Instant Oatmeal Jars
Start your morning with these grab-and-go oatmeal jars that transform into a cozy, satisfying breakfast with just a splash of hot water!
These customizable jars pack all the comfort of fresh-made oatmeal with zero morning fuss – perfect for office breakfasts, travel, or those days when you need breakfast ready in minutes.
Variations & Substitutions
While quick oats work best for instant preparation, you can use old-fashioned oats if you don’t mind a longer cooking time.
For the fruit, freeze-dried varieties work better than regular dried fruit as they rehydrate beautifully.
My favorite combinations include apple-cinnamon with walnuts, berry-almond with chia seeds, and banana-nut with pecans.
You can also add protein powder, cocoa, or peanut butter powder for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
Here’s my secret to amazing instant oatmeal: toast the oats before jarring them! This simple step adds incredible nutty flavor. Always use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats for the perfect consistency.
I recommend adding just a tiny pinch of salt to each jar – it makes all the flavors pop. For extra creaminess, you can add powdered milk to the dry mix.
Remember to layer ingredients with heavier items at the bottom to prevent the lighter ingredients from settling.
Making the Recipe Stand Out
Try incorporating unique ingredients like toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or maple sugar crystals. I love adding warming spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice blend.
For a protein boost, include hemp hearts or ground flaxseed. You can even create themed varieties like “Banana Bread” with dried banana chips and pecans, or “Berry Cheesecake” with freeze-dried berries and graham cracker crumbs.
Storage & Reheating
These jars are perfect for long-term storage! When properly sealed, they’ll keep for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.
If you make them with fresh ingredients and store them in airtight containers, they’ll maintain their quality perfectly.
For reheating leftover prepared oatmeal, add a splash of milk or water and microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. You can even make larger batches of the dry mix and store it in bulk, portioning out as needed.
Instant Oatmeal Jars
Ingredients
- ½ cup quick or instant oats
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried fruit
- 1 tablespoon nuts or seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Assembly:
- Add oats to an 8-oz mason jar
- Layer in freeze-dried fruit, nuts/seeds, and spices
- Seal jar tightly
To Prepare:
- Pour contents into a heat-safe bowl
- Add ⅔ cup boiling water
- Stir well and let stand 2-3 minutes
- Add more hot water if needed for desired consistency
