Waking up to a chilly morning, there’s something heartwarming about knowing a warm breakfast awaits. Instant oatmeal packets—simple, yet they’re like a hug in a bowl, ready in a flash. Just a dash of cinnamon, maybe a handful of raisins, and suddenly, life feels a bit more manageable. Like those unexpected sunny days in a rainy season, these packets can surprise you with their comfort and convenience.
Steps
- Combine 6 cups of instant oats, powdered milk, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Blend 4 cups of oats until powdery, pausing to shake the blender if needed.
- Transfer the blended oats to the bowl with other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Measure ½ cup of the mixture and place it into a zip bag; repeat until all 20 bags are filled.
- Store the oatmeal packets in the pantry for up to 2 months for easy access. When ready to eat, pour a packet into a bowl, add 1 cup of hot water, and stir.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. Add your favorite toppings before serving for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 10 cups of quick oats, divided
- 1 cup of dry milk powder
- ½ cup of light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Apples & Cinnamon: 1 cup of chopped dried apples
- Chocolate: ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, substitute white sugar for brown sugar
- Cookies & Cream: 4 crumbled Oreo cookies, substitute white sugar for brown sugar, omit cinnamon
- Banana Nut: ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts, with ½ banana added after cooking
- Cranberry Almond: ½ cup of dried cranberries, ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds
- ins:
- ½ teaspoon of chia seeds per packet
- 1 teaspoon of flax meal per packet
- 1 teaspoon of hemp seeds per packet
- 2 tablespoons of protein powder per packet (add extra water if needed)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4100kcal | Carbohydrates: 720g | Protein: 140g | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 5200mg | Potassium: 4800mg | Fiber: 80g | Sugar: 160g | Vitamin A: 1240IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 1760mg | Iron: 40mg
FAQ
- Can I store homemade instant oatmeal packets for a long time?
- Yes, you can store homemade instant oatmeal packets in the pantry for up to two months, making them a convenient option for quick breakfasts.
- What can I use if I don’t have powdered milk?
- If you don’t have powdered milk, you can omit it from the mix and simply use any type of milk instead of water when preparing your bowl of oatmeal.
- What are some flavor variations for homemade instant oatmeal packets?
- There are several delicious flavor options you can try: Apples & cinnamon by adding chopped dried apples; Chocolate with unsweetened cocoa powder; Cookies & cream by crumbling Oreo cookies; Banana nut with finely chopped walnuts and banana; or Cranberry almond with dried cranberries and chopped almonds.
- How do I make the oatmeal once I have the packets ready?
- To prepare the oatmeal, empty a packet into a bowl, add 1 cup of hot water, and stir. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then add your favorite toppings.
- What are some tasty toppings for instant oatmeal?
- You can enhance your oatmeal with toppings like fresh fruit, berries, seeds, chocolate chips, raisins, honey, granola, or even savory options like bacon or a fried egg.
Tips
- For a cost-effective and customizable breakfast, consider making your own instant oatmeal packets. This allows you to control the sugar content and tailor the flavors to your liking, which can be especially beneficial if you have kids who enjoy variety.
- Store your homemade oatmeal packets in the pantry for up to two months. A good storage tip is to place them back into the larger quick oats canister or another suitable container for easy access.
- Enhance your oatmeal with a variety of toppings for added flavor, nutrition, and texture. Berries, sliced fruits, and seeds are great options, while chocolate chips, raisins, and granola can add a touch of sweetness.
- If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value of your oatmeal, consider adding chia seeds, flax meal, or protein powder to your packets. Adjust the water content as needed when adding these ingredients.
Equipment
- Blender: To blend the oats into a powdery texture.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
- Zip Bags: For storing individual portions of the oatmeal mix.
