How to Make Overnight Oats Recipe

Here's a foolproof formula for perfect overnight oats every time, along with helpful tips for personalizing your bowl.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 1
• Nutritional Info per Serving: 190 calories, 4g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 62mg sodium, 34g carbohydrates, 6g fiber, 6g protein, 8g sugar
• Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 hours

Despite what its name suggests, making overnight oats only takes a few minutes of active prep. This no-heat breakfast relies on soaking oats overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavors and creaminess to develop by morning. Mastering how to prep overnight oats means you can enjoy a nutritious and satisfying breakfast almost any morningjust remember to mix your ingredients the night before. Below is everything you need to know about this effortless breakfast staple.

What Exactly Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are raw oats that soak overnight in the refrigerator within a container filled with milk, yogurt, or another liquid. Unlike traditional oatmeal meant to be served hot, overnight oats are consumed cold with a creamy texture. Similar to cooked oatmeal, you can customize overnight oats with various flavors by choosing different soaking liquids and mix-ins.

Tips for Making Perfect Overnight Oats

• Overnight Steel-Cut Oats: Steel-cut oats are chopped whole oat groats that require longer soaking times than rolled oats since they aren't steamed or flattened. For overnight steel-cut oats, soak them for at least two nights to achieve the right softness.
• Overnight Instant Oats: Instant oats are steamed longer and rolled thinner than rolled oats. While you can use them overnight, they tend to break down more, resulting in a pudding-like texture, which is still flavorful and nourishing.
• Yogurt vs Milk Bases: Any type of milk works well: cow's milk, almond, oat, or other plant milks. For creamier oats, adding regular or plant-based yogurt is recommended. The ideal ratio is 1 part oats to 1 part milk, and if including yogurt, use half the amount of yogurt relative to milkfor instance, 2 parts oats, 2 parts milk, and 1 part yogurt.
• Suggestions for Toppings: Customizing your overnight oats is part of the fun with toppings ranging from fresh berries to chocolate chips to keep breakfast exciting.

Fruit Toppings

We suggest mixing in lighter fruits like berries the night before to allow flavors to meld, and adding heavier fruits such as sliced bananas in the morning to prevent them from settling at the bottom.

Additional Mix-Ins

The possibilities are endlesssome favorite additions include chopped mango, pomegranate seeds, hazelnuts, chocolate chips, tahini, banana slices, strawberry slices, orange zest, and ground cardamom.

Crisp Toppings

Save crunchy ingredients such as nuts and cereal for right before eating so they remain crisp and don't get soggy from sitting overnight.

Best Containers for Overnight Oats

You can prepare and serve overnight oats in virtually any container, but using jars you plan to eat from makes them portable and convenient for quick breakfasts on the go or at the table.

Storage and Shelf Life of Overnight Oats

Store your overnight oats in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for up to five days. This way, you can prep multiple servings at once (e.g., on Sunday) and have ready-made breakfasts throughout the workweek without daily effort.

Overnight Oats Recipe

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 1
• Nutritional Info (per serving): 190 calories, 4g fat, 0g saturated fat, 62mg sodium, 34g carbs, 6g fiber, 6g protein, 8g sugar
• Total Time: 5 hr 5 min
• Active Prep: 5 min
• Rest Time: 5 hr

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk (dairy, almond, cashew, coconut, etc.)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup yogurt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/2 banana, mashed (optional)
• Serving suggestions: fresh or dried fruit, nuts, nut butter, seeds, protein powder, granola, shredded coconut, spices, citrus zest, and vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

1. Combine your chosen portions of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds, and mashed banana in a jar or container. Stir thoroughly, then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
2. In the morning, add a bit more liquid if you desire a thinner texture. Once the consistency suits you, garnish with your favorite toppings such as fruits, nuts, or spices before enjoying.

This mix can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days if banana is included, or up to 4 days without banana. With practice, preparing a fresh batch midweek is easy and keeps your breakfasts fresh.