Overnight Oats Recipe (2024)

By Genevieve Ko

Updated Nov. 13, 2023

Overnight Oats Recipe (1)

Total Time
5 minutes, plus overnight soaking
Rating
4(8,976)
Notes
Read community notes

Overnight oats are, of course, a healthy breakfast and they’re easy to make, but they also feel like a special treat, sweet with dried fruit. Unlike oatmeal, uncooked but softened oats retain a fresh flavor and taste delicious cold. Top it with nuts just before eating for an irresistible crunch against the creamy oats.

Keys to This Recipe

How to Make Overnight Oats: Simply mix oats and milk in a 1 to 2 ratio and add sweeteners, salt or other add-ins, such as dried or fresh fruit, nuts or seeds, according to your tastes. For one breakfast serving of overnight oats, start with ¼ cup oats and ½ cup milk.

The Best Oats for Overnight Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

Milk Options for Overnight Oats: Dairy and non-dairy milks work well for overnight oats. Coconut, soy and oat milk yield thicker mixtures, which you can thin with more milk before serving if you’d like. If you use sweetened non-dairy milk, taste the soaked oats before adding more sweetener.

Sweeteners for Overnight Oats: Soaking dried fruit — use your favorite — alongside the oats sweetens the mixture nicely, but you can stir in additional sugar, maple syrup or honey to taste just before eating.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 cups

  • ½cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¼cup dried fruit, cut into small pieces, if needed
  • 1tablespoon chia, flax, poppy or sesame seeds
  • 1cup milk or unsweetened dairy alternative, such as almond or oat milk
  • ¼teaspoon kosher salt
  • Maple syrup, honey or brown sugar (optional)
  • 2tablespoons chopped or sliced nuts, toasted, if desired

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

136 calories; 6 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 5 grams protein; 145 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Overnight Oats Recipe (2)

Preparation

Make the recipe with us

  1. Step

    1

    Mix oats, dried fruit, seeds, milk and salt in a pint jar or 2-cup airtight resealable container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or up to 5 days.

  2. Step

    2

    Uncover, stir well, and taste. If you prefer more sweetness, stir in some sweetener. Top with the nuts just before eating.

    Overnight Oats Recipe (3)

Tip

  • The soaked oat mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ratings

4

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8,976

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

P.M.

I guess this is a silly question, but- when the recipe says "old-fashioned oats," does this mean steel-cut oats or rolled oats? Clarity, please. Thank you.

EJG

I don't like ANYTHING super cold for breakfast so when I make oats like this I use almond milk and leave it on the counter overnight for room temperature pleasure in the morning!

Patricia

HI, It means rolled oats instead of quick cook or instant. Steel cut don't work that well overnight.

eleni

This is essentially Bircher Muesli... we do something similar but instead of milk we “soak” the oats in plain yogurt (not Greek yogurt, which doesn’t have enough moisture in it). It’s lovely with raisins, pumpkin seeds, toasted chopped almonds... yum. Could eat any time of year or day!!

Patricia

I am really not a fan of eating cold oatmeal so when I take the jar out of the refrigerator I pop it into the microwave(with the lid off)for a minute or two just to warm it up a bit. The results are fabulous no matter what the mix!!

Negeen

My daily breakfast. I always the same inputs when initially assembled (1/2 Red Mill "Extra Thick" rolled oats; 1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk; 1 tablespoon chia seeds; and a few twists of sea salt) but then vary the "add-ins" when I'm ready to eat them. Three basic categories: sweeteners (I'm partial to a tablespoon of light brown suger), nuts (2 tablespoons walnut bits, pecan bits, or slivered almonds), and a half cup fresh fruit (blueberries, bananas, or whatever). Just re-stir!

Colleen Newvine Tebeau

I love steel-cut oats so much that I went looking for overnight recipes for them. (I've done rolled oats, too, and they're good but still ...)Steel cut will have a texture more like muesli when you're done but that's a selling point to me.Here's one version I've used: https://www.wellplated.com/overnight-steel-cut-oats-recipe/If you want easy, creamy steel-cut oatmeal, I'm a huge fan of baking: https://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/oven-oatmeal/

Laura

I haven’t tried this recipe—which looks great—but I used to be in the habit of making overnight oats all the time and I always used a 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup yoghurt, and half a half cup of oats, which is a nice way to get in some probiotics. I never found it to be soupy using this ratio, though of course that’s subjective.

Lynn

1 cup milk is too much, IMO. I use 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup liquid, which leaves the oats with a little chewiness. I put in some dried fruit, too. Before I eat it I microwave for 1 minute to take the chill off, add a drizzle of maple syrup, a little cold almond milk, and nuts if I'm really ambitious.

Renana

So much tastier than cooked oats! I use fresh fruit and no added salt or sweetener. Usually throw in flax, almonds, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric. All the night before so no thinking required in morning. Yum!

Elaine

The variability in fruit, milk, and nuts would make a calorie count pretty unreliable here.

Lifelong Reader

The calorie count and other nutritional information should be prominently displayed at the top of every recipe.Can this dish be heated?

Lizibet

I am surprised at the nutritional info on this recipe. One-half cup of oats is listed, on the package, as ONE serving. Here, 1/2 C. of oats is FOUR?! I'm not sure what to make of this, especially since the other ingredients are also standard "one serving" sizes: 1/4 C. dried fruit is one serving; 1 T. seeds equals 1 serving; etc.Nutritionally, this might be four portions only if they are considered to be snack-sized (or child sized?) portions.

Esther

I have never tried this before and found it much more tasty than cooked oatmeal. I used quick oats, raisins, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and a few toasted almonds chopped in fairly large pieces (and milk). I added some fresh diced mango before eating it. Delicious!

CJ

Often make with 1/2 c oats, 1/2 c milk (dairy or not), and 1/2 c regular yogurt. Can use any flavor of regular yogurt -- my favorite combination is lemon yogurt, a little orange or lemon zest, and any fresh berry. Throw them all in a mug and walk out the door with it the next morning. Trader Joe's makes a mixed grain rolled oat like cereal - try it - it's even better than regular oats. Has a nutty flavor all its own.

Rebecca

Finally a way I can love oatmeal! I followed the recipe and made variations. I bump up the protein and probiotics by using half keifer and halt almond milk. Also a scoop of vanilla whey. I’ll add fresh fruit too when serving. So many possibilities… all great.

Steve

This is my go-to breakfast. If you forget to make it the night before, you just need to refrigerate for 2 hours in the morning so you can delay breakfast just a bit. Have another cup of coffee!

Ron

I like this recipe but my first attempt wasn’t very successful. I followed the recipe as written. Much of the milk was not absorbed, leaving it kind of soupy. One tablespoon of poppyseeds was definitely overkill. With less milk and options other than poppyseeds, it’s great.

Phyllis

I don't soak organic rolled oats overnight but let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften. A "dash" of blueberries or raspberries, etc. adds freshness. A bit of raw sugar, less than a half teaspoon of sugar is all that is necessary.

Weslie

This has become my new breakfast favorite. After the soaking, I add some nuts, fresh fruit blueberries or strawberries or… for an interesting crunch I add 1 t of teff.

Michael

Way too salty as written

BCE

PB2 if you want a peanut butter taste w/out the fat. Great with banana. I always warm my oats in the am, as I don’t want them cold.

Steve

Too much milk. Use 3/4 cup.

Raphaëlle

This is my go to overnight oat recipe. It's perfect for dried fruits that have gone a little stiff. Been doing maple syrup as a sweetener and dried figs lately. Delish and filling, and all combinations are possible!

Anna C

The notes on this are spot on. After combining rolled oats and unsweetened vanilla almond milk, I add almond powder, sugar free flavored pudding powder, chia seeds and shaved coconut, then fruit just before eating. Tastes so good!

kabpg

1/4 cup of oats isn’t a bi enough serving. It should be. 1/2 cup.

Kaitlin

Double this recipe and it works perfectly with a can of light coconut milk!

Angie

This didn't work for me. I made it as written with 1 cup almond milk, but it was still liquid in the morning. I have another recipe that calls for a scant 2/3 cup milk (or substitute) and 1/4 cup yogurt, which is what I will go back to.

Robin

Wow this is the best. Easy, healthy, customizable and delicious. It is now my go to workweek breakfast. I put the sweetener in with the oats, fruit and flax meal. Thanks for a recipe that makes eating healthy easy.

LG

Adding half a mashed banana to the oats/milk/yogurt adds nice flavor as well as nutrition.

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Overnight Oats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to 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.

What is the ratio of liquid to oats for overnight oats? ›

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.)

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

Are overnight oats healthy for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk.

What is the best milk for overnight oats? ›

But, anything from whole to skim milk works, or a non-dairy option like soy milk, almond milk, or another option that you prefer. Here you can see (on the right) the more soupy-liquid version is the overnight oats before they have soaked overnight. The mug on the left is the overnight oats after two nights of soaking.

What is the basic formula for overnight oats? ›

Mix equal parts old-fashioned oats (rolled oats, that is, not quick-cooking-they'll get too mushy) and water along with a pinch of salt in a jar, cover and refrigerate overnight and up to 3 days. For one serving, we recommend using: 1/2 cup oats. 1/2 cup water (or milk or nondairy milk)

Are chia seeds necessary for overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are typically made with chia seeds because they help provide a thick texture by soaking up the plant-based milk. But they are completely optional and can just as easily be made with flaxseed or a chia seed alternative.

Why didn't my overnight oats work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

Why you shouldn't eat overnight oats in the morning? ›

You see, all grains contain something called “phytic acid”—or phytates—in the outer layer or bran, and oats contain more phytates than almost any other grain. So, if this phytic acid is untreated, it will combine with important minerals in our body and block their absorption.

What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

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.

What makes overnight oats taste better? ›

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won't taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you're really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

What is the best container for overnight oats? ›

Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

Does eating oats at night reduce belly fat? ›

While oatmeal can't target specific areas like belly fat for weight loss, its high content of fiber and complex carbohydrates may keep you full for longer. This might support overall weight loss.

Do you actually leave overnight oats overnight? ›

We recommend soaking for four to five hours, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured oatmeal. Can I microwave Oats Overnight? It's great chilled but it's also great warmed up. If you'd like to prepare this warm, no need to soak overnight.

How can I make my overnight oats better? ›

Here are some incredible ways to take your overnight oatmeal to the next level.
  1. Add Enough Liquid. ...
  2. Use Almond Milk. ...
  3. Don't Add Toppings Overnights. ...
  4. Add More Flavour. ...
  5. More Protein. ...
  6. Make Use of a Natural Sweetener. ...
  7. Add More Cream.
Aug 16, 2022

What's so special about overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch. Resistant starch is a natural carb which is resistant to digestion and acts as soluble fiber. It is found in all starchy foods and is present at higher levels in cooled starchy foods instead of cooked ones.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

What makes overnight oats thicker? ›

If you want your overnight oats to have a thicker, slightly tapioca-like texture, chia seeds will do that while also adding some healthy protein. Add about 1/4 the amount of oats you added. (So if you're starting with 1/2 cup of oats, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds.)

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