If you can barely function before your morning cup of joe, let alone make breakfast, you need to add overnight oats to your routine! This easy and tasty breakfast food trend is an unexpected, healthy twist on oatmeal. It is the perfect breakfast for people who need to get to school or work early in the morning and tend to skip the most important meal of the day to be there on time. Overnight oats are versatile, nutritious, delicious and very convenient.
What Are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are oats that are soaked overnight in water or milk and ‒ optionally ‒ topped off with fruit or nuts. Aside from being time-efficient and delicious, they have several health benefits.
Oats are carbohydrates and can be very filling, so you don’t need to eat a large serving. They are a great source of resistant starch, which is one of the carbs you can eat when you’re trying to lose weight. Soaking them overnight helps your body absorb nutrients from them. Additionally, oats are cholesterol fighters, and so lead to better heart health.
Make them in a jar for breakfast on-the-go!
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How to Make Overnight Oats
Making basic overnight oats is surprisingly easy. You can divide every recipe into four main sections: the base, the liquid, the mix-ins and the toppings.
Ingredients
This will make a single-serving of overnight oats.
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup liquid
- Mix-ins of your choice
- Toppings of your choice
Note: You can use steel-cut oats if you like a crunchier texture, but avoid using quick oats at all costs.
Directions
- Mix the oats and liquid together, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. If you are using yogurt, a 1:1:1 ratio of oats, milk and yogurt will do.
- Add mix-ins like fruit, nuts, seeds, spices or vanilla extract. Stir ingredients together and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.
- Add toppings and enjoy!
Tips:
- Making your overnight oats in a mason jar can help with portion control.
- Adding dry ingredients can make the overall texture drier, so adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.
- The oats should usually should be soaked for 8 hours, but 4 hours should also be fine.
- This mixture keeps for 2 days (or 4 days if you don’t use bananas).
10 Overnight Oats Recipes
Overnight oats are very versatile, and you can use many different kinds of ingredients to keep things fresh! Use these recipes to make one serving of overnight oats. The mixing instructions for all of them are the same: mix the base, add the liquid and then add the mix-ins before letting the oats sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Make sure to add toppings of your choice before you dig in!
Fantastic Fruits
If you prefer to keep your breakfast sweet and healthy, make fruit the stars of your overnight oats. Not only is fruit diverse and delicious, it is also very healthy for you.
1. Berry Chia Seed
This overnight oats recipe is very versatile because you can customize it to your favorite berry flavor by changing the jam you use! If you’re a sweet tooth, substitute the jam and honey for a dash of your favorite fruit syrup.
2. Blueberry Banana
If the texture of oatmeal isn’t your favorite, use chia seeds or flaxseed to add some crunch (and nutrition). The mashed banana is a great way to add natural sweetness.
Nifty Nuts
A perfect way to integrate protein into a vegan or vegetarian diet is by adding nuts to your overnight oats. They also provide more texture and contrasting flavors!
3. Blueberry Almond
Can’t get enough almond butter? Mix it in to your overnight oats for a sweet treat. The base of this recipe goes with nearly any fruit or topping, not just blueberries!
4. Banana Nut
Craving a banana nut muffin? Try this healthy recipe instead! Experiment with different milks, like coconut or almond milk, for a twist.
Brilliant Breakfast
If you want to inject some traditional breakfast spirit into your overnight oats, these are the perfect recipes for you!
5. Maple French Toast
This overnight oats recipe is great on the go because you don’t have to worry about adding toppings. Grab it from the fridge, and take it to the the office to start your morning right.
6. Peanut Butter Banana
This simple combination is a crowd-pleaser! If you’re trying to cut calories, try using peanut butter powder instead of regular peanut butter.
Very Vanilla
Vanilla has an unfair reputation of being bland, when it’s actually a really great flavor when paired with the right things. If you love your vanilla, add some vanilla extract to your overnight oats!
7. Cherry Vanilla
Cherries may remind you of summer, but you can make this overnight oats recipe year-round by substituting fresh cherries for frozen ones.
8. Strawberry Vanilla
Similar to strawberry shortcake, this recipe is sweet and refreshing. If you feel like treating yourself, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Cheerful Chocolate
Even the most picky eaters love their chocolate. Use these chocolatey overnight oats recipes on special days when you want your breakfast to be a celebration!
9. Chocolate Coconut
Calling all chocolate lovers! This overnight oats recipe makes it feel like you’re having dessert for breakfast without the guilt.
10. Chocolate Strawberry
This recipe is reminiscent of the Neapolitan ice cream you loved as a kid. Try substituting Greek yogurt for vanilla yogurt or adding vanilla extract!
Overnight oats are very popular, and you can see why. The sky’s the limit! Grab your favorite bowl or container and create a fruity and refreshing mixture, or opt for a sweet treat inspired by your favorite dessert. Try experimenting with different bases, mix-ins and toppings and create your own overnight oats recipes!