Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

Name: Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Ingredients: 5 cups quick cooking oats; 10 tablespoons brown sugar; 5 teaspoons cinnamon; 10 pinches salt; water or milk

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Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets are an easy breakfast to prep and have on hand for busy mornings! A basic recipe with loads of flavor varieties. Plus, these packets are simple enough for the kids to make breakfast on their own!

I grew up eating oatmeal packets. I loved them, I still do! My kids also love oatmeal, however I do not love all the processed ingredients that are in the packaged oatmeal packets. With this easy recipe, you can control what you put in your oatmeal. Plus, I share loads of flavor suggestions!

The convenience of the packets is what I really liked as a kid. Everything measured for you, all you did was add water and heat in the microwave. Growing up, I could totally handle that! Now, I make these simple and fast homemade oatmeal packets so my kids can make their own breakfast and sometimes snack too. Turns out creamy and delicious every time!

Homemade instant oatmeal prepped in zip top bags sitting in front of a bowl full of cooked oatmeal.

Ingredients for Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

Quick Cooking Oats
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Salt
Zip Top Bags, Reusable Bags, or Small Containers
Water
Milk

Substitution Suggestions:

Quick Cooking Oats: to ensure the oatmeal cooks quickly, I only use quick oats. Rolled oats can be used, the cooking time is going to increase and the texture of oatmeal will be a bit more thick and chunky.
Brown Sugar: I prefer brown sugar, but you can use any sweetener of choice. White sugar, coconut sugar, or sugar alternatives will work.
Cinnamon: I add cinnamon to every packet. You can leave this out if you prefer and only add it to certain packets as an extra flavor.

How to Make Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

First, gather your ingredients and some zip top bags, reusable bags or small containers.
Add ½ cup of quick oats, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and just a pinch of salt into each bag.
Now add any extra flavors you'd like to make. My kids especially like Berries & Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter.
Once you have finished you can add a label with instructions:
- Empty contents into bowl.
- Add 1 cup water or milk.
- Stir together.
- Cook in microwave for 2 minutes.

Homemade instant oatmeal packets made and in zip top bags surrounded by bowl of ready to make oatmeal and ingredients to make oatmeal.

Flavor Suggestions:

Berries & Cream: Add 1 tablespoon of Freeze Dried Strawberries, Blueberries or other Berries and make oatmeal with milk.
Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 tablespoon of Freeze Dried Apples, chopped Dehydrated Apples or Unsweetened Applesauce and an extra ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon
Chocolate Coconut: Add 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Coconut Chips or Flakes and 1 heaping teaspoon of Mini Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter Banana: Add 1 tablespoon Powdered Peanut Butter and 1 tablespoon Dried Banana Slices
Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tablespoon of Raisins and an extra ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon
Spiced: Add a ½ teaspoon of Allspice
Cranberry Crunch: Add 1 tablespoon of Dried Cranberries & ½ tablespoon of Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of Powdered Peanut Butter and 1 heaping teaspoon of Mini Chocolate Chips
Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice and ½ tablespoon of Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Mango Coconut: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped Dried Mango and 2 tablespoons of Unsweetened Coconut Chips or Flakes
Banana Bread: Add 1 tablespoon Dried Banana Slices, ½ tablespoon of chopped Walnuts and an extra ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon

Make the Oatmeal

Empty the contents of the packet into a large microwave safe bowl.
Add 1 cup water or milk to the bowl and stir the oats and water together.
Microwave the oatmeal for 2 minutes.
Stir and let it cool for a few minutes.
Alternative: Top plain packets with frozen fruit.
If desired, drizzle it with a little milk or cream.

FAQs About Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets

Can you make instant oatmeal in the packet?

Very simple to make homemade instant oatmeal packets. Add ½ cup quick oats, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt to a zip top bag. When ready to make add contents of bag to a microwave safe bowl with 1 cup of water and cook for 2 minutes.

How do I make good oatmeal packets?

There are plenty of flavor variations to add to homemade oatmeal packets. Freeze dried berries, raisins, dehydrated fruit, powdered peanut butter, nuts, chocolate chips and a variety of spices.

How to store homemade oatmeal packets?

Store oatmeal packets in a dry cool area like your pantry, a kitchen drawer or cupboard. Place them in a basket or box to keep it all organized neatly.

Homemade instant oatmeal packets prepared in front of a bowl full of cooked oatmeal topped with blueberries.

Other Easy Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas:

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