I always hear people complain on how boring and bland oatmeal is. It shocks me because oatmeal is my absolutely favorite breakfast, I feel like I'm eating dessert but it's super healthy and good for you. In this article, I will show you how to cook oatmeal the right way.

Laura Subiaur

I'll share with you my best tips and tricks on how to cook the most delicious breakfast ever. Perfect for broke and busy college students. Or anyone who loves breakfast and has a busy life.

STEP 1: Choose the correct type of oats.

cereal, wheat, pasture, oat, oatmeal, barley, hands, handful, handful of oats, grain, Rolled oats
Jocelyn Hsu

If the slimy texture of oatmeal throws you off, you're probably using the wrong type of oats. I like to buy the unflavored-instant type. If I don't have these, I'll use regular oats and pulse them in my blender for a few seconds. This type of oatmeal is the fastest to cook too. If you use the unflavored type you can control how much sugar goes into your breakfast, and you can create a combination of flavors you love the most.

STEP 2: Use the best "milk".

water, tea, milk
Alex Frank

Plain water is boring. Choose your favorite plant-based milk, I like soy because it is the creamiest, but almond, cashew, rice or any other type of dairy-free milk works too. You can even get frisky and try pea milk. You can also use a mixture of water and milk. This will help you save some money because nut-milks can be quite pricey. I like to use about 1/2 cup of oats to 1 cup of liquid to keep my oatmeal nice and creamy.

HINT: chocolate almond milk works too!

STEP 3: Flavoring!

wine, alcohol, liquor, beer
Kirsten Andersen

To add some nice flavor to your oats you can try using vanilla extract, cocoa powder, protein powder, cinnamon, chai spice, turmeric, matcha, the list goes on. Pick your favorite flavor in the world and add it to your oats.

STEP 4: Cook it right!

I like to do this in the microwave. Not only is it dorm-friendly but it is mess-free (because you only use one bowl!) and super fast. I cook my oats for about 3 minutes, stirring every minute to make sure it cooks evenly and that it doesn't spill everywhere!

STEP 5: Toppings <3

Laura Subiaur

This is probably my favorite part (besides actually eating the oatmeal). I always use a combination of fruit (bananas, blueberries, strawberries), a crunch (nuts, seeds, granola), some type of nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) and the SECRET INGREDIENT: maple syrup. Try it. It is game changer.

You can also go crazy and add crushed oreos, chocolate chips, frosting or any treat that you prefer. You can make your oats as healthy or unhealthy as you prefer.

I hope you follow my tips and start loving oatmeal as much as I do. It is the cheapest and easiest thing to have for breakfast, the perfect combo for any college student.