DIY overnight oats have popped up on social media channels for a while now, but did you know the idea of overnight oats is actually over 100 years old? It’s true!
Overnight oats might sound time-consuming and complicated, but they aren’t! You only need a few simple, all-natural ingredients like Bob’s Red Mill Oats, your favorite milk (animal or plant-based), and a few mix-ins of your choosing, like honey or maple syrup, your favorite fruit, or your favorite flavored extracts like vanilla or maple.
Easy Overnight Oats
DIY overnight oats have popped up on social media channels for a while now, but did you know the idea of overnight oats is actually over 100 years old? It’s true!
Overnight oats might sound time-consuming and complicated, but they aren’t! You only need a few simple, all-natural ingredients like Bob’s Red Mill Oats, your favorite milk (animal or plant-based), and a few mix-ins of your choosing, like honey or maple syrup, your favorite fruit, or your favorite flavored extracts like vanilla or maple.
Why Try Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are an affordable, portable breakfast. And, by making them the night before, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal without running late. Of course, they aren’t just for breakfast! Overnight oats are a quick and healthy lunch you can bring with you to work, too!
Health Benefits
Many of the ingredients of overnight oats are packed with vital nutrients. Oats get a bad rap for being high in carbohydrates. However, they are actually very nutritious. In addition, they help regulate blood sugar and can help lower cholesterol. And they’re high in a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, too, which helps keep you feeling full longer. Not to mention all the essential vitamins and minerals like copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, to name a few. Because overnight oats aren’t cooked, they also retain their nutritious value compared to instant oats recipes that are heated on the stove or in the microwave.
When you consider all the possible add-ons for overnight oats, like honey, chia seeds, and fruit, you have the potential to make your breakfast a nutrition powerhouse!
Quick and Easy Recipes
Have we convinced you to give overnight oats a try? We hope so! Here are a couple of recipes to help you get started, but feel free to add, eliminate, or switch out ingredients based on your taste. These recipes are meant to be a springboard for your imagination!
STANDARD OVERNIGHT OATS
Ingredients:
½ C. oats, either old-fashioned or thick rolled
1 C. milk (your choice, dairy or dairy-free)
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey
Small pinch of salt
Sprinkle of cinnamon or dash of vanilla extract (or both!)
Toppings (Optional):
Shredded coconut
Fresh Fruit: blueberries, sliced strawberries, or raspberries
Nuts: sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans
Directions:
Add all ingredients (except any fresh fruit or nuts) to your container or a separate mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. If using a mixing bowl, transfer it to your container and pop it in the fridge for at least 6-8 hours to give everything time to blend. Stir well before eating to remix the ingredients. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
PEANUT BUTTER CUP OVERNIGHT OATS
Craving something sweet? This quick and easy recipe is great for breakfast or a nourishing dessert, too!
Ingredients:
½ C. oats, either old-fashioned or thick rolled
1 C. milk (your choice, dairy or dairy-free)
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 Tbsp. peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter)
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
½ Tbsp. honey
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
Small pinch of salt
Optional topping suggestions: sliced banana or chopped walnuts
Directions:
Add all ingredients (except any fresh fruit or nuts) to your container or a separate mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. If using a mixing bowl, transfer it to your container and pop it in the fridge for at least 6-8 hours to give everything time to blend. Stir well before eating to remix the ingredients. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Tips for Great Overnight Oats
See how easy overnight oats can be? Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some tips and tricks to help you take your oats to the next level!
Use the right oats: The wrong kind of oats can give you less-than-desirable results. Instant oats, for example, will completely dissolve into your liquid, leaving a soupy mess, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough. We recommend thick rolled oats or old-fashioned regular oats for the perfect texture.
Follow a 2:1 liquid-to-oat ratio: For example, start by using ½ cup of oats and 1 cup of liquid. However, if you like your oats a little thinner, add more liquid. If you prefer them thicker, use less liquid. You can even half the milk and add an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a super-creamy version, too!
Any container will do: We think glass containers make your oats feel like a super-fancy way to enjoy your breakfast, but if you don’t have one, don’t stress. They’ll taste just as good in a plastic bowl covered with plastic wrap!
Size Up: Pictures on social media usually show overnight oats filled to the brim. However, we suggest a container that’s slightly larger than your dry ingredients. As the oats absorb your liquid, they’ll expand. And if your jar or bowl is too small, you won’t have room to stir everything up or add any tasty fruit or nuts to the top.
Make them your own: Above all, customize your overnight oats to your tastes. Firstly, experiment with spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy a savory treat. Secondly, use more or less of your favorite sweetener. Looking for a protein boost? Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder like one of these!
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you to give overnight oats a try. They’re an affordable, nutritious way to start the day, and the possibilities are endless, so you’ll never get bored with (or skip) breakfast again!
