Portable Oatmeal Cups

Breakfast is always crazy in our house. We rarely sit down and eat together. In fact, I think most of the time none of us even sit down to eat breakfast. I try to let the kiddo sleep in until 4:45 which means breakfast is often eaten in the car on the way to swim practice. We try to do fast meals like breakfast bars, frozen pancakes, or oatmeal.

Oatmeal is an easy and healthy breakfast, but I hate the mess it can leave. If the bowl of oatmeal doesn't get finished all the way it can spill in the car and if it's left there all day then you get an oatmeal dried mess on your bowls. I loved the idea of the Quaker oatmeal portable bowls they sell, but not the price. They are anywhere from $1.50-$3 at the store per serving. I decided to take the ease of the microwave & portable bowls and try making them myself. I have found I can make them for around $.35 each! If you are struggling for time in the mornings but still want a hot breakfast these portable oatmeal cups will be perfect for you!

The great thing about the portable oatmeal cups is that they are so customizable. You can easily make up different cups for each member of your family. They get the flavors that they love and you get the convenience of the portable cups. Below is a recipe for the basic brown sugar and cinnamon. I like to add almonds on mine before eating. You can also leave out the cinnamon and add some fruit or chocolate.

To make the recipe you will mix 6 cups of quick oats in a bowl with the brown sugar, powdered milk, salt, and cinnamon. Then take 4 cups of quick oats and blend in a blender or food processor until it becomes a powder. Mix in the oatmeal powder with the bowl of oatmeal and sugar.

Measure out 1/2 cup of the oatmeal into disposable cups. I recommend just buying some small coffee cups. I can pick up 26 the 12-ounce coffee cups with lids for $3.50 at Meijer. Amazon also has decent deals on the coffee cups. Once you have filled all the cups put the lids on them and they are ready to be stored.

To use the portable oatmeal cups I fill mine using the Keurig. Just place it under the Keurig and use the smallest cup button. Once it is filled with water just stir and let sit for a few minutes.

If you don't have a Keurig you can add about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of water to the cup and microwave for about 2 minutes. If you do use the microwave you will need to make sure whatever disposable cups you use are also microwave safe.

For under $.50 each you can make your family a quick and healthy portable breakfast that takes only minutes to make and your whole family will love!

Portable Oatmeal Cups

10 cups of quick oats, divided
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup powdered milk
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix 6 cups of quick oats in a large bowl with brown sugar, powdered milk, salt, and cinnamon. Blend 4 cups of quick oats in a blender or food processor until it becomes a powder. Mix in the oatmeal powder with the rest of the mixture. Measure out 1/2 cup of the oatmeal into each cup.

To use the portable oatmeal cups fill using the Keurig small cup button. Once it is filled with water just stir and let sit for a few minutes. If you don't have a Keurig you can add about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of water to the cup and microwave for about 2 minutes.