Rustic Apple and Chia Oatmeal with Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm breakfast featuring rolled oats cooked with apples and chia seeds, sweetened with cinnamon. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 17 minutes, combines old-fashioned oats, water, diced apple into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 1, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 1 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup diced apple, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to low.
  2. Step 2: Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are thickened and apples are tender. Stir in 1 tbsp chia seeds and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp maple syrup. Top with 2 tbsp chopped walnuts before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Apple and Chia Oatmeal with Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Rustic Apple and Chia Oatmeal with Cinnamon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Apple and Chia Oatmeal with Cinnamon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Apple and Chia Oatmeal with Cinnamon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rustic Apple and Chia Oatmeal with Cinnamon?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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