Okay, so when I say famous I mean famous in my house. My kids would back me up on this though. This has been a breakfast staple in our home for over 8 years and there is a reason it has stuck around that long, it is just that good.

Here is my thing with oatmeal. I love it. I really do. But I cannot do chunky, thick, pasty oatmeal that sits in the bowl like a brick. That is not what we are doing here. What I wanted was oatmeal that felt creamy and smooth, almost like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl. The kind of breakfast that makes you slow down for a minute and actually enjoy your morning. And after years of tweaking and adjusting and adding more liquid than the box ever told me to, I finally landed on exactly what I was looking for.

And that is the biggest thing I want you to take away from this recipe before we even get started,  it is okay to not follow the box instructions. The box is a suggestion. You are in charge of your oatmeal. If you want it creamier, add more liquid. If you want it thicker, cook it a little longer. This recipe is yours to make exactly the way you like it. I just figured out the starting point that works beautifully every single time.

The secret? Using both milk AND water. The water cooks the oats and the milk makes it rich and creamy and dreamy. Together they create something so much better than either one alone. Once you make it this way you will never go back to just water again, I promise you that.

Let’s Make It

Here is something a little different about this recipe, you are going to start with the stove off. Add your oatmeal, milk, and water to the pot first, then turn the stove on to medium heat. This helps everything come together more evenly from the start.

Now here is the part where I need you to stay close. This oatmeal needs you. You cannot walk away, you cannot go check your phone, you cannot go switch the laundry. You are babysitting this oatmeal and that is your job right now. Stay by the stove and keep stirring.
Keep stirring as the heat builds and the oats start to cook. You will see it start to thicken and come together into that beautiful creamy consistency. Keep going until the oats are fully cooked and it looks and feels exactly how you want it. Creamy, smooth, cozy. that’s the goal.

Once it hits that perfect consistency, serve it immediately. This oatmeal will thicken as it sits, so don’t let it hang out in the pot too long. Get it in the bowl and get it on the table while it’s warm and perfect.

Topping Ideas Because This Is the Fun Part

This is where you really get to make it your own. Here are some of my favorite ways to top a bowl:

• Butter, always, always, always. A little pat of butter melting into warm oatmeal is one of life’s simple pleasures and I will not hear otherwise.
• Brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness
• Fresh berries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
• Sliced banana with a drizzle of honey
• Cinnamon and apple with a little brown sugar
• Peanut butter and honey for a protein packed bowl
• Chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch
• Raisins because raisins in oatmeal are absolutely underrated

The combinations are endless. My kids all top theirs differently and that is part of what makes it fun!

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Rolled oats or instant oats both work. Just know that instant oats will cook and thicken much faster, so keep a closer eye on them. Rolled oats take a little more time and stirring but give a slightly heartier texture.
Use whatever milk you love. I have made this with whole milk, 2%, oat milk, and almond milk and they all turn out beautifully. Use what you have or what works for your family.
Serve it while it’s hot. If it sits too long it will thicken up on you. This is a make it and eat it right away kind of recipe. It is worth every second of your attention.

Do not skip the butter. I said what I said. 

Eight years of making this oatmeal and it still hits the same every single time. Warm, creamy, cozy, and is the breakfast that makes a regular morning feel a little more special. I hope it becomes a staple in your house the way it has in mine. 

…and that’s all we did today. 

Cyndi

Item’s Used

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring  Cups
• Rubber Spatula
• Sheet Pans
• Parchment Paper
• 6pc Non Stick Pot Set

Mama’s Famous Creamy Oatmeal

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

What You'll Need

• 2 cups oatmeal rolled or instant — both work!
• 2 cups milk of your choice
• 1 cup water
• Butter for topping — this is not optional!
• Your favorite toppings

Method

 

1. Add oatmeal, milk, and water to a saucepan while the stove is still off.
2. Turn heat to medium.
3. Stir continuously as the oatmeal cooks.
4. Continue cooking until oats are soft and the oatmeal reaches your preferred consistency.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
6. Top with butter and your favorite toppings such as brown sugar, maple syrup, berries, bananas, nuts, or raisins.

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