9 Overnight Oats Recipes That Are Basically Fall in a Bowl (2024)

FAQs

Can you use a bowl for overnight oats? ›

To make them simply combine oats with milk of choice, chia seeds and fruit and place them in a jar or a bowl with a lid and refrigerate overnight.

The Bottom Line

Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

While overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option, they can taste bland if you don't add any sweetener. Some people skip the sweetener altogether, thinking that the fruit they add will be enough. However, a little bit of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar can go a long way in making your oats more enjoyable.

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

In a large glass jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir.

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

Is it better to use water or milk for overnight oats? ›

Can I use water instead of milk in overnight oats? Yes, but the results may be pretty bland in flavor. Milk adds a creaminess as well. But water will work if you prefer to use it in place of a milk option.

You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture. This recipe omits yogurt so it relies on the chia seeds.

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Milk: Use cow's milk, oat milk, almond milk, or whatever milk alternative you prefer. Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day. Oats: Make sure to use rolled oats. Honey: Honey lends subtle sweetness.

You can definitely make overnight oats in a plastic container. Plastic jars tend to be more durable than glass, especially when dropped, making them a popular choice for families. They're also lightweight and inexpensive.

Here are some alternatives. Flaxseed: If you don't like flaxseeds or chia seeds, you can replace them with nut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mashed fruit. Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.

For thicker oats, reduce the milk by 1 tablespoon and add an additional 1 tablespoon of yogurt. For thinner oats, increase the milk to ¾ cup.

Cold food needs more seasoning than hot, says Martinez, so no matter what you put in your overnight oats, be sure to add a little more than you would to hot oatmeal. Martinez also considers a pinch of salt imperative. "Without salt, oats just taste like glue," he says.

What container to use for overnight oats? ›

My go-to containers for overnight oats are Weck jars—specifically the 12.5-ounce size, which come in a set of six. The jars are also available in several other sizes if you like larger or smaller portions.

Hot or cold oatmeal might help prepare your body for sleep and keep you full throughout the night. Oats contain magnesium as well as melatonin, the sleep hormone. Consider making a batch of overnight oats with dried fruits and seeds for a simple nighttime snack option.

Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won't soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately. Try this steel cut overnight oatmeal instead.

The best way to store overnight oats is in a glass jar. The glass jar you use should have a tight seal. This ensures that the overnight oats stay as fresh as possible as they soak and are stored. Besides the tight seal, a glass jar will allow you to easily warm the overnight oats in the morning.