How to Make Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal

Last Updated on April 30, 2023 by Ellen Christian

This gluten free instant oatmeal packets recipe will help make your busy mornings just a little bit easier. Learn how to make instant oatmeal at home for pennies.

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Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Packets Recipe

Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Packets Recipe

I admit that mornings are a challenge for me. The first thing in the morning, all I want is coffee and my computer – in that order. I try very hard to have at least two cups of coffee before the kids come down in the morning. 

My husband knows better than to expect coherent thoughts from me before about 9 AM. The kids haven’t figured that one out yet. They come downstairs with questions like “Mom, where are my black pants?” and “Mom, can I have money for lunch?” and they expect me to actually answer them.

Not only do the kids expect me to answer their questions first thing in the morning, they expect to be fed. There is no way I’m dealing with a complicated breakfast at 6:30 AM but I want something relatively healthy to give them before they head out.  That’s where this gluten free instant oatmeal packets recipe comes in.

Gluten free instant oatmeal packs recipe

Is this gluten free?

Since my daughter is gluten intolerant, I try to come up with gluten-free options when possible. One of the popular breakfast selections in our home is oatmeal – not just any oatmeal.

They want instant oatmeal. Thankfully, these gluten free instant oatmeal packets are a perfect answer. 

Have you looked at the ingredients in traditional instant oatmeal? No way am I buying that so I decided it was time to learn how to make gluten free instant oatmeal myself. 

Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Packets Recipe

Isn’t all oatmeal gluten-free?

Yes and no. Oats are certainly gluten-free. However, most oatmeal is processed in a plant that also processes rye, barley, and wheat.

And, that means cross-contamination can be an issue. If you are gluten intolerant, you need to make sure that the oatmeal you start with says gluten-free on the package.

oatmeal in a bowl with a grey napkin and striped tablecloth

Does instant oatmeal have gluten?

Again, oats are naturally gluten-free. But, there can be cross-contamination. And, if you are buying instant oatmeal packets with added fruits and sweeteners, there can easily be things in there that contain gluten. It’s much easier to just make your own.

Can instant oatmeal packets go bad?

Anything can go bad if it’s not stored properly. Plain oats should stay good for quite a while provided they are stored in an airtight container. However, once you have added sweeteners and fruit, they need to be refrigerated and used within two weeks. Make up a batch at one time that will last you a few weeks and you will be all set.

How to make gluten free oatmeal packets

Scroll to the end for a printable recipe. You will need small zipper baggies to store your oatmeal in. This makes breakfast time much easier. Just have the kids add the packet to a bowl and then add hot water.

oats, milk, spices and sugar in bowls

What do you need to make gluten free instant oatmeal packets?

You will need a blender and ziplock bags. The key to having these packets be similar to the ones you buy in the store is to pulse the oats in the blender to break them down. That’s how they are cooked more quickly.

What else can I add?

You can add dried fruit like raisins and dried cranberries to your gluten free instant oatmeal packets. And, you can also add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. And, if you want to make it super healthy, add a few chia seeds or flax seeds to the blender while you’re making it.

If you have oatmeal left and want to try something else, try these Banana Oatmeal muffins. Or, why not try making your own cream of wheat.

step by step photos to make gluten free instant oatmeal packets recipe

Yield: 1

Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Packets Recipe

Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Packets Recipe

Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Packets Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (42 ounce) container quick-cooking oats, divided
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 1 ¼ cup powdered milk
  • Sandwich bags or small containers for storing

Instructions

  1. In a high-powered blender or food processor, make oat flour from 4 cups of the quick-cooking oats by pulsing until the oats are powdered.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, oat flour, salt, brown sugar, coffee creamer, and cinnamon.
  3. Scoop ½ cup portions into storage bags. Seal the bags well.
  4. To make oatmeal, add the contents of a packet to a bowl. Stir in about 1 cup of hot water. Oatmeal will thicken as it rests.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 139Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 291mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see @ellenblogs

 

41 thoughts on “How to Make Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal”

  1. Can you approximate how much oat flour the 4 cups of oats yields after being processed? Is it a straight ratio of 4 cups oats = 4 cups oat flour? I have oat flour I'll be using to save me a step, and I'd like to know how much oat flour to measure. It would be helpful to have a measure for the total amount of oat flour and the total amount of remaining oats to combine for the recipe for those who have oat flour on hand. I hope my kiddos like it! Thanks for this.
    Reply
    • I've never tried it starting from flour. When you begin with oats, the "flour" is more textured to give it bulk. If it is too thin, I am not sure it will be the same as the packets you buy in the store.
      Reply
  2. With finer sugar crystals than those in traditional granulated sugar, Quick Dissolve Superfine Sugar is ideal for sweetening beverages, whether hot or cold — the sugar dissolves and sweetens rapidly.
    Reply
  3. This is a great recipe! I would love to make some up a head of time and ready to go in the am so all I have to do is add the water. That would be a huge time saver for me.
    Reply
  4. Oatmeal is part of my every day breakfast. I am not really that particular whether it is gluten free or not. However, this post will surely be useful for me in the future. Thanks for sharing! :)
    Reply
  5. your recipe looks great, I buy this brand all the time. I love how they have these spouts vs. the boxes! 
    Reply
  6. I love this recipe.. thanks for sharing, this will be on our Brunch list for this weekend.. can't wait to dish up a gluten free oatmeal for the kids.. soo excited 
    Reply
  7. I just got some of this flip top lid sugar and it's so easy to pour! I use it to add a dash of sugar to my smoothies!
    Reply

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