How to Make Overnight Oats

If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious breakfast that requires no cooking, overnight oats are your perfect solution! They’re simple to make, customizable, and can be packed with wholesome ingredients that keep you fueled throughout the morning. Plus, the best part is you can prepare them the night before, so breakfast is ready when you are.

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What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are no-cook oats that are soaked in liquid overnight (or for at least 4-5 hours), allowing the oats to absorb the liquid and soften. The result is a creamy, delicious, and ready-to-eat breakfast that’s full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You can mix in a variety of add-ins like fruits, nuts, and sweeteners to create a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

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Recipe at a Glance

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Serves: 1

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Base Ingredients You Need to Make Overnight Oats

To make the basic overnight oats recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients:

• Rolled Oats: These are the best type of oats for overnight oats. They absorb the liquid well and soften overnight.
• Milk (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Use any type of milk you like—cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute to add some sweetness.
• Yogurt (optional): Adding yogurt makes the oats extra creamy and boosts the protein content.

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How to Make a Basic Overnight Oats Recipe – The Ratio

The standard ratio for overnight oats is:

• 1 part oats to 1 part liquid (plus optional yogurt).

For example:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)

You can adjust the quantities depending on how thick or thin you like your oats. If you want them thicker, reduce the liquid, and if you want them runnier, add more.

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How to Make 2-Ingredient Overnight Oats

Here’s the simplest way to make overnight oats:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk or non-dairy milk

Simply combine the oats and milk in a jar or bowl, stir, and cover. Let them sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have perfectly creamy oats!

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How I Make My Overnight Oat Base

My go-to overnight oats base is simple but packed with flavor:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added fiber)

Mix all the ingredients together in a mason jar or container, cover it, and place it in the fridge overnight. The chia seeds will help thicken the oats and give them a creamy texture.

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Reader-Favorite Add-Ins & Flavor Combos

Here are some of the most popular add-ins that turn your basic overnight oats into a flavor-packed meal:

• Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, banana slices, or chopped apples.
• Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for a creamy texture.

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My Top 6 Overnight Oatmeal Recipe Ideas

1. Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
   Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup to your oats. Top with toasted pecans for an extra crunch.
2. Blueberry Lemon Muffin Overnight Oats
   Stir in fresh or frozen blueberries and a little lemon zest. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that muffin-like flavor.
3. Apple Pie Overnight Oats
   Add chopped apples, cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. You can even add some crushed graham crackers to make it feel like a pie!
4. Peach Crisp Overnight Oats
   Mix in diced peaches and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top with granola for a “crisp” texture.
5. PB&J Overnight Oats
   Add a spoonful of peanut butter and your favorite jam. This is the ultimate comforting combo!
6. Chocolate Banana Bread Overnight Oats
   Add cocoa powder, mashed banana, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. This will taste just like a healthy banana bread in a jar.

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Tips for Making the Best Overnight Oats

• Use Rolled Oats: Quick oats or instant oats won’t absorb the liquid as well and will result in a mushier texture.
• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of sweetener according to your preference.
• Chill Overnight: Allow your oats to soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight works best for maximum flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Top with fruits, nuts, or granola in the morning for added texture and flavor.

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Popular Add-Ins & Toppings

• Fresh fruits: Berries, banana slices, apples, or pears.
• Nuts and seeds: Chopped almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds.
• Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, or agave.
• Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, overnight oats are meant to be made ahead of time. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats are not ideal for overnight oats as they are too chewy and require cooking. Stick to rolled oats for the best texture.

Can I make overnight oats without dairy?

Yes! You can use any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk to make your oats dairy-free.

Can I heat up my overnight oats?

Yes, you can heat up your overnight oats if you prefer a warm breakfast. Simply transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind that heating them may alter the texture slightly, making them less creamy than when served cold.

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How do I make my overnight oats creamier?

To make your overnight oats creamier, you can:

• Use full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt: These add more creaminess compared to low-fat options.
• Add extra yogurt: Increasing the amount of yogurt will give your oats a richer, creamier texture.
• Blend the oats: If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, blend the oats and yogurt mixture before refrigerating.
• Use nut butters: Adding a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter can also make the oats creamier and add flavor.

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Why are my oats still hard after soaking?

If your oats are still hard after soaking overnight, it could be because:

• Not enough liquid: Ensure that you’re using the proper ratio of oats to liquid (1:1 or slightly more liquid).
• Using the wrong type of oats: Quick oats or instant oats will soften more easily than rolled oats. If using rolled oats, make sure they’ve had enough time to absorb the liquid (at least 4 hours or overnight).
• Chilled too long: Some refrigerators are colder than others, which may affect how quickly the oats soak up the liquid. Allow a bit more time if your fridge is set at a very low temperature.

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Why are my overnight oats so thick?

Overnight oats can be thick for several reasons:

• Too much oats: If you’ve used too much oatmeal relative to the liquid, the oats will absorb more liquid and result in a thicker texture.
• Adding chia seeds: Chia seeds can soak up a lot of liquid and make your oats thicker.
• Type of oats: Rolled oats tend to absorb more liquid than instant oats.
  To thin out your oats, simply add a bit more liquid (milk or non-dairy milk) until you reach your desired consistency.

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Do we need to dry roast the oats before use?

No, dry roasting the oats is not necessary. Rolled oats don’t require cooking and can be used directly in the overnight oats recipe. Roasting oats is optional and would give them a toasted flavor, but it’s not needed for the basic recipe.

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Does the yogurt have to be plain? Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?

While plain yogurt is typically recommended to keep the recipe neutral and not too sweet, you can absolutely use flavored Greek yogurt if you prefer. Flavored yogurt will add extra sweetness, so you may want to adjust or reduce any added sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup) to balance the flavor.

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Can I make this in one large batch instead of individual containers?

Yes! You can make overnight oats in one large batch instead of individual containers. Just make sure you store the oats in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re making a large batch, stir it well before serving to ensure the oats are evenly mixed with the liquid.

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Do you need to wait before adding the toppings overnight or can you put the toppings immediately after mixing the base?

You can add the toppings right after mixing the base if you prefer, but it’s best to add them in the morning, just before serving. This keeps toppings like fruits, nuts, or granola crunchy and fresh. If you add toppings overnight, they might become soggy by morning, especially if they’re moist ingredients like berries.

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For More Oatmeal Recipes:

• Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
• Apple Cinnamon Oats
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Oats

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