A breakfast of oatmeal is fast, easy, nourishing, and filling. Making a pot of it on the stovetop is not hard. So why make Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets? Are they really that much of a time saver?
For my family – yes. I’m working to get my boys more independent in the kitchen. Having a variety of homemade instant oatmeal packets around for them to grab and fix themselves is a great time saver for me. Plus, it’s nice to have a variety of choices for them so that they can make whichever kind sounds good to them. These are great afternoon snacks too!
Inspired by MoneySavingMom to make Homemade Instant Oatmeal packets, I did a little research to discover the easiest and healthiest way to do this. Here are the tricks I learned through my experimenting:
- Sucanat works just fine in place of sugar
- Combining a big batch of the instant oatmeal mixture in a big bowl, then scooping out individual sized portions makes this process very easy
- Blending a portion of the oats in a blender first to create a powder will help the instant oatmeal packets cook faster
- A microwave is not necessary to cook this – simply boil water, stir in packet, walk away, then come back and eat
- The add-in options are endless
It took about 20 minutes to mix this and prepare the packets. Not bad for 24 quick breakfasts or snacks!
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
- 10 cups rolled oats (divided)
- 2 cups sucanat
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- Measure 7 cups of oats into a large mixing bowl. Blend the remaining 3 cups (1/2 cup at a time) until powdery and stir into the mixing bowl. Add sucanat and sea salt. Mix well.
- Measure ½ cup of mix into a small zip baggie, making about 24 Instant Oatmeal Packets.
- Be sure to scoop the mix from the bottom of the bowl as the sucanat tries to separate and settle there.
- Store in a dry, cool place.
- If you'd prefer not to scoop the mix into individual baggies, simply place the entire mix in a large, airtight container, scooping out ½ cup of mix for each serving.
- When ready to serve the oatmeal, empty contents of baggie into a cereal-sized bowl.
- Add ¾ cup boiling water.
- Stir.
- Allow the oatmeal and water to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Stir and eat.
Skip the Packets!
Want to make this even easier? Since originally coming up with this idea, I switched to simply making the Instant Oatmeal and keeping it in big jars. My kids scoop out 1/2 cup of mix, add 3/4 hot water, and they are good to go!
Instant Oatmeal Varieties
By sprinkling in various fruits, spices, chocolate chips, or nuts – you can create many different types of instant oatmeal packets! I fill my bags with the basic mix, then sprinkle in various add-ins so as to have a variety of packages available for my family to pick from. Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Swirl
Add a few mini chocolate chips
Blueberries and Cream
Add freeze dried blueberries, then cook oatmeal with milk instead of water
Strawberries and Cream
Add freeze dried strawberries, then cook oatmeal with milk instead of water
Cinnamon Raisin
Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a few raisins
Apples and Cinnamon
Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a few dehydrated apple chunks
Banana Nut
Add a few crushed walnuts and some freeze dried bananas
The blender does a great job chopping up the whole oats.
Remember, just do about 1/2 cup at a time to make the process work better.
Mix the blended oats (3 cups) with the remaining oats (7 cups),
then stir in the sucanat and sea salt. See how easy this is?
Scoop 1/2 cup of mix into small zip baggies. Add any add-ins you wish. Seal and store.
To Prepare: Pour contents of baggie into a cereal bowl.
Add 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, stir again, then eat!
Having these homemade instant oatmeal packets has been so helpful. They are much cheaper than buying pre-made oatmeal packets – plus I can be sure we are only including the ingredients we feel good about eating.
Haven’t decided what to make for our Getting Ahead for Breakfast Challenge? This Instant Oatmeal Packets idea is a great choice. Learn more about this challenge here.
How About Giving the Gift of Instant Oatmeal?
Consider sharing this Instant Oatmeal with new moms, someone who has been sick, or anyone you know would appreciate this thoughtful and practical gift? Get all the directions here for making this happen, and even some cute free printable labels!
Ever tried making homemade oatmeal packets? What are your favorite ingredients to stir into oatmeal?
