How long does it take to make oats porridge?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Quaker Oats, instant oats can be ready in as little as one minute, whereas the traditional stovetop method for rolled oats takes about five minutes. Understanding the different types of oats is key to knowing how long does it take to make oats porridge, from a quick microwave meal to a slow-simmered, hearty breakfast.

Quick Summary

This guide details the varying cooking times for different types of oats, including instant, rolled, and steel-cut varieties. It covers stovetop and microwave methods, offers tips for perfect consistency, and explains how to get a delicious porridge on the table quickly.

Key Points

Oat Type Dictates Time: Instant oats cook in 1-2 minutes, rolled oats take 5-10 minutes, and steel-cut oats require 20-30 minutes.
Microwave for Speed: Instant and rolled oats can be prepared in the microwave in just a few minutes for a very fast breakfast.
Slow Cook for Best Texture: Steel-cut oats offer a chewy texture but demand the most time, best for weekends or using an Instant Pot.
Stirring is Key: For stovetop methods, especially with steel-cut oats, frequent stirring prevents sticking and promotes creaminess.
Overnight Options Available: Rolled and steel-cut oats can be prepped as overnight oats for a no-cook, ready-to-eat morning meal.
Adjust for Consistency: The liquid-to-oats ratio can be tweaked to achieve your desired thickness, with more liquid for a thinner porridge.
Rest for Richness: Letting your porridge stand for a few minutes after cooking allows it to thicken to a richer, creamier consistency.

Your Guide to Oats Porridge Cooking Times

The time it takes to prepare oats porridge is not a one-size-fits-all answer; it depends heavily on the type of oat you are using. From almost-instant breakfasts to hearty, slow-cooked meals, the processing of the oat grain dictates the preparation time. Knowing the differences between instant, rolled, and steel-cut oats will empower you to choose the perfect option for your schedule and desired texture.

Instant Oats

Instant oats are the most processed of all oat types. The grains are pre-cooked, dried, and then pressed into very thin, finely chopped flakes. Their main advantage is speed and convenience. For those mornings when every second counts, instant oats are the clear winner.

Microwave: A single serving can be ready in 1 to 2 minutes. Combine the packet with water or milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stir, and cook on high. After cooking, let it stand for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Stovetop: On the stovetop, instant oats will be ready in approximately 1 minute once the liquid comes to a boil. This method offers slightly more control over the consistency.

Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats)

Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are created by steaming and then rolling the oat groats into flatter flakes. This makes them less processed than instant oats but still relatively quick to cook. Rolled oats result in a chewier, heartier texture than instant oats.

Stovetop: The classic method, this typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The process involves bringing water or milk to a boil, stirring in the oats, and then simmering until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: A microwave preparation of rolled oats can take around 2 to 3 minutes. Use a large, microwave-safe bowl to prevent boiling over and stir halfway through the cooking process for a smooth consistency.
Overnight Oats: For a no-cook, no-fuss option, prepare rolled oats as overnight oats. Simply combine oats, milk or yogurt, and other desired ingredients in a jar and refrigerate overnight. By morning, the oats will have softened into a creamy porridge.

Steel-Cut Oats (Irish Oats)

Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats that have been chopped into two or three pieces with steel blades, not rolled flat. This minimal processing gives them a dense, chewy texture and a nutty flavor but requires a much longer cooking time.

Stovetop: Cooking steel-cut oats on the stovetop can take 20 to 30 minutes. The process involves simmering the oats in liquid over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent them from sticking and to achieve a creamy consistency.
Instant Pot: For a hands-off approach, steel-cut oats can be cooked in a pressure cooker in about 10 minutes at high pressure. This is followed by a natural release, which can take additional time. This method is significantly faster than the stovetop and requires less monitoring.
Overnight Soaking: As an alternative to long cooking, soak steel-cut oats overnight. This dramatically reduces the morning cook time to just a few minutes, resulting in a quicker and creamier porridge.

Comparison of Oats Porridge Cooking Times


Type of Oat	Stovetop Time	Microwave Time	Overnight (No-Cook)	Instant Pot Time
Instant Oats	~1 minute	1–2 minutes	Not applicable	Not applicable
Rolled Oats	5–10 minutes	2–3 minutes	Yes (Overnight)	3 minutes (High Pressure)
Steel-Cut Oats	20–30 minutes	Not recommended	Yes (Soak, then brief cook)	10 minutes (High Pressure)

Tips for Perfect Porridge

Adjust Liquid-to-Oat Ratio: The standard ratio is 1:2 (oats to liquid) for rolled oats, but you can adjust for a thicker or thinner porridge. Steel-cut oats often require more liquid, around 1:3 or 1:4.
Stir Often: Especially with stovetop cooking, regular stirring prevents sticking and ensures a creamy texture. With steel-cut oats, this is crucial.
Add Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the oats significantly, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Let it Stand: After cooking, allowing the porridge to stand for 2 to 5 minutes off the heat allows it to thicken further, resulting in a richer, creamier finish.

Conclusion

The question of how long it takes to make oats porridge has a variety of answers, all depending on the type of oat you choose. Instant oats offer the fastest solution, perfect for rushed mornings, while steel-cut oats provide a more leisurely, textured breakfast experience. Rolled oats strike a balance between the two, offering a quick yet hearty meal. By selecting the right type of oat for your needs and using the appropriate cooking method, you can enjoy a perfect bowl of porridge, no matter your schedule. The versatility of oats, combined with a variety of preparation techniques, means a healthy, satisfying breakfast is always within reach. For more information on different cooking methods, you can check out resources like the extensive guides from Fit Foodie Finds.

Fit Foodie Finds offers comprehensive oatmeal recipes, including stovetop and microwave methods, that can further enhance your porridge-making skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to make oats porridge is by using instant oats in the microwave, which can be ready in as little as 1 to 2 minutes. Simply combine the oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high, stirring halfway through.

Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, typically take about 5 to 10 minutes to cook on the stovetop. You'll want to bring your liquid to a boil, stir in the oats, and then simmer until the porridge has thickened to your liking.

Yes, you can speed up the process for steel-cut oats. While stovetop cooking takes 20-30 minutes, an Instant Pot can cook them in about 10 minutes under high pressure. Alternatively, soaking them overnight significantly reduces the morning cook time.

To make overnight oats, combine rolled oats with your choice of liquid (like milk or yogurt) in a jar or bowl, along with any desired toppings. Mix everything together, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The oats will soften as they absorb the liquid, creating a creamy porridge by morning.

Instant oats are more heavily processed, resulting in a softer, mushier texture when cooked. Steel-cut oats, which are just chopped oat groats, retain a firm, chewy, and heartier texture.

Porridge can become lumpy if it is not stirred enough, especially when adding oats to boiling liquid. For the smoothest consistency, stir continuously as you add the oats to the pot, particularly with finer oat varieties.

Yes, using milk instead of water will result in a creamier and richer porridge. However, you should stir frequently when cooking with milk to prevent scorching or boiling over.