How to Make Overnight Oats

This summer my family has fallen in love with Overnight Oats!   There are a million ways to make them, but after lots of “trial and error” we think we found the best recipe.   Have you ever tried them? You may remember this chocolate overnight oats (with protien powder) recipe I posted a couple of years ago.

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are simply no-cook method of making oatmeal. So instead of cooking your oats with liquid on the stove or in the microwave, you mix old fashioned oats (rolled oats) with the liquid and other mix-ins of your choice, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you have a creamy pudding-like oatmeal that is perfect for quick and easy on-the-go breakfasts. You can simplify your mornings with having overnight oats in the fridge ready to grab!

What do Overnight Oats taste like?

I think they taste GREAT, but I have to admit the first couple of times I tried overnight oats, I was not a fan. I didn’t know what I was doing and was not getting the consistency or flavors right.  It was either thick and gluey or super soupy and bland.  Following the recipe below results in a creamy balanced texture and you can add the flavors you know you enjoy.  Overnight oats are healthy and filling.  We look forward to them for breakfast now! I have also found that my family prefers regular yogurt over greek yogurt.  They don’t like the the thickness or strong scent/ tang of greek yogurt, I guess. I actually prefer no yogurt somedays.  So if you want you can leave the yogurt out all together.  It won’t be as creamy but will still taste great!

Can you eat them hot?

Yes you can!  If you prefer your oats to be warm –then by all means throw them in the microwave! Maybe this winter when it is cold we will do that, but this summer the chilled oats really hit the spot!

Are Overnight Oats good for you?

Yes they are….but you can possibly sabotage yourself with the add-ins you choose. You could stir in sugar laden yogurt, sweetened milk, candy etc and pretty soon your healthy breakfast has turned into a dessert.  So a word of caution–take note of what your adding to keep the calories/ fat/ sugar content where you want.  We like to use unsweetened almond milk for ours and low sugar or unsweetened yogurt.  Some of my boys like to add a little maple syrup, honey or brown sugar, but I normally do not. I think the fruit is enough.

Also, soaking oats before you ate them, was very common in the ‘old days’ (as in a the past half century or so). It used to be printed on the box to soak overnight before eating.  Oats contain one of the highest levels of phytic acid of all grains—meaning they can be quite hard to digest for some people. I have never experienced stomach issues after eating oatmeal, but if you have, soaking them will help a lot. More information can be found about that by doing an internet search or from this book, Nourishing Traditions.

While making overnight oats doesn’t have the same effect as soaking at room temperature overnight, it will absolutely help! The time spent in the fridge soaking in the liquid helps to break down some of the compounds that cause digestive issues.

How long do overnight oats take?

I recommend overnight because it’s so nice and easy to make them in the evening, and wake up to a wonderful, ready to eat breakfast.  They do start to thicken up nicely in about 2-4 hours though.

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

The recipes with fruit mix-ins, I prefer to eat within three days. The ones without fruit, last for a week chilling in the fridge. This is a great recipe for meal prepping. I like to make lots up on the weekend and then grab them when needed for breakfast or any meal when needed during the week.

What jars do you use for overnight oats?

This recipe is designed to fit in a pint/half-liter size canning jar. It is a hearty serving for big appetites. I use the full recipe for my boys, but my appetite isn’t quite as big so I divide the recipe into two jars. I like to use these classic canning jars with a wide mouth so I can add extra fresh fruit in the morning. You can also use the regular mouthed canning jars (like pictured above). I really like to use the plastic lids shown below.  I get them on Amazon here or these colored ones here.

Are Overnight Oats Gluten Free?

To make these gluten free simply use certified gluten free oats.

My boys overnights oats for tomorrow! 

These nourishing Overnight Oats are packed full of flavor and have a wonderful creamy texture. You can make them up ahead of time for an easy on the go breakfast!  The sky is the limit with the mix ins and flavors you can add to the classic recipe. Have fun with this method and figure out what you like best!

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