Can oats be reheated? - The best way

Oats are one of the first things that come to mind when we think of breakfast. It is a first meal of the day highly appreciated for its great nutritional value and its versatility. The only thing that can keep you from having oatmeal for breakfast several times a week is the cooking process.

Have you ever wondered if you can reheat oatmeal? Yes, you can reheat oats. The two ways we recommend to do this are on the stovetop or in the microwave. The method you choose depends on the texture you are looking for. The microwave can turn oats into a goo if you’re not careful, so the stovetop is the best option if you’re picky.

Read on to find out more about how to reheat oats. From the best methods to oatmeal meal prep ideas, we’ve covered it all in this article.

Reheating oats: Is it a good idea?

Oat flakes are a typical breakfast for many people. It may seem simple and unappetizing, but with the right additions of fruits, nuts and syrups, the simplest porridge becomes a heavenly meal.

But what if you’ve made too much for the day? Or do you want to prepare oatmeal in advance?

Cooking the oats can take up to 25 minutes, depending on the type of oats you use. Not everyone has time for it every morning. But there’s good news for all you busy oat lovers out there. You can make it once and reheat it for the following days.

Reheating the oats won’t take too long. Even so, you will get a nutritious and filling meal that will accompany you throughout the day.

As long as you haven’t left the hot rolled oats out overnight, it’s safe to reheat them . There is a misconception that foods that do not contain animal products are less likely to spoil. So many people may think that leaving hot oatmeal on the counter until morning won’t spoil it.

Leaving cooked oats out overnight is not a wise thing to do. If there are any bacteria in the oats, leaving them overnight at their prime will bring about some health problems.

Keep in mind that once water is added to dry goods, in this case oats, it’s best to pay attention to where you store them.

The best way to reheat oats

Reheating oats is a fairly easy task. It’s so much easier than cooking it while you’re sleepy or just finished a good sweaty workout.

There are two ways to reheat pre-cooked oatmeal.

The stove method

To reheat rolled oats on the stove, just put some in a pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes . Remember to keep the heat on medium or low so that the oats heat evenly.

Tip : Add a little water to your porridge to restore its texture. You can always substitute milk for water if you want a creamier finish.

The microwave method

Reheating rolled oats in the microwave is as easy as it sounds. As always, the microwave is an option for those short on time. It won’t take you more than 2 minutes to heat the previously cooked oats.

All you have to do is put some oats in a microwave-safe bowl, add some water or milk, cover the bowl and microwave it for at least 45 seconds.

Next, stir and microwave the oats again for more seconds. You can repeat this until you are satisfied with the temperature of the porridge.

Tip : Move the rolled oats to the sides of the bowl so they heat evenly. Doing this will also help you heat up the porridge more quickly.

How to prepare and store oats for the week

If you want to make oatmeal for the whole week, it will take about 45 minutes. Instead, you will have a delicious breakfast prepared for several days in a row.

To make the oats, take 2 1/2 cups of oats, add 5 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt.

Once the oats are ready, let them sit for a while to cool. Then divide it into as many portions as you need. You can store the oats in containers or Mason jars.

In the morning, you will be surprised how quickly you can prepare a balanced and nutritious breakfast. All you have to do is put your daily ration in the microwave or reheat it in a saucepan for a few minutes.

Precooked and reheated rolled oats are very versatile. If you’re worried about getting bored eating rolled oats for several days in a row, here are some ways to make them different every day:

• Add a fried egg to get your daily dose of protein
• Coat the rolled oats with a little brown sugar and use a kitchen torch to get a crispy coating on the creamy porridge.
• Mix in cinnamon or other spices to wow your taste buds with a sweet and spicy breakfast
• For the classic of the genre, add fresh or dried fruits, raisins, nuts or seeds to your porridge

Pre-cooked rolled oats stored in the fridge in portions will cut your breakfast preparation time in half, while allowing you to enjoy the luxury of having a variety of options.

Another great thing about having pre-cooked oatmeal in the fridge is that you not only have breakfast to make ahead of time, but also lunch and dinner if necessary.

If you prefer steel cut oats and want to shorten the cooking time in the morning, you can follow this Clean & Delicious recipe tutorial on YouTube:

Related questions

Can the oats be made ahead of time?

If your morning schedule is very hectic and you barely have time to prepare yourself a hearty breakfast, then you might consider cooking some oatmeal in advance.

Whether you like quick-cooking oats or old-fashioned ones that require longer cooking, you can make 5-day-old porridge ahead of time.

Cook the oats according to the instructions. Afterwards, she lets it cool down and divides it into portions.

If you need a serving of oats for the next day, you can opt for quick-cooking oats. Mix the oats with the amount of liquid suggested in the instructions and leave it in the fridge overnight.

The oats will absorb the liquid, and in the morning it will take a few minutes to finish cooking them.  You will only have to heat the oat flakes in the microwave for 2 or 3 minutes until they boil.

The stovetop method will also work well. Just don’t forget to stir and add some liquid if necessary. A few fruits, a splash of your favorite syrup and the perfect breakfast will be ready in less than 5 minutes.

Can rolled oats be reheated in the oven?

If you like a hot stew for breakfast, baked oat flakes may be your favorite food. If you think there’s no way you can make rolled oats in the morning, it’s best to make them ahead of time and reheat them later.

Microwaving baked oats works well. You can reheat the whole batch or take out the amount you want to have a healthy breakfast several days in a row.

Whether you make it with milk or water, baked oats should be kept in the fridge, covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. 

If you want to extend the life of your baked oat flakes, you can store them in the fridge. When popping baked oatmeal in the freezer, it’s much more convenient to divide it into squares and store portioned for later use.

Does the texture of oats change when reheated?

When oats cool after cooking, their texture changes and they become thicker. The longer the oats are kept in the fridge, the more liquid they will absorb . That is why it is recommended to add a splash of water or milk to the porridge when reheating it.

Once the liquid has been added, you can enjoy a smooth and creamy texture as if it were freshly made.

How long can you keep porridge in the fridge?

If preparing meals for the week is something you like to do, then add oatmeal to your list. You can keep well-cooked oatmeal in the fridge for up to 6 days … it seems the most suitable if you need breakfasts to carry out.

To keep your pre-cooked oats good while in the fridge, be sure to store them in an airtight container or tightly closed plastic bag.

Can rolled oats be frozen?

If you are one of those people who like to freeze anything to prevent it from going bad, cooked oatmeal is another product that you can keep in the freezer.

Cooked oats can be kept in the freezer for 3 to 6 months. The freezing method is suitable for both steel cut and instant oats.

Whether you decide to freeze your oats in a container or a plastic bag, be sure to make it as airtight as possible so that the oats will still taste fresh when reheated. 

To reheat frozen oats, microwave them for 2 or more minutes until they reach the desired temperature for your meal.  Do not forget to add a splash of water or milk if necessary.