Here at Food52,we love recipes—but do we always use them? Of course not. Because once you realize you don't always need a recipe, you'll make your favorite dishes a lot more often.
Multitasking always seems like a better idea than it is. It's just an innocent, time-saving technique until one day, as you're texting, listening to music, and writing an essay at the same time, you end up texting your mom about how annoying your mom is. Whoops!
And when it comes to cooking and baking, some of the most egregious offenses occur when you don't give a recipe the attention it deserves (in my house: sugarless rice pudding is, unfortunately, a true story).
Luckily, there is a way to cook and sleep at the same time. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is true that you can cook your oatmeal overnight in the refrigerator with no actual cooking—and no actual recipe—required. This hands-off oatmeal is an endlessly customizable grab-and-go breakfast that will be waiting for you when you wake up.
How to Make Overnight Oats Without a Recipe
1. 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.) and feel free to add a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even orange juice.
2. Sweeten and flavor the oatmeal with whatever appeals to you: honey, agave, jam, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and the list goes on. Then get creative: Add nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, seeds (chia, flax, sunflower, pumpkin), fruit, or even nut butter.
3. Give the whole thing a stir, pack it into a jar, seal it, and let the jar sit overnight in the refrigerator.
4. In the morning, top with fresh ingredients—fruits, granola, honey, a dollop of peanut butter—or simply take the whole jar for the road.
5 Overnight Oats Recipes for Inspiration
You'll need less than five minutes to prepare these overnight oats, which make the most of one of our all-time favorite combos: nutty tahini and bittersweet chocolate.
Instead of letting the fridge do all the work, this recipe uses a slow cooker set to "low" to soften the oats overnight. In the morning, all you have to do is stir almond buter and honey in a warm, cozy bowl of the stuff.
Made for school (or work) mornings, this simple make-ahead muesli calls on cranberries for tart sweetness, apples and almonds for crunch, and peaches or nectarines for fresh fruity flavor.
Another much-loved combination (chocolate and strawberries) shines in this easy-to-prep recipe that basically gives you an excuse to eat dessert for breakfast.
Most overnight oats recipes are easy enough to make vegan-friendly, but we especially love this super-creamy version, which uses a homemade vanilla macadamia milk.
What's your favorite overnight oats flavor combo? Tell us in the comments below!
Photos by James Ransom
FAQs
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time. Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy.
How to mimic oats overnight? ›
Instructions
- Add chia, flax and hemp to a mason jar and shake well. ...
- To make a serving, add 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup of No Oats to a lidded jar. ...
- Store lidded in the refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning, eat it as is or top with granola. ...
- NOTE: This can absolutely be made the morning you will eat it.
When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
Can you just soak oats overnight? ›
To prepare overnight oats, simply put porridge oats in a container, fill them with water, your choice of milk or yoghurt, and place them in the fridge. Remember to always soak the oats for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is better. Adding toppings of your choice and there you have your overnight oats!
What not to add in overnight oats? ›
Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
- Using water instead of milk. ...
- Forgetting to add salt. ...
- Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
- Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
- Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
- Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
- Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
- Assuming you have to eat it cold.
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 a good alternative to overnight oats? ›
Chia seeds
Great for bone health and lowering blood pressure, they can be used to make chia pudding which is similar to overnight oats but a little creamier and more filling. To make chia pudding, simply mix some seeds with your choice of milk and sweetener in a bowl or jar and keep in the fridge overnight.
What is the basic formula for overnight oats? ›
Overnight Oats Basic Ratio = 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats + 3/4 cup milk. This is what I usually make for one serving.
Are overnight oats just rolled oats? ›
Tips for making the best overnight oats
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.
How many times a week should you eat overnight oats? ›
Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.
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.
Are overnight oats healthier than eggs? ›
Eating oatmeal for breakfast has been linked to weight loss, better nutrient intake, and lower risk for conditions such as diabetes. Oatmeal has soluble fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal may have some advantages over eggs for breakfast, but research studies have conflicting results.
What milk is best for overnight oats? ›
Overnight Oats are great with all kinds of milk, dairy (pasteurized) or non-dairy. Feel free to use your favorite! We do not recommend making Overnight Oats with water because it will result in an overly liquid texture. Did this answer your question?
Do you eat overnight oats cold? ›
Overnight oats are, by definition, served cold in the morning. Overnight oats are oats that are soaked in a liquid overnight so that the oats can absorb the liquid - no heating up necessary. The liquid can really be anything. It can be milk, a milk-alternative like almond or soy, or water.
Do you stir overnight oats before putting in the fridge? ›
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.
Why can't you use instant oats for overnight oats? ›
Leave instant oats behind when making overnight oats. Since they are so small, they'll actually just end up almost dissolving in the liquid. Steel-cuts oats can be used but expect them to very chewy and fairly dense.
Are overnight oats different to normal oats? ›
When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version. Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch.
Can you use Quaker instant oatmeal for overnight oats? ›
Absolutely. In fact, you can use the healthy base of the overnight oats as a pretext for dumping in sugar, candy pieces, cookie crumbles, chocolate syrup, peanut butter and a whole bunch of other fattening ingredients that will transform your healthy canvas into an unholy creation worthy of the Cheesecake Factory.
Can you use raw oats for overnight oats? ›
Simply add equal parts oats and a liquid such as milk to a mason jar, give it a stir or shake, pop it in the fridge and enjoy it the next morning. You can add whatever fruits or flavorings you like, and prepare a few jars at a time to enjoy throughout the week.
