Overnight Oats Basics

Unlike traditional oatmeal, overnight oats does not require heat to prepare. Instead, you soak equal amounts of oats and milk (or any liquid of your choice) overnight. You can add any sweetener of choice. The next day, you can enjoy a creamy ad delicious breakfast in no time.

Overnight oats is a great source of protein and fiber so you can feel fuller longer. This is a great option if you’re trying to manage your calorie intake. It is also rich in antioxidants that can keep your heart happy and healthy.

5 Overnight Oats Recipes to Try

The wonderful thing about overnight oats is that you can enjoy it plain or you can spruce it up with just a few additional ingredients. There’s a wide variety of toppings and mix-ins you can try so breakfast doesn’t have to be boring at all. Here are five our favorite combos!

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Ingredients:  

1/2 cup rolled cut oats

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon chia seeds

How to Make It:

1.    Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl or mason jar.

2.    Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours

Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup regular rolled oats

1 5.3 to 6-ounce carton vanilla-flavor fat-free Greek yogurt

1/2 cup fat-free milk

1 Tbsp flax seeds

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting Topper (optional)

1 Tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), softened (1/2 ounce)

1 tsp powdered sugar

1/8 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp fat-free milk

How to Make It:

1.      In a small bowl or pint jar, stir together the first six ingredients (through cinnamon). Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

2.      If using optional cream cheese frosting topper, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir in milk until topper is drizzling consistency. Drizzle over oats before serving, or top oats with fresh fruit.

Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup strawberries, diced

1 tablespoon chia seeds

pinch of salt

3/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened

1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, plain

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

graham crackers, crushed

strawberry jam

How to Make It:

1.    Place strawberries, almond milk, and Greek yogurt into a food processor and process on high until fruit is pureed.

2.    Transfer into a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix with a spoon until combined.

3.    Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

4.    Top with crushed graham crackers and strawberry jam.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Ingredients: 

1 apple thinly sliced

2 Tbsp brown sugar 30 g

2 Tbsp almond butter 30 g

½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp lemon juice 5 mL

Pinch of salt

1 cup oats 150 g

½ cup milk 120 mL, can use dairy-free

2 Tbsp raisins 30 g

How to Make It:

1.    Add sliced apple, sugar, almond butter, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt to a saucepan. Cook on the stove over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until apples have softened some.

2.    Spoon oats into two bowls or jars. Evenly top with apple mixture, milk, and raisins (you do not need to stir). Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator 6 hours (or overnight). Serve cold or heated in the microwave.

Lemon, Thyme, and Honey Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

½ cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup Greek-style yogurt

⅓ cup milk

2 - 3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 teaspoon honey

Extra honey, to serve

How to Make It:

1.    In a bowl or container, mix together the oats, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, yogurt and milk. Remove the thyme leaves from the stems, and mix the leaves into the oatmeal along with the honey.

2.    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or put the lid on the container) and leave in the fridge overnight.

3.    In the morning, transfer the overnight oatmeal into a prettier dish if desired. Drizzle over some extra honey and enjoy!