You want a breakfast that keeps you full for a few hours. Maybe it’s cold and you want something warming. Maybe you need something fast. Make a batch of Gluten Free Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets! This easy make ahead breakfast staple is inexpensive and customizable to what you like.
I love getting up in the morning and know that I can boil some water, pour it over some instant oatmeal, and instantly have a breakfast that warms me up and keeps me full. The convenience of the packet is perfect.
What isn’t perfect for me is that I feel like the packets are light on the oats, can be high in sugar, and costly if you’re gluten free. Making your own version of Homemade Instant Oatmeal puts the control back into your hands, in regards to the quality of ingredients, flavor and cost.
Store Bought Instant Oatmeal Challenges
Sure, buying Instant Oatmeal at the store is easy and convenient, which is very appealing. It also has its features not nearly as exciting.
- The Packaging Size – Store bought packages of gluten free instant oatmeal typically has smaller portions than conventional varieties. Instead of 10 packets you may only get 8.
- The Cost – Like most products, the cost of gluten free instant oatmeal is significantly higher than conventional. I have found the Gluten Free Quaker Oats brand is at least 1.00 higher than the conventional counterpart.
- The Flavor Options – Have you noticed how many flavor options Quaker has Instant Oatmeal? A bunch! Do you know what they offer for gluten free options? Two….that’s it.
- The Oats – By the time oats have reached the instant variety there’s not much left of them. Store bought packets are full of oat dust instead of lots of whole oats.
Why Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets are Perfect for Making Gluten Free
With store bought gluten free instant oatmeal having more cons than pros I’ve found that making it at home is a much better option.
- The Packet Size – I package my oatmeal in half cup portions which work for me. You can always package them in a larger size as well.
- The Cost – A 28 oz bag of Gluten Free Oats is around S4.50 online. That’s 18 half cup servings and almost double the amount you would get from store bought instant oatmeal for the same price.
- The Flavors – What store bought instant oatmeal lacks, Homemade Instant Oatmeal excels in. The flavor possibilities of what a homemade version has are endless.
- The Oats – I use quick oats for my Homemade Instant Oatmeal. There isn’t a lot of oat dust in them. They cook just fine by pouring boiling water over them and I find them heartier.
Is Instant Oatmeal Healthy
Oats are a really health grain for your body. They have great fiber which keeps you full longer. High amounts of fiber can also reduce bad cholesterol.
What is not healthy about instant oatmeal is the amount of sugar, salt and artificial ingredients some brands contain. When you make Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets you control sugars and salt amounts.
Cooking Homemade Instant Oatmeal – Can You Just Add Boiling Water to Oats
I like using gluten free quick oats for my oatmeal packets. Instructions tell you to add boiling water and cover for a minute or two. Another option is to add the water to the bowl of oatmeal and microwave it for a minute or so.
Honestly, I add boiling water to it, give it a good stir and by the time I sit down they are perfect for me. I like my oatmeal to have a little bit of chew to it and not me a pile of mush.
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Tips
Making a batch of gluten free homemade instant oatmeal is pretty much a super easy dump and go recipe. Still, here are a few tips to keep it simple.
- Snack bags for storage – Snack Bags or Reusable Zip Bags are perfect for putting half cup portions of the oatmeal in and having it ready to go.
- Keep the oatmeal in an Airtight Container – If you have a few extra minutes in the morning just put the oatmeal into a large airtight container. Give the oatmeal a good mix before taking some out of the container as the ingredients can settle.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Salt – Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your liking. Salt in my recipe is definitely optional for me. I end up not using it most of the time.
- Change up the Flavors – Remember when I said Quaker has two options of Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal? Your flavors are unlimited. Try adding raisins to my recipe for an oatmeal cookie taste. Make Cranberry Almond or Pistachio Cherry and change it up completely. The choices are yours.
- The Boiling Water – Use up to a half cup of boiling water and let it sit for a couple minutes if you want. I add less water and give the oatmeal a quick stir because like my oatmeal thick with a little bit of a chew to it.
Once you try making your own Gluten Free Homemade Instant Oatmeal you’ll wonder why you didn’t start doing it sooner. Use this recipe as a guide and make changes to it so it works for your family. Finding gluten free options can be difficult but recipes like this make it easier to deal with.
Other Gluten Free Recipes You May Like
- Keto Pizza Bites – All the taste of pizza in a bite sized morsel.
- Old Fashioned Pickled Eggs – Give those hard boiled eggs you eat for breakfast new flavor and make these.
- Parmesan Crisps – One Ingredient that packs a ton of taste.
- Rolo Pretzel Bites – Don’t just make theses at Christmas. It’s a sweet and salty treat that is great year round.
Gluten Free Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Equipment
- 11-12 snack sized storage bags or a large airtight container
Ingredients
- 5 Cups Gluten Free Quick Oats
- ¾ Cup Brown Sugar, Light or Dark
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. Fine Salt, optional
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
- Store in Snack Size Storage Bags in ½ cup amounts or a large airtight container.
- To Make Oatmeal
- Place the oatmeal in bowl.
- Add desired amount of Boiling water.
- Stir well and enjoy
Video
Notes
- Snack bags for storage – Snack Bags or Reusable Zip Bags are perfect for putting half cup portions of the oatmeal in and having it ready to go.
- Keep the oatmeal in an Airtight Container – If you have a few extra minutes in the morning just put the oatmeal into a large airtight container. Use a half cup of the mix when making oatmeal making sure to mix up the oatmeal in the container first as the ingredients can settle.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Salt – Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your liking. Salt in my recipe is definitely optional for me. I end up not using it most of the time.
- Change up the Flavors – Remember when I said Quaker has two options of Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal? Your flavors are unlimited. Try adding raisins to my recipe for an oatmeal cookie taste. Make Cranberry Almond or Pistachio Cherry and change it up completely. The choices are yours.
- The Boiling Water – Use up to a half cup of boiling water and let it sit for a couple minutes if you want. I add less water and give the oatmeal a quick stir because like my oatmeal thick with a little bit of a chew to it.
