Overnight Oats Recipe (2024)

By Genevieve Ko

Updated Nov. 13, 2023

Overnight Oats Recipe (1)

Total Time
5 minutes, plus overnight soaking
Rating
4(8,969)
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

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8,969

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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.

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.

Sue Fisher

Used TJ’s Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains and Seeds so I didn’t add extra seeds. Used less milk as I didn’t want it to get mushy. Did add some chopped dried figs and toasted slivered almonds. Warmed it a little in the microwave. The best part was that I had a little leftover cold-brew coffee https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee mixture so I added that after the microwaving. No salt or syrup necessary. Delicious!

Heather

How many servings is 2 cups?

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Overnight Oats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is overnight oats actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

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 not to add in overnight oats? ›

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."

What is the ratio for overnight oats? ›

What's the Best Ratio for Overnight Oats? Making overnight oats is actually as easy as memorizing a simple ratio: Use equal parts old-fashioned rolled oats and milk, plus half as much yogurt. For example, the recipe below calls for 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 2 cups milk, and 1 cup yogurt.

Is overnight oats better with milk or yogurt? ›

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.

Why put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

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.

Can I eat overnight oats everyday? ›

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.

Do you stir overnight oats before putting in 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.

Do overnight oats have to be in glass? ›

You can definitely make overnight oats in a plastic container. Plastic jars tend to be more durable than glass, especially when dropped, making them a popular choice for families. They're also lightweight and inexpensive.

What kind of milk do you use 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?

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge? ›

We recommend storing overnight oats in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to five days. That means if you're meal-prepping on Sunday, you can make a work week's worth of overnight oats and not have to think about breakfast again until Saturday.

Is it OK to use regular oats for 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. Try this steel cut overnight oatmeal instead.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

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.

How many hours do overnight oats need? ›

Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.

How do you thicken overnight oats in the morning? ›

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.)

Is overnight oats healthy to lose weight? ›

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.

Are overnight oats as healthy as oatmeal? ›

Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.

Is eating oats at night good for weight loss? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Are overnight oats better than normal? ›

Overnight oats are healthier for your gut. Rolled oats contain 8.5 grams of resistant starch, by soaking rather than cooking, the oats retain more of the resistant starch. Resistant starch is a type of prebiotic fibre that your body cannot digest.

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