Start your day with a tantalizing bowl of this hearty blueberry oatmeal brimming with juicy bites of fresh fruit, sweet brown sugar, and vanilla.

Do you remember those little packets of instant oatmeal you used to eat as a kid? Yeah, the same ones you still have secretly stashed in your cupboard for busy mornings. Despite the peculiar texture of the dehydrated fruit, we scarfed those down because they tasted great and they were quick and easy to make, right?

Well, it is time we grow up and start making some proper oatmeal. A hearty breakfast like this easy blueberry oatmeal recipe takes minimal time to prepare, yet yields juicy bites of real blueberries while the warm flavor of vanilla swims throughout the entire bowl.

Doesn't that sound a lot better than the mystery dust that falls out of each prepackaged oatmeal pouch?

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Oatmeal - I recommend using quick oats like minute or instant oats for a quick and easy breakfast. However, you can use other oatmeal, like steel cut oats or rolled oats, as well, just plan on adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
• Milk - Any type of milk works. I prefer whole milk for the creamiest flavor, but you can use skim milk too. You can even make this recipe dairy-free by using almond milk.
• Brown sugar - For maximum flavor, I recommend being aggressive with the sugar used. However, if you are looking to make your blueberry oatmeal healthier, there is no shame in cutting back the sugar to your desired level. Go with whatever the right amount of sweetness is for you.
• Vanilla extract
• Salt - Don't skip the salt. A pinch of salt really wakes up the flavors.
• Fresh blueberries - I have been on a quest lately to create great-tasting oatmeal dishes that are still quick and easy to make. You can never go wrong with the flavors of blueberry and vanilla, however, if strawberries are more your thing you will want to try my Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal recipe. 

How to make it

This easy oatmeal recipe comes together in minutes if you are using quick-cooking oatmeal, like minute oats. Begin by mixing together the oatmeal, milk, brown sugar, and salt in microwave-safe bowl.

Heat your oatmeal in the microwave for two minutes. Alternatively, if you are using heartier oats, like steel-cut, simmer everything on the stovetop until softened.

Once the oatmeal is cooked through stir in the blueberries and let rest a couple of minutes to thicken.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• For different flavor combinations, you can use any of your favorite fruit. Add in bananas, your favorite fresh berries, or even nuts. Lemon zest would be a fantastic addition too.
• You can make this delicious recipe ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for up to five days. Simply reheat it as needed.
• If the oatmeal gets too thick, simply drizzle a little extra milk in it to thin it back out.

Blueberry Oatmeal FAQs

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

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This recipe was originally published September 13, 2016, on FoxValleyFoodie.com.