How To Take Back Your Morning With Overnight Oats Recipes
If you're not a morning person but still want a filling breakfast when you wake up, then we have just the thing for you: overnight oats! These magical oats are like a cozy blanket for your taste buds, combining the goodness of rolled oats and milk with a dash of your own creativity.
Mix your ingredients together in a jar the night before (a medium mason jar is perfect) and let them get acquainted in the fridge. In the morning, you'll have a bowl of creamy oats ready to go. It's like having a personal chef who works while you sleep!
The secret to this no-cook wonder lies in time. Whereas conventional oatmeal uses heat to speed up the oats' liquid absorption, overnight oats soften and absorb the flavors over a few hours. That means no heating milk, and no cleaning dirty pots. For those of us who aren't at our best in the morning, it could be the difference between eating a feel-good breakfast or going without.
How do you make overnight oats?
We hope we've convinced you to give an overnight oats recipe a try. Here are the basics.
Overnight oats ingredients
The simplest overnight oats recipe needs just three things:
Rolled (old-fashioned) oats: The old-fashioned rolled variety are the best oats for overnight oats. Steel cut oats don't absorb the liquid as easily, while instant oats absorb it too much and can easily turn to goop (they're also often loaded with sugar). Old-fashioned rolled are the Goldilocks oats, absorbing just the right amount of liquid while retaining a satisfying chewy texture.
Liquid: While many use dairy milk, you can try other kinds like almond, soy or coconut milk, creating perfect options for lactose-intolerant eaters. Just make sure it's enough to cover the oats and create that creamy goodness.
Sweetener: Add a touch of sweetness to your oats with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust the amount to suit your taste buds.
Flavorings and toppings: While you can make a basic overnight oats recipe with just three ingredients, add-ins can really customize each batch for whoever's enjoying them in your home.
Get creative and elevate your oats with flavor enhancers like vanilla extract, cinnamon, blueberry, apple or cocoa powder. Add a little more texture with chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp hearts, shredded coconut or cacao nibs.
Extra flavorings and toppings are also a great way to boost nutrients and antioxidants. For example, the Greek yogurt in this Overnight Oats recipe creates a high-protein overnight oats treat. Experiment with different fruits, spices, and extracts to find your perfect match.
Mixing and leaving your oats
Combine your liquid, oats and flavorings, and stir well to ensure that all the oats are coated and will absorb the liquid evenly. You can also add in your sweetener and flavor mix-ins now for maximum flavor infusion.
Put your container in the fridge and let it sit overnight or for at least four hours to develop that irresistible creamy texture. When you take it out of the fridge in the morning, add a garnish or two to make it a visually stunning treat.
The idea oat-to-milk ratio
For perfect consistency, start with a basic ratio of 1:1 oats to liquid. This creates a thick and creamy base that will soften overnight. Decrease the amount of liquid slightly if you find this mixture too thick, or add more if you like your oats on the runnier side. You can also add yogurt to help thicken your overnight oats.
We answer your overnight oats questions
Still have questions about how to store and manage overnight oats, we have answered some of your top overnight oats queries below.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
Oats stored in an airtight container can last for up to five days in the fridge, but the ingredients will soften. Give them a quick stir to recombine everything and save any crunchy toppings until you dig in.
Can overnight oats be heated before eating?
While overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold, there's no rule saying you can't warm them up in the microwave or on the stove top. This creates a whole new level of comfort and coziness, but might also soften the oats a little.
Are overnight oats suitable for meal prepping?
Overnight oats are great for make-ahead meal planning, streamlining your morning routine. We've seen people incorporate them into weekly meal plans in two ways.
You can whip up a big batch, portion them into individual jars, and store them in the fridge. They'll be ready and waiting for you throughout the week, saving you precious time and energy. The advantage to this approach is that they develop even more flavor as they sit. The downside is that the texture will get a little softer each day.
Alternatively, if you prefer your oats chewier, load several jars with oats and flavorings in advance. Then just add milk to each jar that you want to eat the next day, and put it in the fridge.
We hope we've convinced you to give overnight oats a try. They're simple to make, delicious to eat, easy to clean up and also portable, meaning that if you're late for work you can grab one and go. Get funky with your oat recipes, and make this a regular thing. Your tastebuds and your body will thank you.
Other make-ahead breakfast recipes
Want some other low-maintenance make-ahead breakfasts? Try these alternatives:
Overnight Lemon Blueberry Muffin Casserole
