Overnight oats are a super delicious and nutritious breakfast option that can be made in advance to save you time in the morning. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, this effortless recipe is ideal for rushed mornings!

It’s also customizable, making it with your different flavors and toppings.

What are Oats?

Oats are cereal grains rich in fibre, protein, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium. Consumption of oats has been associated with numerous health advantages, including better heart health and regulation of blood sugar levels.

Oats come in different forms, such as rolled, steel-cut, and instant oats. For this recipe, we recommend using rolled or quick oats. They are the most convenient form for overnight oats since they absorb liquid quickly.

Ingredients

A half cup of rolled oats

One teaspoon of chia seeds

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

¾ cup milk of choice (almond, soy, dairy, etc.)

Pinch of salt

How to Make Overnight Oats Recipe

Combine oats, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, milk, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed and combined.

Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or another lidded container, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).

In the morning, stir the oats before adding your favorite toppings or flavors, such as nuts, dried fruit, yogurt, or nut butter.

Additional Making Tips for Overnight Oats

You can also make this recipe as an on-the-go breakfast by prepping it in individual jars or containers and having it ready to grab when heading out the door in the morning.

It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator, so you can make a batch for the week and have breakfast ready each morning.

If you use this recipe as a meal replacement, adding additional protein sources, such as nuts or nut butter, is essential to ensure adequate nutrition.

Additional Making Tips of Overnight Oats

Also, be mindful of the sweetener; added sugar should be limited. Substitute white sugar with a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup if preferred.

In addition, make sure you’re using non-dairy milk for vegan options.

Finally, take care when adding toppings. Too many can quickly add up in calories, so stick with nutritious choices like fruit and nuts.

Benefits of Overnight Oats

Preparing overnight oats is a wholesome and delightful way to start your day that can be made beforehand.

It’s a straightforward way to get your daily dose of fibre and protein, which can help you feel full for longer and improve digestion.

Oats are also highly customizable, so you can make them with different flavors, toppings, and sweeteners.

Furthermore, the preparation time is negligible – mix all the ingredients the night before, and you’ll be ready to enjoy it in the morning! So give this simple recipe a try. You won’t regret it.

FAQs

What type of oats should I use for overnight oats?

It would be best if you used old-fashioned rolled oats for overnight oats. Quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats will not work as well because they do not absorb liquid similarly.

What liquids can I use for overnight oats?

You can use any juice you prefer for overnight oats. Popular choices include milk (dairy or non-dairy), yoghurt, kefir, almond milk, coconut milk, or water.

Can I add sweeteners to my overnight oats?

Yes, you can add sweeteners to your overnight oats. Popular options include honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or stevia. You can also add mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness.

Can I add toppings to my overnight oats?

Yes, you can add toppings to your overnight oats. Some popular options include fresh fruit (such as berries or bananas), chopped nuts, seeds (such as chia or flax seeds), nut butter, or granola.

How long should I soak my oats?

You should wash your oats for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.

Do I need to heat my overnight oats in the morning?

No, you do not need to heat your overnight oats. They are meant to be eaten cold, although you can microwave them for a few seconds if you prefer warm.

Is it possible to prepare overnight oats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, which makes them an ideal breakfast alternative for hectic mornings.

Can I use flavoured yoghurts for overnight oats?

Yes, you can use flavoured yoghurts for overnight oats. However, flavoured yoghurts may contain added sugars and artificial flavours, so you may want to use plain yoghurt and add your sweeteners and flavours.

Can I make overnight oats with other grains?

You can make overnight oats with other grains such as quinoa, millet, or buckwheat. These grains must be cooked before being soaked in liquid overnight.

Can I make overnight oats with steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time and don’t absorb liquid as quickly as rolled or quick oats, so we recommend using rolled or quick oats for this recipe. You can also make your version of overnight steel-cut oats by soaking them in milk or almond milk overnight before heating them in the morning. This will help reduce the cooking time and make it more convenient for busy mornings.

Can I make overnight oats without milk?

Yes, you can! If preferred, replace the milk with water or non-dairy alternatives such as almond or coconut milk. When using water, adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavour of the oats. For a richer and creamier texture, try using yoghurt or nut butter instead of liquid. Additionally, incorporating fruit juice is another option to infuse your oats with more sweetness and flavour.

Can overnight oats be frozen?

Yes, overnight oats can be frozen for almost three months in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy. You can also prepare a big batch of oats in advance and freeze individual portions for quick meals throughout the week. Ensure it’s thawed out before eating to ensure maximum nutrition and flavour.

Ending Lines

Enjoy your overnight oats! They are an easy, healthy, and delicious breakfast option that can be made according to your tastes. This recipe offers a variety of flavors, toppings, and sweeteners, ensuring that you’ll have an enjoyable experience experimenting with them. Savor trying out different variations and discovering what suits your taste buds. I hope you’ll relish preparing this uncomplicated yet delectable overnight oats recipe.

Note for the catholic family: For more information on health benefits associated with oats, please consult your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.