Servings: 1
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Overnight oatmeal is an easy make-ahead breakfast that you prepare the night before. I love this recipe because you can add a million different toppings and they’re all delicious. This recipe also includes my special instructions on how to make high protein overnight oats.
I was a little late getting on the overnight Oats train.
I think everyone started making overnight oats during the years when I was still completely carb-phobic.
I only recently tried it. Let me tell you, I haven’t looked back since.
Now that I know how to make this recipe, I have made it in many different ways, all with very tasty results.
Why you’ll love this overnight oats recipe
This recipe is very easy. Even kids can make it! Once you understand the recipe, you can adjust this recipe and add any toppings you like. Overnight oatmeal will keep in the fridge for a week, so you can grab it on the go and always have a healthy breakfast.
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The ingredients in overnight oatmeal are very flexible. Once you learn the basic overnight oatmeal recipe, the variations are virtually endless.
dry ingredients
Oats: We use gluten-free Old Fashioned Oats. Do not use quick oats. If it absorbs all the milk, it will become too soggy. Chia seeds (optional): Chia seeds add an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids to simple overnight oats. The chia seeds mix with the milk to create a chia pudding-like consistency in the oatmeal base. I love the texture of oatmeal with chia seeds. Nuts: Chopped nuts add crunch and healthy fats to overnight oats. Try almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Protein powder: I usually use vanilla or unflavored whey protein. Find your favorite flavored protein powder. Even chocolate can be great with the right toppings.
wet ingredients
Milk: You can use any type of milk you like. I usually make overnight oats using almond milk. You can use water in this recipe, but milk will give you a thicker, creamier consistency. If you use milk, you can use full fat milk, 2% milk, or even skim milk. Non-dairy options include almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk. Greek yogurt (optional): Greek yogurt is also optional and adds a little protein to this easy overnight oats recipe.
Flavors and toppings
Sweetener: I usually use maple syrup or honey to sweeten my overnight oats. If you use jam or fruit, you can omit the sweetener. Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a warm vanilla flavor to the oatmeal. Vanilla enhances the flavor of the oats and pairs well with any toppings you add. Kosher salt (optional): A pinch of salt really enhances the flavor of the oats. You can also omit it if necessary. Toppings and mix-ins: The possibilities are endless in this category. Most of the time, I top my overnight oats with fresh fruit or nuts. However, the combinations are endless.
Instructions
Prepare an overnight oats container. There are several different options. My favorite containers are mason jars or weck jars. You can use any airtight container. I’d like to keep at least 2 cups. You’ll need room for all these toppings. Add dry ingredients. First, add the ingredients to the container. Mix with a spoon. Add the wet ingredients: Greek yogurt (if making overnight oats with yogurt), then milk. At this step, you also add sweetener, vanilla, and salt. Mix: Mix with a spoon or small spatula. Storage: Cover each container. If you are using a glass or mug, you can cover the container with plastic wrap.
To make the best overnight oats, you need to find the right ratio of oats and milk. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust if you want more or less milk.
First, the ratio for overnight oats is 1 part oats ➕ 1 part milk ➕ 1/8 seeds.
Sometimes I add a little more milk before I eat my overnight oats in the morning.
Overnight oats varieties
Peanut Butter or Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats: To make simple peanut butter overnight oats, add a few tablespoons of peanut butter. For other types of peanut butter, you can add peanut butter + banana. Or peanut butter + jelly. Cherry Vanilla Almond Overnight Oats: Add fresh cherries and sliced almonds. Tropical Coconut Mango Overnight Oats: Add chopped fresh mango and a few tablespoons of coconut cream. You can also add dried flaked coconut for a tropical touch. Vanilla Fig Overnight Oats: Always use vanilla in the recipe, add a tablespoon of fig jam, and then add a few chopped dried or fresh figs. Berry Overnight Oats: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, and chopped or thinly sliced almonds. Banana Nutella Overnight Oats: Add 1 tablespoon Nutella and sliced banana. You can also add chopped hazelnuts or almonds for crunch. Apple Overnight Oats: Add diced apples and a few walnuts in the morning. I also like a little sprinkle of cinnamon.
FAQ
Perhaps you’ve never heard of overnight oatmeal, or maybe you’ve heard of it but can’t imagine what it would taste like to eat uncooked oatmeal. Overnight oatmeal is made by mixing rolled oats and milk and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
You can also add chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and protein powder. These add-ins add a little more protein to this already healthy breakfast. Let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight so the milk will soak into the oats. Enjoy the creamy and al dente texture.
In the morning, you can mix up different toppings (usually fresh fruit or nuts). The sky is the limit here. The combinations are endless.
Overnight oats take about 5 minutes to mix. Then put it in the refrigerator and leave it overnight. After about 4-5 hours, it is ready. The longer you leave it in the fridge, the more moisture it will absorb, which will absorb the oats.
Yes, I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free oatmeal. Most oats are relatively gluten-free, but they can be processed in facilities that also process wheat. If you have a gluten allergy, be sure to purchase oats that are certified gluten-free.
I use regular steel cut oats when making this recipe. Many overnight oat recipes call for instant oats. You can use both without any problems. Steel cut oats are my favorite type of oat as they give a thicker, chewier texture.
Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Oats contain quite a lot of carbohydrates. But you can make some alternatives to get the texture and flavor of overnight oats without all the carbs. Check out this post I found for a keto overnight oats recipe.
Keeping track of your daily macros is easy. There are a million online macro calculators like this one from Fitness Volt. Just enter your weight, age, and activity level and let the magic happen.
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overnight oats
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4 ways to make overnight oats: Enjoy them straight from the fridge or warmed up.
High protein overnight oatmeal
cherry almond vanilla oats
Nutritional calculations are for basic oats without toppings.
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calorie: 287kcalcarbohydrates: 46gprotein: 12gfat: 6gSaturated fat: 1gcholesterol: 3mgsodium: 186mgfiber: 7gsugar: 14gcalcium: 286mgiron: 2mg
