How To Make Overnight Oats (Plus 10 Amazing Recipes!)
Everything you need to know to make the overnight oats including 10 delicious recipes and the perfect overnight oatmeal recipe that works every time..
Learn the secret to making easy and delicious Overnight Oats for a healthy meal prepped breakfast! Plus, browse through 10 of our most popular overnight oats recipes.
Maybe you've seen them online or maybe you've heard about your friends making them. But, what are overnight oats? Keep reading and discover everything you ever wanted to know about this healthy and easy breakfast or snack.
Eat them anytime you want. They are packed with fiber and, depending on the ingredients you use- super good for you too!
What Are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are a different "cooking" method for preparing oatmeal without actually having to cook or bake them. Most people just put all the ingredients for the overnight oats in a glass mason jar and let them soak overnight in the refrigerator. As they sit, the oats naturally soak up the wet ingredients, making them taste as if you had cooked them.
Overnight oats are usually eaten cold just like you would a smoothie bowl. They are a great option for anyone that is busy and needs something they can grab and take with them.
10 Amazing Overnight Oats Recipes You Must Try!
The easiest way to learn how to make overnight oats is to follow a recipe. The good thing about these recipes is that they are all so different that you will enjoy eating them all week long.
Check them out and try adding all 10 of these into your meal prep rotation!
PB&J Overnight Oats
PB&J Overnight Oats made with rolled oats, peanut butter, and jelly that will keep you full all morning long.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats
These easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats are made with rolled oats, peanut butter, and cocoa powder all sweetened with mashed bananas. It tastes like healthy peanut butter cup and will keep you full all morning.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oatmeal
Waking up with these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats ready to go in the fridge is a game changer. Easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and super filling.
Zucchini Bread Overnight Oatmeal
Zucchini bread overnight oats packed with all the flavors of the classic bread with cinnamon, shredded zucchini, banana, and vanilla.
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oatmeal
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oatmeal that incorporates all the best fall pumpkin flavors with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree.
Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal
These easy Blueberry Overnight Oats with almond butter, cinnamon, and vanilla are a healthy, filling breakfast that's perfect for meal prep and taking on the go.
Strawberry Overnight Oatmeal
Strawberry Overnight Oatmeal with rolled oats, chia seeds, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries tastes like strawberry shortcake but is actually a healthy breakfast.
Vanilla Latte Overnight Oats
The most amazing morning pick me up with coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla in your morning oatmeal. Easy to make, nutritious, and filling.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oatmeal
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oatmeal can be prepped in advance, is packed with natural sweetness, and will keep you full all morning.
Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats
Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats combine my two favorite things, chia seed pudding and oatmeal. This version with blueberries and honey makes such a filling and fiber packed breakfast with just 300 calories.
Are Overnight Oats Healthy?
Yes, overnight oats are usually pretty healthy for you. Of course, determining how healthy they really just depend on the ingredients you use in your recipe.
If you use a lot of sugar and processed ingredients, then they won't be as good for you as if you used whole fruits and no added sugar.
When you make overnight oats, I recommend using oats that are minimally processed. That means steel-cut oats or rolled oats. So, try to avoid instant oats because they will have less fiber.
Benefits Of Eating Overnight Oats For Breakfast
Now let's look at the biggest benefits of overnight oats - they are more than just good for you! Which of these is the reason you enjoy eating them?
Healthy Breakfast
When you use whole fruits and fortify your oats with chia or flax seeds, you are preparing a nutrient-dense meal or snack. Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, which helps you digest your food better and increases your metabolism. Eating high-fiber meals also helps you stay full longer.
If health is your top priority, use natural ingredients, and avoid processed ones that are high in sugar.
High in Protein and Fiber
Studies show that when you eat foods that are high in fiber and protein, you will increase how much fat you burn. This is a healthy way to give yourself energy after a workout and it will help you feel full in between meals.
Saves Time
Making overnight oats also saves you time the next day.
Instead of trying to figure out how to cook breakfast, you can just grab a jar of your overnight oats! This is as easy as grabbing a carton of yogurt - and so much healthier for you too.
Customizable
There are literally hundreds of ways you can change overnight oats and make them different. You can change the berries, the protein, and even the syrups are all ways that you can change them up.
I'll share some of my favorite customizable oat recipes at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Overnight Oats
Before I share all of my top 10 recipes, I want to share with you the basic steps to making a batch of overnight oats.
Honestly, making overnight oats is a pretty simple process. All of the recipes I will be sharing with you use the same basic prep steps:
- Pick out your ingredients - Decide which kind of fruit and milk you want to use.
- Layer the ingredients - Mix them up so that the oats can soak up the wet ingredients.
- Seal them tightly - Store them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate them - Keep your overnight oats in the refrigerator overnight and up to 5 days.
Meal Prep Plain Oats
Another way to speed up breakfast is to make a few jars of plain overnight oats and store them in the refrigerator. Then, you can grab a jar, add your favorite fruit and toppings, and you are ready for breakfast.
Liquid To Oats Ratio
When you make your own overnight oats, remember to use a 1:1 or 1.25: 1 ratio of liquid to oats, depending on how liquidy you like the oats. Consider adding 1/4 cup yogurt when using the 1:1 ratio to add extra creaminess.
That means if you use 1 cup of oats, add 1-1.25 cups of some kind of milk, water, or liquid. This will help the oatmeal have enough liquid to soften correctly. It will also give your overnight oats a porridge-like consistency!
How long does it take for overnight oats to become edible?
Lots of people prefer to let the oats soak overnight because it's just easier that way. You don't need a timer and you know they will be ready when you need them.
Most forms of overnight oats will be ready to eat after soaking for about 4 hours. If you are going to soak them for 4 hours, you might as well just leave them overnight.
How long do overnight oats last?
You can keep overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They might not look or smell bad on day 6, but it's best to throw them out on day 6 or 7. This is the time when bacteria starts to grow on the food.
How To Create Your Own Overnight Oats Recipe
Overnight oats are such a fun way to start your day or enjoy a snack break! If you want to make your own, I suggest following a few recipes first to become familiar with how it should turn out. Then, start swapping out ingredients for others.
Eventually, you'll become a pro at creating your own overnight oats recipes!
Overnight Oats: Final Thoughts
If you want to start eating healthier, overnight oats are the best place to start. They are effortless - you just mix everything together and let it sit!
In fact, once you learn how to make a few different kinds of overnight oats, you'll feel like a pro and start making up your own varieties. Follow the recipes here and then start branching out and making your own! It's so much fun to make your own edible creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about making overnight oatmeal.
What kind of oats do you use for overnight oats?
The bets oats for overnight oats are always old-fashioned plain rolled oats. Quick cooking or instant oats will come out soggy and mushy after being soaked overnight, Steel cut oats will not soften enough and need to be cooked in order to soften.
What are the best ways to add protein to overnight oats?
There are so many ways to add protein to your overnight oats. The easiest option is to choose high-protein milk like soy milk, pea milk, or protein-fortified almond or oat milk.
Adding yogurt or cottage cheese to your oats is another easy way to add protein. Or add 1-2 scoops of plain or flavored protein powder to your overnight oatmeal.
Are overnight oats eaten cold?
Overnight oatmeal can be eaten cold, at room temperature, or warmed up and eaten warm like more traditional oatmeal.
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Overnight Oats
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/16 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.
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I’m Kristen, I blog about food.
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