Best Stovetop Oatmeal (No Sugar Added!)

Packets of oatmeal are tempting! Pour, add liquid, microwave, and enjoy! 

While these breakfast pouches might be the pinnacle of convenience, most of the fun flavors like brown sugar cinnamon and apple pie come with a hidden price—added sugar.

Our stovetop oatmeal recipe is sweetened naturally and keeps you full. 

The best part? 

It only takes 10 minutes to make. Sounds pretty convenient to us. 

How to Make Stovetop Oatmeal

Here’s why this oatmeal recipe works:

Rolled Oats

You can use whichever oats you have available but be sure to follow the liquid ratio given on the package. 

A general rule of thumb is double the liquid per dry oats. 

Milk 

We use organic whole milk in our recipe. 

Whole milk is creamier and has higher fat, keeping you satisfied for a long time. 

If you prefer to go plant-based, that will work just fine. 

We recommend a creamier variety like oat milk (talk about meta), hemp milk, or even coconut milk (although this will give a distinct flavor).

Water

Using a whole cup of milk is possible here, but we find that using half milk and half water produces the best consistency and texture for these oats.

Ripe Banana 

The key to the recipe! 

The riper bananas become, the sweeter they taste (this has to do with the process of starch breaking down). 

This is an all-natural sweetener you didn’t know existed. 

By allowing these to warm up and cook alongside the oats, the sweet flavor develops even more and integrates into the entire bowl of oatmeal, rather than as just a cold topping.

Dash of Cinnamon

This comes with the territory. 

In addition to being a perfect oatmeal pairing, cinnamon also happens to be high in antioxidants!

Tips on Making Stovetop Oatmeal

Here are some tips you can use to make your oatmeal perfect:

1. Don’t Just Use Water

Oats, like other grains, absorb the liquid that you cook them in. So if you’re cooking your oats with plain water, they probably won’t taste that great. Our recipe calls for whole milk, cinnamon, and half of a very ripe banana as cooking liquid for the oats. This allows each little oat granule to be steeped in sweetness and healthy fat, lending to a tastier and creamier breakfast.

2. Use Low or Medium Heat

The heat should also be low to medium. 

Starting this off too high will overheat the sugars in the banana and will also cause a sticky mess at the bottom of your pot. 

3. Add Flavor!

Our last tip is to use flavors you love. 

You could totally add a splash of vanilla extract here and top with peanut butter if that’s your style. Oatmeal is truly a vessel much like other grains and starches. 

For example, steamed potatoes aren’t the best, but roast them in healthy fat and coat with herbs and spices and they become phenomenal. 

Oats are no different. 

Think about ways to add flavor (ideally, without adding unnecessary sugar) into your cooking and watch your dishes transform!

Why Oatmeal for Breakfast?

Oatmeal is a great way to start your morning because it is filling and made with whole ingredients—so no sugar crash. 

But oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring, bland, or artificially flavored. 

With really simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time and is a perfect form of self care any morning of the week. 

Enjoy!

Stovetop Oatmeal Recipe

A delicious way to make stovetop oatmeal with whole ingredients!

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Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 1 serving

Calories 279 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk of choice
• ½ cup water
• ½ very ripe banana, cut into small pieces
• Dash of cinnamon
• Optional: fruit, seeds, and nuts for topping

Instructions

 

• Heat stovetop to low-medium heat under a small saucepan
• Add all ingredients into the saucepan and stir until combined
• Once oats are desired consistency (majority of liquid should be absorbed), remove from heat and serve warm
• Optional: top with fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 541mgFiber: 6gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 235IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 2mg

Keyword banana, oatmeal

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