Lemon Ricotta Mug Oatmeal
Creamy lemon ricotta oatmeal comes together in a mug for a bright breakfast you can make half awake.
Prep: 3 · Cook: 12 · Total: 15 · Serves: 1 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (132 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
A mashup of lemon ricotta pancakes and classic stovetop oats, simplified for a microwave mug.
Story
On mornings when everyone is moving at a different speed, I love having a breakfast that does not ask much of me. I can stir this in one mug, rinse one spoon, and still end up with something that feels cared for. The ricotta makes it creamy in a way that reminds me of a weekend brunch, even if it is just a regular Wednesday.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk or water
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup ricotta
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds or walnuts
- 1/4 cup berries, fresh or frozen
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe mug or bowl, stir together oats, milk, and salt.
- Microwave 2 minutes, stir well, then microwave 2 minutes more. Stir again.
- Keep microwaving in 1 minute bursts until the oats are tender and thick, 4 to 6 minutes total depending on your microwave.
- Stir in ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla until creamy.
- Taste and add a little more honey or a splash of milk if you want it looser.
- Top with nuts and berries and eat warm right away.
Chef Tips
- Use a big mug, oats can bubble up as they cook.
- Frozen berries are great, they cool the oatmeal just enough to eat.
- If you like it extra lemony, add another pinch of zest at the end.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese blended smooth if that is what you have.
Cook's Notes
- **Microwave note:** Power levels vary, cook in short bursts and stir so it does not boil over.
- **Texture control:** Add more milk at the end for looser oatmeal, or cook one more minute for thicker.
- **Make it yours:** Any citrus works, try orange zest with dried cranberries.