Breakfast oatmeal squares can be made ahead for busy mornings and the topping options are endless!
We love these breakfast oatmeal squares! Or you can make them circles. Or hearts. Just get a cookie cutter instead of a knife.
Whatever shape, this make-ahead breakfast means you’ve got something ready to go on those busy mornings. I don't know about you, but they’re pretty much all busy around here!
We love our 3-minute easy microwave oatmeal, but sometimes I like to make big batches and have them on hand and ready to go.
Plus, the way these set up, you can send them into school for snack or lunch.
And you can freeze some of these oatmeal squares to have for travel or back-up.
I’ve written the recipe below plain so you can dress up the squares however you like.
If you like a little sweetness with your morning oats, you can cook the oats in half water, half milk and then add a little honey (or maple syrup or even brown sugar) to the oats after they cook, while they’re sitting in the pot.
For my kids, I sometimes stir in a little applesauce (plain or peach) before I chill these. Or a bit of pumpkin and then we top them with peanut butter.
You also can top these oatmeal squares with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, some fresh berries, a smear of peanut butter, a dollop of yogurt - whatever you fancy!
If you like your oatmeal savory, keep it plain as instructed below and then top it off with your favorites.
I’m partial to eggs and soy sauce, but there’s also cheese, veggies and nuts as good savory toppings.
That seems crazy to some people, but I say, don't knock it till you try it!
You can serve these cold (my kids sometimes want them that way) or warm them up in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
You’ll love having these on hand to customize for your crew! And to make your mornings a little easier and less stressful.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Breakfast Oatmeal Squares
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats (I use old-fashioned oats)
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add oats and reduce heat to medium.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Pour oatmeal into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Cool then cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Cut a square - or circle or whatever shape you like - and add desired toppings. (See notes below for ideas.)
Notes
- Stir in applesauce and cinnamon after oats are cooked.
- Stir in pumpkin after oats are cooked and after set, top with peanut butter.
- Stir in peanut butter and top with jam or chocolate drizzle.
- Stir in honey (or maple syrup or brown sugar) and top with fruit and/or yogurt.
- Serve savory with eggs and soy sauce, or cheese and veggies.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
These oatmeal squares are a terrific idea for busy morning! I love that they kinda of look like a rice crispy treat, so they could fool a little one into at least giving something healthy a try! So creative and delish! Thanks for sharing, my dear!! Cheers!
Kathryn
Thanks girl! They are a lifesaver on our busy weekday mornings! And everyone can pick their toppings, so we're all happy 🙂
Nance in Reno
I have a baked oatmeal recipe that uses nuts and dried fruit; I like to use muffin tins and paper liners to make individual portions and freeze what we don't use.
Kathryn
Great idea! I love using muffin tins for freezing - such a perfect portion size and an easy way to store leftovers!
Debbie
I have to use gluten free oats? Do you know if there is any change to the recipe?
Kathryn
Hi Debbie! You should be fine with the recipe as-is if you have gluten-free rolled oats (not instant). Would love to hear how you like these!
Julie
This sounds so delicious. What is the cooking temperature?
Kathryn
Hi Julie! These oatmeal squares aren't baked. The oatmeal is cooked on the stove and then sets up in the pan in the fridge. Then you can cut them, reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
Taenia
For this receipe what is the amount that you add of the pumpkin, maple syrup or brown sugar?
Kathryn Doherty
Hi! Those are just topping ideas, not part of the recipe, so you can add however much you like to your serving.
Carol Rhodes-Rice
I tried this recipe and they didn't set up. They are gooey and loose. I did cook them the prescribed time too?
Kathryn Doherty
Hmm, I'm not sure why they wouldn't set up for you Carol. Cooked oatmeal, once cooled and refrigerated, always gets much more solid and set.