How To Save Watery Oatmeal Without Adding More Oats

When it comes to oatmeal, texture is mostly a matter of preference. Some like it creamy, some like it thicker, some even like it crunchy or crispy in baked form. But practically no one likes watery oatmeal that's more oat soup than anything else. What to do? When your oatmeal comes out watery, your first thought might be to add more oats, but there is another way to save your breakfast.

One great way to thicken up watery oatmeal is to add ingredients that will absorb some of the extra moisture and act as a thickening agent. Some of these ingredients also happen to be very healthy. Protein powder and egg whites thicken oatmeal while providing an extra protein boost, and coconut flour and flax meal give additional fiber. Another great ingredient is a slurry of water and cornstarch, which is a fantastic thickening agent so long as you use it in small quantities to avoid graininess. If the rest of your breakfast needs a boost, a cornstarch slurry also makes scrambled eggs silky smooth.

Other ingredients can thicken your oatmeal and boost flavor at the same time, like peanut butter or yogurt. They do the job while adding delicious flavors that may have you wondering why you didn't try it sooner. In the future, consider taking some of the above tips and turning your regular oatmeal into a superfood overnight oats recipe that could become your new go-to breakfast.

Of course, the best way to save your oatmeal from becoming a watery mess is not to let it get that way in the first place. If you're looking for thicker oatmeal before you start cooking, there are ingredients to assist here, too. Pumpkin puree and mashed banana both help keep oatmeal from getting watery while cooking, and give it extra flavor to boot.

And ingredients aren't all that matter when making oatmeal. How you cook it and what kind of oats you're making matter, too. Instant oats tend to come out creamier, while steel-cut and stovetop oatmeal are often thicker. Naturally, cooking time and water to oat ratio also both matter for thickness. A good oatmeal cooking tip is to use two parts water or milk for one part oats, though you may wish to adjust according to your own taste.

So, if your oatmeal doesn't come out how you want, don't toss it just yet. See if you can thicken it with a little peanut butter or protein powder. And if your breakfast is consistently disappointing, try something new. Add less water, or switch to healthier steel-cut oatmeal that's less likely to turn out watery. Your new favorite breakfast could be just one or two tweaks away.