Homemade Instant Oatmeal

I grew up eating instant oatmeal packets for breakfast and I loved them. But now that I’m older I recognize how much healthier it is for me and the boys if I know exactly what’s going into our meals. By making homemade instant oatmeal I can control the portions, the toppings and the healthy additions like flax or chia seeds!

Check out how we made them below for a great on the go breakfast or afternoon snack! Want more healthy on the go ideas? Check out all our best on the go recipes HERE.

Start by scooping out 1/2 a cup of instant oatmeal to small mason jars (as many as you’d like to assemble). 

Make sure you’re using quick 1-minute or instant oatmeal because you want it to cook fast with just a bit of hot water. Top with desired toppings but don’t fill all the way to the top… you need a little room to add your water later. 

You can make this as healthy as you’d like with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. Add chia seeds or flaxseed to really pump up the health factor. I’ve seen other people make their homemade instant oatmeal with fresh fruit but I wasn’t totally sure how that would taste once you add boiled water. If you want some fresh fruit I’d suggest adding it after your oats are cooked.

Sprinkle in a bit of brown sugar or ground cinnamon for added flavor, if you’d like!

Cover the instant oatmeals and then place them in the fridge (if you used fresh fruits) or in the pantry (if you have just dried fruits and nuts) and keep them for the week.

Once you’re ready to enjoy just add boiling water to cover the oats and the fruit completely. Put the lid back on for three minutes and then you’re ready to enjoy your homemade instant oatmeal to go!