How To Reheat Cooked Oatmeal So That It’s Creamy

While the way you reheat cooked oatmeal is of the utmost importance, how you store it between cooking and reheating is also crucial. For instance, you should never leave cooked oatmeal out on the counter overnight, as it can quickly grow bacteria and spoil. This is even more dangerous if you add milk, sweeteners, fruit, or other perishable add-ins. Similarly, you should avoid the food storage mistake of letting the oatmeal fully cool before refrigeration, as even this short amount of time outside of the fridge can allow bacterial growth. Instead, refrigerate it as quickly as possible.

Another consideration is the container you use. Sure, it might seem easiest to refrigerate your oatmeal in the bowl you intend to eat out of the next morning, but this exposes the oatmeal to the dry environment of the fridge — it will quickly turn goopy or even crusty. For the best results, store your oatmeal in an airtight container to keep bacteria out and moisture in. Following all of these guidelines, your cooked oatmeal should last for up to a week, at which point you should throw it out, even if it isn’t showing signs of spoilage.