Choose your oats: rolled oats, quick oats, or steel-cut oats
Measure 1 cup oats and 2 cups water or milk
Bring the liquid to a boil in a pot
Add the oats
Reduce heat to low
Stir occasionally
Cook until the oats reach your desired texture
Rolled oats: cook about 5 minutes
Quick oats: cook about 1 to 2 minutes
Steel-cut oats: cook about 20 to 30 minutes
Remove from heat
Let sit for 1 minute
Add salt, sweetener, fruit, nuts, or spices if desired
Serve warm