Overnight oats have become a popular breakfast option for many people looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious morning meal. But what exactly are overnight oats and how do you make them? Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about making overnight oats at home.
What are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are a simple breakfast made from oats that are soaked overnight in liquid. This allows the oats to soften and absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamy, pudding-like texture without having to cook them. The basic ingredients for overnight oats are oats, a liquid like milk or yogurt, and flavorings like fruit, nuts, spices, etc. You simply combine the ingredients in a jar or container the night before and allow them to soak in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you have a nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat breakfast!
Benefits of Overnight Oats
There are many reasons why overnight oats have become so popular:
- They’re very convenient – you make them ahead of time so they’re ready to grab and go in the morning.
- They’re customizable – you can add different flavors, fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, etc. to suit your tastes.
- They’re more filling than regular oatmeal since they absorb liquid and take on a thicker, pudding-like texture.
- They’re versatile – you can eat overnight oats cold, at room temperature, or even heated up.
- They’re budget-friendly – oats and yogurt/milk are affordable ingredients.
- They’re nutritious – oats provide fiber, protein, iron, and other key nutrients.
Overnight Oats Ingredients
While the basic ingredients for overnight oats are simple, you can customize them endlessly by using different combinations of the following:
Oats
This grain is the star ingredient of overnight oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats are commonly used since they hold their shape well after soaking. Quick oats or steel-cut oats can also work.
Liquid
The liquid allows the oats to soften and absorb flavor. Dairy milk and yogurt are common choices. Non-dairy milks like almond, soy, coconut, and oat milk also work well. Fruit juice is another option.
Fruit
Fresh or frozen fruits like bananas, berries, peaches, etc. add flavor, texture, and nutrients. Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, apricots and dates also work well.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and nut butters add protein, healthy fats, and crunch. Seeds like chia, flax, and hemp also provide great nutrition.
Sweeteners
Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or vanilla extract can be used to add a touch of sweetness if desired.
Flavorings
Vanilla, cinnamon,nutmeg, cocoa powder, protein powder, extracts, shredded coconut are all tasty mix-ins for overnight oats.
Toppings
Granola, fresh fruit, coconut, nuts and nut butters make great toppings to add after the oats are soaked.
How to Make Overnight Oats
Making overnight oats takes just a few minutes of prep in the evening, and then the oats soak in the fridge overnight. Here is a simple step-by-step method:
- Choose a container. Glass jars or bowls with lids work well to soak the oats. Make sure it’s large enough to hold the finished oats.
- Add the oats. Use around 1/2 cup of dry oats per serving.
- Pour in the liquid. Use around 1/2 cup of milk, yogurt or juice per serving of oats.
- Add any flavorings. Stir in fruits, nuts, spices, sweeteners, etc. as desired.
- Give it a stir. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Refrigerate overnight. Let soak for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
- Enjoy in the morning! Top with anything additional and dig in.
The oats will absorb the liquid and soften to a creamy, pudding-like consistency after soaking. Give them a stir in the morning to re-combine before eating or transferring to a bowl.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some tasty overnight oats recipe combinations to try:
Berry Banana Overnight Oats
- Oats
- Milk
- Greek yogurt
- Banana
- Mixed berries
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
Tropical Overnight Oats
- Oats
- Coconut milk
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped macadamia nuts
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Oats
- Milk
- Canned pumpkin
- Maple syrup
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans
Healthy Brownie Overnight Oats
- Oats
- Milk
- Cocoa powder
- Maple syrup
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped walnuts
Overnight Oats FAQs
Can overnight oats be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep overnight oats in advance. Simply follow the recipe up until the refrigeration step. Store the prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days before eating. Give them a stir before eating to redistribute any liquid.
Do you need to use a jar for overnight oats?
No, any container with a lid will work. Bowls, plastic containers, mason jars, etc. are all fine choices for prepping overnight oats.
Can you use quick oats for overnight oats?
Yes, quick oats can be used but they may result in a mushier texture compared to old fashioned rolled oats. Reduce the liquid slightly if using quick oats.
Do you cook overnight oats?
No cooking is required! The oats soften from soaking in the liquid overnight. Some people enjoy overnight oats cold while others prefer heating them up before eating.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
Properly stored, overnight oats can last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The oats may thicken even more as they sit.
Conclusion
Overnight oats make an easy, delicious, and nutritious breakfast option that can be customized in endless ways. By soaking oats in milk or yogurt with your favorite fruits, nuts, spices and other mix-ins, you can create a quick morning meal that’s ready when you wake up. Overnight oats are budget-friendly, convenient for meal prep, and full of fiber to keep you full and satisfied all morning long. Whether you prefer a classic fruit and nut combo or a decadent pumpkin pie-inspired version, overnight oats have something for every tastebud. Once you get the basic method down, you can whip up endless flavor combos tailored to your preferences.
