Overnight Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick 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.

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.)

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.

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)

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Another mistake people make is not adding enough liquid to their overnight oats. 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 Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. 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.

Greek yogurt, for example, is a good choice as it is high in protein and lower in sugar compared to other types of yogurt. Low-fat or non-fat milk can also be used in moderation to reduce the overall fat content. Yes, combining yogurt and milk to make overnight oats is a healthy choice for your body.

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.

What can I use instead of chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

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.

Instead you'll have something more like cement. Yet, use too much liquid and you'll end up with soup. Follow this tip: Stick with a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats when making overnight oats to achieve a spoonable, porridge-like consistency.

Overnight Oats Basic Ratio = 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats + 3/4 cup milk. This is what I usually make for one serving. I'll add other things to this, but I'll share more about that below. If you want to double or triple this to make multiple servings you easily can.

Base Recipe (The Perfect Ratio)

The base “recipe” for overnight oats is so simple! I recommend a 1:1 ratio of rolled oats to milk, plus half as much yogurt. So for 1/2 cup of oats, I use 1/2 cup of milk + 1/4 cup of yogurt (or an additional 1/4 cup of milk).

The bottom line. The general oatmeal serving size is around half a cup of uncooked oats or one cup of cooked oatmeal. A serving of oats provides a variety of important nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Yogurt: Give your oats an extra boost of protein with a scoop of your favorite Greek yogurt. Tip: While you can add the mix-ins the night before, I like to portion them out separately as pictured, but wait to add them until right before serving. That way my oatmeal is extra fresh and not soggy!

Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day.

Add some extra seeds and stuff (or not)

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.)