how to reheat oatmeal

How to Reheat Oatmeal?

‘Eating healthy’, is a phrase often heard nowadays.  So what’s better healthy way than to start the day with a wholesome nutritious bowl of oatmeal for breakfast?  If you feel it is too much hassle to be making oatmeal every day, fret no more.  Preparing a large quantity well in advance and refrigerating it solves the problem.  Even if you are pressed for time in the mornings, just reheat your oatmeal and your first healthy meal for the day will be ready in a jiffy.

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Can You Eat Oatmeal The Next Day?      

If you refrigerate the cooked oatmeal the right way, then yes, you can reheat and eat the oatmeal the next day.  So go on, make any type of oatmeal in advance, be it steel cut oats, old fashioned or quick oats and reheat and have it the next day.

Is Oatmeal Okay To Reheat?  

Of course, it is definitely okay to reheat oatmeal.  I would recommend you to prepare a large quantity and store them in individual portions.  This way you only have to take out the number of portions you need to reheat thus saving time and energy and also of course avoid wastage.  You can reheat oatmeal in microwave, stovetop or in regular oven.  If you are pressed for time, I would say the microwave is the best option. 

is oatmeal okay to reheat?

How to Reheat Oatmeal on Stove?                        

Reheating oatmeal is not a difficult task.  Actually all methods for reheating oatmeal are very simple.  Any additional ingredients such as fruit, nuts you may have added earlier will have to be taken out and kept separate.  These can be added after the oatmeal is reheated.

If you are not all that pressed up for time, you can use the stovetop to reheat oatmeal.  All it takes is around 10-15 minutes to fully reheat. 

First take out the refrigerated oatmeal and place in a saucepan.  If you have stored oatmeal in individual portions, then take out the number of portions you need and transfer them to a saucepan.  Add a little water to loosen up the thickness.  For a creamier taste and texture add a few spoons of milk instead of water.  The amount of liquid required depends mainly on how you like to have your porridge. 

The temperature of the stove should be kept on medium low.  Do not attempt to increase he heat in case you need to hurry up.  It might result in the oatmeal getting burned at the bottom.  Place the pan on stovetop with the temperature set on medium-low. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.  Cook until the oatmeal is heated through.    You need to keep stirring to get it heated evenly and to prevent the oatmeal getting burned at the bottom.   Remove immediately from the stovetop when the oatmeal is evenly reheated.

Now you can add your preferred fruit, nuts or syrups and serve immediately.

How to Reheat Oatmeal in Microwave?              

The easiest and the quickest method to reheat oatmeal is to use a microwave. 

Get a microwave-safe bowl and place the stored oatmeal in it. Remove all ingredients like fruit and nuts you may have added previously.  These can be added later.  Adding a little water or milk will give a creamier texture to the oatmeal. Personally I prefer adding milk instead of water.  It is up to you.  Cover the bowl, leaving a small opening to allow the steam to escape.  Place in microwave and cook for 30 seconds at first. Take the bowl out and stir the porridge before replacing in microwave.  Stirring ensures the oatmeal to reheat evenly.

Cook for a further 30 seconds.  Repeat the stirring process until the oatmeal is fully reheated to your liking. 

How Long To Heat up Oatmeal in Microwave?                 

There is no set time for heating up oatmeal in microwave or stovetop for that matter.  You need to heat the oatmeal until it is warmed through evenly.  When microwaving, remember to stop and stir at every 30 second interval to prevent it becoming gooey.

A commonly asked question is how to reheat oatmeal without a microwave.  For those who do not have microwaves, oatmeal can be reheated on stove top or even in oven as well. 

Can you eat a oatmeal the next day?

How to Reheat Oatmeal in Oven?          

Another option is to use an oven to reheat oatmeal.  Of course this method is best if you are left with a large quantity of oatmeal to reheat as it is time consuming.  Although this method takes a little longer time than the other above given methods, you are guaranteed of good results as oatmeal warms up evenly in the oven.  

First pre-heat the oven to 400o degrees Fahrenheit.  Transfer the oatmeal in to an oven safe bowl adding a few spoons of water or milk.  This way the oatmeal will not get mushy or dry.  Applying butter on the baking dish before placing the oatmeal in the dish would give an added flavor to it. Any fruit and nuts added earlier can also be left in the porridge.  You can add some more as toppings, if desired.  

Cover the bowl with an aluminum foil.  Place the bowl in oven.  Cook for 15-20 minutes. You can check and stir the oatmeal for it to get evenly heated.  Remove the oatmeal once well heated.  Serve hot.

If properly stored any leftover oatmeal too can be reheated and enjoyed at a later date.

Average Time and Temperature for Preheating Oatmeal!

Method usedTimeTemperature
Oven15-20 minutes400F
Microwave30 secondsNot Specified
Stove5-10 MinutesMedium Low

What Happens to Oatmeal’s Texture When Reheated?

The texture of the oatmeal tends to change when it is reheated. But it is not due to it being reheated. Oatmeal absorbs liquid during its cooking and cooling process. The more time it is stored in the refrigerator the more liquid it absorbs.  This results in the change of texture when reheating oatmeal.  

Add few spoons of milk or water when reheating oatmeal. This will make it regain its rich and creamy texture and you will have a super smooth oatmeal dish.

How to Store Oatmeal for the Purpose of Reheating?   

It is necessary to keep cooked oatmeal in refrigerator or freezer in order to ensure the oatmeal remains fresh and retain its nutritional value. Properly stored cooked oatmeal can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days and be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The best way is to keep oatmeal in airtight containers. You can also use freezer bags to store oatmeal and can be stacked one on top of the other saving space.  Glass container with airtight lids can also be used to store oatmeal. 

If you intend preparing a large batch of oatmeal in advance, make it as basic as possible.  Any toppings such as fruits, nuts, or syrup can be added on the day of reheating the oatmeal.

You can either keep the oatmeal prepared in advance in one large airtight container if you intend reheating it at one go on another day.  You can also store them in individual portions and take out the number of portions you require for reheating.  This way you are spared of wasting time and energy on a busy morning and also keep food wastage to the minimum. 

You can also dehydrate oatmeal for storing purpose. Dehydrated oatmeal will also have to be kept inside an airtight container and placed in a cool dry and dark area.  Dehydrated oatmeal can be kept for up to 3 months. 

How do you keep oatmeal from getting soggy?

How Do You Keep Oatmeal From Getting Soggy?  

First pour water in pan and let it boil. Add oats and with a pinch of salt.  Avoid stirring too much.  Once or twice is enough.

FAQ                      

How Reheat Oatmeal For Baby?                                              

When reheating oatmeal for a baby it is best to add splash of milk to make it extra creamy. 

Can You Reheat Oatmeal Twice?                             

Definitely ‘yes’ As long as you have not left the warm oatmeal out overnight it is perfectly okay to reheat it. 

Can I Reheat Cooked Oatmeal?

Yes.  All you need is a microwave, stovetop or an oven.  Follow above given instructions to reheat cooked oatmeal and within minutes you can enjoy your bowl of warm oatmeal.

Can You Reheat Baked Oatmeal?

You can reheat baked oatmeal either in microwave or in oven although the microwave is the quickest.

Take out a square of baked oatmeal place in a microwave safe bowl. Splash a few spoons of milk on top. Cover with a microwave safe plate. 

Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Remove bowl from the microwave. Check to see if it is heated through.  If no, return bowl back and microwave for a further few seconds. 

If you have time to spare and you need to reheat the whole baked oatmeal, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil and reheat at 350o degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. If baking individual portions bake for 5-10 minutes at the same temperature. 

What Is The Best Way To Reheat Oatmeal?    

All methods given above for reheating oatmeal are simple and easy. The main idea behind preparing oatmeal in advance for the week is to reduce cooking time on time pressed mornings.  So the best method to reheat oatmeal is to use the microwave.  If you do not have enough time, avoid using the stovetop or oven to reheat oatmeal.

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