This easy oats porridge recipe makes a warm, creamy breakfast using oats and milk or water. Finish it with banana, cinnamon or a little honey if you like. The recipe is flexible, quick to prepare and easy to adapt to the ingredients you have at home.
Quick recipe summary
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Cook time: 5–8 minutes
- Total time: about 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 40 g HTWO rolled oats (about ½ cup)
- 200–250 ml milk or water
- ½ banana, sliced, optional
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
- 1 teaspoon HTWO honey
- 1 teaspoon chopped nuts or seeds, optional
How to make oats porridge
- Combine oats and liquid. Add the oats and milk or water to a small saucepan.
- Heat gently. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often.
- Cook until creamy. Simmer for 5–8 minutes, or follow the directions on your oat pack, until the oats soften and the mixture reaches your preferred consistency.
- Adjust the texture. Add a splash of milk or water for thinner porridge, or cook briefly longer to thicken it.
- Finish and serve. Turn off the heat. Add banana, cinnamon and optional toppings. Allow the porridge to cool slightly before stirring in honey.
Easy oats recipe variations
- Banana oats: Mash half a ripe banana into the porridge near the end of cooking.
- Overnight oats: Combine oats with milk or yogurt in a covered container and refrigerate overnight; add fresh fruit before serving.
- Apple cinnamon oats: Stir in finely chopped apple and cinnamon while cooking, adding extra liquid if needed.
- Chocolate oats: Add a little unsweetened cocoa and adjust sweetness to taste.
- Water-based oats: Cook with water for a less creamy version; the finished nutrition will differ from a milk-based bowl.
Tips for better porridge
- Stir regularly to help prevent sticking.
- Use more liquid for a softer, looser bowl and less for a thicker texture.
- Check whether your oats are rolled, quick-cooking or steel-cut because cooking times differ.
- Keep crunchy toppings separate until serving if you prepare the bowl ahead.
Shop oats at Nahfa Store
For a convenient breakfast staple, explore HTWO Oats 400g. You can also browse the Muesli & Breakfast collection for cereal options, the Talbeena collection for barley porridge mixes, and honey to use as an optional topping. Check each product page for current ingredients, allergens, pack size and preparation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How long do oats take to cook?
Rolled oats commonly take around 5–8 minutes on the stovetop, but the exact time depends on the oat type and the texture you prefer. Follow the pack instructions.
Can I make oats with water instead of milk?
Yes. Water works well, although the porridge will generally be less creamy. Milk changes the flavour and nutritional content.
Can I prepare oats the night before?
Yes. Mix oats with milk or yogurt in a covered container and refrigerate. Add fruit and crunchy toppings before eating.
Can I add honey to oats?
Yes, as an optional sweetener. Let hot porridge cool a little first, and never give honey to a child under 12 months.
Food note: Oats may be subject to cross-contact with gluten-containing grains; check the package if you need to avoid gluten. Check all ingredient labels for allergens. This is general food information, not medical advice.
Explore more Nahfa Store recipes
See the breakfast recipe hub, try our talbina (talbeena) recipe, make an easy muesli bowl, or prepare cornflakes chaat.
