Overnight Oats Recipes

What are overnight oats?

They are a no-cook, make-ahead breakfast where old fashion rolled oats are soaked in milk (with or without yogurt) overnight in the fridge.

As the oats absorb the liquid, they soften and develop a thick, creamy, pudding-like texture by morning. Typically mixed with fruits, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners,it is a convenient breakfast or snack, especially perfect for hot summer mornings.

Is overnight oats meant to be eaten cold?

Yes, it is typically enjoyed cold! After soaking in the fridge overnight, the oats absorb the liquid and soften, resulting in a creamy texture that's ready to eat straight from the fridge—making it the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. However, if you prefer them warm, you can easily heat them up in the microwave or on the stove.

Type of oats to use

Rolled oats: Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats are typically the best choice. They are steamed and pressed, which allows them to absorb liquid efficiently and soften overnight, resulting in a creamy texture without becoming too mushy.

Quick cooking oats: Quick oats are steamed and cut into smaller pieces to cook faster. While they can be used for overnight oats, they often become soft and mushy, resulting in a porridge-like consistency without the desired chew.

Steel cut oats: Steel-cut oats are the least processed of all oat varieties. They take longer to absorb liquid and typically require soaking for at least 12 hours or more to achieve the right texture. The result is a chewier, heartier, and nuttier consistency. Personally, I prefer using steel-cut oats for oatmeal rather than for overnight soaking.

Variations

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique and flavorful variations. Here are some exciting ideas to get you started:

• Peanut Butter Banana - Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter, mashed bananas, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
• Chocolate peanut butter - Use peanut butter instead of almond butter in our chocolate almond butter overnight oats recipe
• Apple cinnamon - Add grated apple, cinnamon and chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Tropical - Try our mango overnight oats recipe by swapping regular milk for coconut milk and adding some fresh chopped pineapple for an extra tropical twist!
• Pumpkin spice - Mix in pumpkin puree, a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, and some chopped toasted pecans for fall-inspired oats.
• Chocolate cherry - Use our black forest cake overnight oats recipe.
• Cheescake - Mix in plain Greek yogurt for a healthy oats that taste like cheesecake.
• Indian style - Use our favorite Indian overnight oats recipe.
• Vegan - Use almond, oat, or coconut milk along with maple syrup for sweetness, and skip the yogurt to make this recipe completely vegan.
• Gluten free - Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be contaminated with gluten during processing, as they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye. So use gluten-free certified rolled oats to make it gluten free.
  

How long to store?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping. However, storing them longer may cause a loss of freshness, especially if you're using fresh fruits, and the texture may become too mushy. I like to store them in individual mason jars or containers for easy, grab-and-go breakfasts!

In conclusion, they are a versatile, convenient, and nutritious breakfast or snack that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. With a bit of meal prep, you can enjoy a healthy and hassle-free breakfast, perfect for busy mornings.

While overnight oats are typically eaten cold straight from the fridge, I personally love a warm bowl, like apple cinnamon oatmeal or carrot cake oatmeal, during the chilly winter months for a cozy start to the day.