Overnight oats are healthy, delicious and versatile and so much easier to make than a classic bowl of oatmeal. It is a great make ahead recipe, perfect for hot summer days.
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats is a no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking the oats with liquid over the stove top, you simply stir oats along with liquid and refrigerate overnight. The oats absorbs most of the liquid and becomes softer to eat. It is perfect for hot summer days, when you wouldn't mind a cold breakfast and don't wanna stand near a hot stove.
Do you eat overnight oats hot or cold?
Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, straight from the refrigerator. That is what makes them the perfect Grab and Go breakfast. However, if you like it warm, then heat them until warm in the microwave before enjoying.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Depends! Overnight oats can be made as healthy or as sinful as you'd like. It totally depends on the ingredients and sweeteners used. When made healthy, they are
- Packed with fiber
- Grab and go breakfast
- Easy
- No cook
- Customizable
- Meal prep
- Loaded with whole grain
Can you make overnight oats with steel cut oats?
Yes. Steel cut oats are one of the least processed version of oats and requires much more longer cooking time when compared to old fashion oats. So, if using steel cut oats, then increase your liquid when soaking oats. However, the overnight oats will be a lot chewier.
How to make overnight oats?
It is got to be one of the simplest things you can make in your kitchen. So, it is a great cooking project even for young kids. There is no stove/oven/microwave involved. You simply stir old fashioned oats, milk, yogurt, sweetener of choice (honey / maple syrup / sugar) and additional flavorings of your choice in a mason jar, seal and place in the fridge overnight.
Ingredients to make overnight oats:
- Old fashion oats
- Milk (regular / dairy-free)
- Sweetener (honey / maple syrup / sugar)
- Flavorings (vanilla extract / ground spices)
- Greek yogurt (optional)
- Chia seeds (optional)
- Fresh fruits (optional)
- Nuts (optional)
- Nut butters (optional)
As mentioned earlier, all you need is the basics - Oats and milk. All remaining ingredients can be added according to your taste / dietary restrictions.
Can you make overnight oats vegan?
Of course! Just use a plant based milk, yogurt and maple syrup or plain sugar ( make sure you are using beet sugar).
Can you make overnight oats dairy free?
Again YES. Use almond, soy, rice, coconut, cashew, hazelnut or any other dairy free milk. Same rule for your yogurt option as well.
Can you use quick cooking or instant oats to make overnight oats?
I will stay away from using instant oats, since it is highly processed. Whereas, quick cooking variety will work but with a not-so-creamy texture and remember to reduce your liquid slightly when working with quick cooking oats.
How long can I store overnight oats in the refrigerator?
Depends! Since, overnight oats can be made in many different ways, it depends on the ingredients used. In general, all overnight oats can stored for up to two days and some for up to 4 days.
How do you store overnight oats?
Overnight oats can be stored in mason jars or any other airtight containers, tightly sealed.
Basic formula for making overnight oats:
It is equal parts of old fashion oats to milk.
Step-1: Mix equal parts of old fashioned oats and milk along with honey/maple syrup and spices of your choice.
Chia seeds are a great option, since it thickens oats even further and bumps up the nutrition value.
You can replace some of the milk with plain greek yogurt, which adds more creaminess.
Step-2: Cover and store in the refrigerator overnight or at least 6 hours.
Step-3: Stir once and top with fresh fruits or nuts before eating.
Here is a collection of 10 very creative variations of overnight oats :
Mango Overnight Oats for one is like a tropical vacation in a jar! It is a delicious combination of sweet ripe mangoes, old fashion oats, yogurt, chia seeds, coconut, almond and flavored with cardamom.
Bonus Recipe- Chocolate Almond Butter Overnight Oats.... read more
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Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
I have yet to try overnight oats! I love oats and will have to try these. But I think I’ll have to be weird and warm them up first hahaha.