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Rice Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Rice cooker oatmeal is just as easy to make as it is delicious. And according to most nutritionists, it’s good for you. Now that I’ve discovered this method of cooking oatmeal, I will probably never go back to having to monitor it on the stovetop.

Making this oatmeal in your rice cooker gives you the freedom in the mornings to get ready for the day. All you have to do is dump in the ingredients and turn the machine on. Once the oatmeal is done, most rice cookers will keep it warm.

Oatmeal in a rice cooker beside a bowl

You don’t have to have a special rice cooker with a bunch of setting to make this delicious warm breakfast. Mine doesn’t even have a porridge setting, but it still comes out great.

I just press the start button, and it does all the work! However, it does have a “keep warm” function, and it switches over automatically after the oatmeal is done.

Rice cooker oatmeal is an easy breakfast that goes well with any fruit. I like to put raisins in the oatmeal or have a banana on the side.

Delicious Hot Oatmeal and Other Rice Cooker Recipes

Oatmeal is good for you on many levels. It’s filling, delicious, and good for your heart!

That’s why I make a point of having it for breakfast at least three times a week. And I love the fact that I can basically turn my rice cooker into an oatmeal cooker when I want to.

So many people overlook their rice cookers when it’s time to prepare a meal. I basically see it as another tool to make anything that simply needs a heating element and a holding bowl.

Since rice and oatmeal are grains, it makes sense that a rice cooker will do just as good of a job with both. The other breakfast food I prepare in the rice cooker is a vegetable frittata.

But that’s not all. I also make rice cooker pineapple upside down cakes that are moist and scrumptious. I can pretty much count on people begging for seconds when I make them.

Ingredients for Rice Cooker Oatmeal

You don’t need much to prepare oatmeal in your rice cooker. If you have old fashioned oats or rolled oats, water, and a rice cooker, you can make it.

Oatmeal, rice cooker, and water.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

There are other things you can add to it for flavor and even more nutrition. Here are some things I enjoy:

  • Raisins
  • Berries
  • Cinnamon
  • Maple syrup
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Milk of any kind
  • Pumpkin butter
  • Apple butter
  • Strawberry preserves
  • Nuts
  • Chia seeds

How to Make Oatmeal in Your Rice Cooker

Add water and rolled oats to your rice cooker pot. You can add a pinch of salt if you want, but I don’t think it’s necessary.

Top it with the lid, plug it in, and turn it on. You’ll have oatmeal in about 10-15 minutes.

This gives you plenty of time to get your coffee ready and coax the kids out of bed.

Ingredients in the pot.

Another benefit is that if you’re busy, the rice cooker will keep your oatmeal warm until you’re able to get to it. This makes it extra convenient.

I’ve also made this oatmeal with quick oats. They’re okay, but I prefer regular oats. The cooking process is so simple that regular oats don’t take much more time because you set it, walk away, and come back when you’re ready to eat.

Tips for Success with Rice Cooker Oatmeal

Although it’s difficult to mess up this easy method of cooking oatmeal, there are some things you can do to ensure success. Here are some tips:

  • If you don’t want to wait a long time for the oatmeal to finish cooking, choose rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats.
  • Use a rice cooker with a nonstick coating. If yours isn’t nonstick, make sure you grease it well.
  • Add flavor before you start cooking the oats. Some that I like are cinnamon, maple syrup, or vanilla extract.
  • If you like extra texture, add fruit, nuts or seeds. Don’t be afraid to try something different.
  • If your rice cooker doesn’t automatically switch over to the “keep warm” function, remember to turn it on manually.
  • Clean the rice cooker promptly after cooking to prevent the food from drying and becoming caked on.

Health Benefits of Rice Cooker Oatmeal

Oatmeal is extremely nutritious, so you need to consider having it for breakfast several times a week if you don’t already. Here are some ways it’s good for your body according to Medical News Today:

  • Oats contain quite a few essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Oatmeal is loaded with fiber to keep your body running smoothly.
  • You’ll get an abundance of antioxidants when you have oatmeal several times per week.
  • This powerhouse breakfast cereal helps moderate blood sugar.
  • Cholesterol is no match for oatmeal since it helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol).
  • Eating oatmeal is filling and can help with weight loss because you won’t be as hungry afterward.
A spoon of oatmeal with cinnamon

Rice Cooker – A Portable Appliance

Rice cookers are portable pots that you can take with you when you go on a vacation in your car. You can even fit a smaller one in your suitcase when you fly.

As a result, you’ll save money and time when traveling. In addition to that, you’ll feel much better since you’ll be able to resist the tempting tray of pastries in the hotel.

You can also cook oatmeal in your slow cooker, but it takes quite a bit longer. In fact, you’d need to start your slow cooker the night before to have breakfast first thing in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a complex food that is also extremely versatile. You can prepare it for breakfast or add it to desserts.

How is Oatmeal Good for You?

In addition to providing the nutrition your body needs to function it is also good for your skin. According to Nourish by WebMD, oat helps promote healthy bacteria in the gut.

What is Oatmeal Made Of?

Oatmeal is made of groats, or hulled oat grains. The ones I use are rolled oats, but they also come in a steel-cut version.

Is Oatmeal a Good Breakfast Food?

Yes, oatmeal gets your day off to an excellent start with essential nutrients. It also keeps you from getting hungry, so you should be able to make it to lunch without being ravenous.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Cookers

This versatile appliance is something I think everyone should have. It’s super easy to use and is very forgiving, so it’s hard to mess up.

What is the Best Rice Cooker for Me?

There are so many excellent rice cookers on the market it’s not possible to choose just one. Look for one with the features and size you need.

What Size Rice Cooker Do I Need?

Base your choice on the volume of food you’ll put in the rice cooker. I use both my small rice cooker for two-person meals and my medium-size one when we have company or need leftovers.

Do I Need a Rice Cooker?

No one needs a rice cooker, but it sure is a nice convenience. You can put all the ingredients in the cooker and walk away while it cooks.

Then it switches to warming mode to keep the food warm. In other words, it does all the work for you and is ready when you are.

Scoop of rice cooker oatmeal

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you like pumpkin, you’ll also love the flavor of these refreshing pumpkin pie smoothies. And for a quick breakfast, try making some egg muffin cups that you can grab on your way out the door.

When I need an extra boost of energy, I make one of these coffee smoothies. It’s delicious and stays with me all morning!

Yield: 4 servings

Rice Cooker Oatmeal

Scoop of oatmeal over a rice cooker

Pop the ingredients for oatmeal into your rice cooker, put the lid on, and turn it on. It will be ready for you when you're ready to start your day!

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups water or milk

Instructions

  1. Combine the oats and water in the bowl of your rice cooker.
  2. Stir the oats and water. Cover.
  3. Turn on the rice cooker and let cook for 15 minutes.

Notes

Most rice cookers will stop cooking and keep your oats warm until you are ready to eat them.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 107Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 5mgSodium 35mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 5g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

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Janis

Friday 12th of January 2024

I just made oatmeal in my rice cooker for the first time and it boiled over. Guess I need to reduce the liquid. It did turn out delicious.

southernhomeexpress

Friday 12th of January 2024

Hi Janice. You can do one of a couple of things: Don't fill it as much and add a little bit of oil or butter. I'm not sure why that works, but it does, unless it's way too full to begin with.

Garri

Friday 25th of August 2023

You just made Oatmeal palatable again for me. I have 2 professional Rice Cookers (one is from Japan), so there is absolutely no excuse for not adding Oatmeal back into my daily dietary consumption. Thanks for providing all of the available cooking steps and ingredient options, you kept the focus on simplicity. THANKS!!!

Shell

Thursday 25th of August 2022

Unless I missed it, can you please tell me what the measurement ratios are water to oatmeal is the same amount of water to the same amount of oatmeal or a little less or a little more? Thanks a bunch

southernhomeexpress

Thursday 25th of August 2022

The ratio is 1:2 - oats to water. You can also use milk or a combination of water and milk. If you like your oatmeal firmer, you can decrease the liquid by 1/4 cup. Or if you want it soupy, you can add 1/4 cup more liquid. I hope this helps!

LoRhea Miller

Saturday 26th of December 2020

Would this still be good if you made a few days ahead and reheated in the microwave the next morning?

southernhomeexpress

Saturday 26th of December 2020

Hi LoRhea. I'm not sure if it would still be good, but I don't think so. It's actually so easy to make in the rice cooker, there's really no reason to do that because you can make it fresh every morning.

Brenda Pritzker

Friday 6th of November 2020

I’m looking forward to making this- my neighbor gave me a rice cooker/steamer/slow cooker which I’ve been having fun with! I make oatmeal about 3-4 times a week, and invariably it overcooks and/or overflows!! So happy this will keep my stovetop clean!

southernhomeexpress

Friday 6th of November 2020

I think you'll love it! There are so many wonderful things you can make with your rice cooker. Just think of it as a big hot pot. Enjoy!

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