Quick & Hearty Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal Recipe

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I try to start my kids off each day with a high-protein and fiber-rich breakfast. When they start the day with a healthy breakfast with some staying power, it helps keep them on task and focused throughout the morning.

I usually make this simple gluten-free instant oatmeal when we're running short on time (or just because they've asked for it for the third time this week!). It's so easy. Often, the kids make it for themselves.

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Before we jump into the recipe, I have to answer an important question: Are oats gluten-free?

Yes, oats are a naturally gluten-free food. However, they are one of the more highly cross-contaminated foods. Unless certified gluten-free, they're usually processed in facilities that also process wheat, rye, and barley—grains that contain gluten.

If you have celiac disease or are particularly sensitive to gluten, you need to look for certified gluten-free oats. Even though the oats are gluten-free on their own, they may be unsafe to eat if processed on equipment shared with other gluten products.

Our favorite brand is Bob's Red Mill. For this recipe, we use the Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats. We also like their Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, but they are better for stovetop cooking. In this recipe, we'll cook the oats by adding boiling water to a bowl or mug with our other ingredients.

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Ingredients

• 3/4 cup boiling water

• 1/2 cup gluten-free quick cooking oats

• 1 tbsp gluten-free chia seeds

• 1 tbsp gluten-free flaxseed meal

• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 to 3 tsp pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup unsweetened gluten-free oat or coconut milk (optional)

Equipment

• small heat-safe bowl or large mug

• a cover or small cutting board

• kettle or saucepan for boiling water

• microwave-safe liquid measuring cup (for optional milk)

Mix-In Ideas:

• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds

• 1/4 cup raisins or other dried fruit

• 1/4 apple, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries

• 1 tbsp nut butter
  

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Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal Instructions

Step 1:

Set a kettle of water to boil. While waiting, mix the dry ingredients, vanilla, and mix-in toppings in your heat-safe container. My kids prefer a large mug with nuts and fruit.

Combine all the ingredients to distribute them evenly, then drizzle the maple syrup on top.

Step 2:

Add boiling water to your bowl or mug until the ingredients are just covered, about 3/4 of a cup. Cover for two minutes to allow the oats to cook.

Step 3 (optional):

One of my kids prefers dryer oats, while the other likes them swimming in milk. I like mine somewhere in between. If you like creamier oatmeal, add your milk to a microwave-safe glass measuring cup and warm in the microwave.

Milk takes about 30 seconds to heat up in our microwave, but this will vary depending on your oven. Watch the milk as it heats. You want it a little steamy, but you do not want it close to boiling.

My kiddo who likes the oats swimming in milk actually prefers the milk cold, right out of the fridge. It's not how I would suggest serving the oatmeal, but it could save you a step if your child is similar.

Step 4:

Uncover the oats—if you want a creamier mug, stir in the milk—and enjoy!

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Meal Prep Option

This instant oatmeal recipe comes together so quickly that I don't usually bother prepping ahead of time. However, my family loves to camp, and I often make individual oatmeal packets to take with us on our adventures. If meal prepping is your thing, or you share my love of camping, here are some meal prep tips:

Tip 1:

Make up individual size portions of the dry ingredients. These will last weeks in your pantry. If you're using dried fruit and nuts, you can add those as well. I'd suggest eating these portions within a week.

When you're ready to enjoy your quick and hearty instant oatmeal, pour your prepped ingredients into your heat-safe container, add the maple syrup, vanilla, and additional toppings, then start at step 2 above.

Tip 2:

Small- to medium-sized mason jars or reusable silicone bags are perfect for prepping single servings of these instant oats. Mason jars are heat-safe, so you can actually add your boiling water right into the jar when you're ready for a hot breakfast.

The mason jar option works best for older kids and adults, but I wouldn't suggest it for your littlest oatmeal lovers. When you first add the boiling water, the glass can get pretty hot to the touch.

Tip 3:

Get the kids involved in meal prep. I divide up the ingredients and assign them to my kiddos. They make quick work of prepping our camping meals in a little assembly line.

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