processor along with sugar. To make Blueberry-Almond Instant Oatmeal Mix: Increase sugar to ½ cup. In step 1 of Instant Oatmeal Mix, add ¾ cup freeze-dried blueberries and ¾ cup slivered almonds to food processor along with sugar.

Instructions

For the instant oatmeal mix: Add sugar, salt, cinnamon, and 2¼ cups oats to food processor and lock lid into place. Hold down pulse button for 1 second, then release. Repeat until oats are finely chopped and mostly broken down, about ten 1-second pulses.

Remove lid and carefully remove processor blade (ask an adult for help). Transfer mixture to large bowl.

Add remaining 2¼ cups oats to bowl. Use rubber spatula to stir until very well combined, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to airtight storage container. (Instant oatmeal mix can be stored at room temperature for at least 2 months.)

To make one serving of oatmeal: Before you start, whisk the Instant Oatmeal Mix inside the container to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Combine water and ⅓ cup Instant Oatmeal Mix in microwave-safe serving bowl. Place small microwave-safe plate on top of bowl and heat in microwave for 1 minute. Use spoon to stir mixture. Continue to heat in microwave until mixture is thickened and liquid is mostly absorbed, 30 to 60 seconds. Use oven mitts to remove bowl from microwave. Serve. (Oatmeal will continue to thicken as it cools.)