I was intrigued by the idea of overnight oats for a long time, and then one day we finally tried them and have never looked back! You see, for years I’ve been sending warm oatmeal in thermos containers for my daughters’ snacks at school. Snack time usually occurs early in the morning and that’s after scarfing down what little breakfast they can manage before running out the door for school at 7am (the day starts early around here). So oatmeal on the go was the perfect solution, and my kids loved it. But then my 1st grader’s snack time got changed to the afternoon, so we were really pushing the 5 hour thermos warm food limit by continuing to send her oatmeal.
Enter Overnight Oats, our new perfect solution! But, I guess if I am being technical here we don’t actually make these oats overnight. We mix it up in the morning (still in an insulated thermos container) while the kids are eating their breakfast and then by snack time later that day (approximately 5 1/2 hours later), it’s ready to go. And since thermoses can keep cold food cold for longer (7 hours to be exact), it really is the new perfect solution for us. That’s why I am excited to share our favorite “Overnight” Oats combination with you today—the one my 1st grader has been eating (and loving) almost every single day so far this school year! Also, be sure to check out our other “Overnight Oats” blog post for more recipe ideas in addition to the one below.
Sponsor Shoutout: Cinnamon Hill
Before we get into the recipe though, I have to share a little something with you about one of the main ingredients in this recipe—cinnamon. Do you know how different freshly grated real cinnamon is from the standard store bought stuff? I honestly had no idea until our newest sponsor, Cinnamon Hill, sent me some samples to try. I must admit I was mighty skeptical about this whole concept, but I was quickly put in my place after doing a side-by-side comparison.
The freshly grated stuff was so incredibly cinnamony and fresh tasting! Like a burst of flavor that reminded me of hard core cinnamon gum. Then I tried the bottled stuff I normally buy, and, I hate to say it, it hardly even tasted like cinnamon at all to me. In fact, it tasted kind of bitter (and my husband agreed) after having just tried the fresh stuff. I simply couldn’t believe the difference!
Cinnamon Hill sells these high quality, hand crafted sets (that are light years above the standard “Made in China” stuff we are all seeing too much of lately) along with their freshly harvested cinnamon sticks, which include a date stamp showing when they were harvested. The packaging itself was even quite stylish, so I think this would really make a fabulous (and unique!) little gift for someone in your life who loves to cook and already seems to have it all. Maybe for Mother’s Day, perhaps? Cinnamon Hill’s vision is for their fresh cinnamon to be used as a condiment at the breakfast table, and I think you’ll agree it surely tastes good enough to provoke some fun experimentation!
Our Favorite Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats, rolled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon raisins, (or more if you like more raisins)
- 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 pinches cinnamon
Instructions
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Mix together all ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours before eating. Alternatively mix in an insulated thermos container (left unrefrigerated) and wait no more than 7 hours before eating.
Recipe Notes
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Whole-Wheat Lemon Raspberry Muffins
I saw this recipe on FB and LOVE this! I spend around $5-7 for 5-7 lbs of oats and then a few more dollars on the choice of fruit or coconut. I make around a dozen mason jars to last two weeks for my husband and myself. I use 250 – 300 ml oats per jar, a tbsp of ground flax, a few shakes of cinnamon, a few shakes of nutmeg and ginger(depending on the accompanying fruit), fruit and stick them in the fridge dry. The night before, I put some almond milk / water (because the store-bought milks are always thicker than needed). In the morning, I grab the jar and breakfast is served! My husband sticks his in his backpack on the bike ride to work and snacks on it after he gets there, so he loves the portability.
What brand of oats do you use? And you don’t cook the oats at all? Thanks! This sounds awesome and I would really like to try it.
I just buy them out of the bulk bins at Earth Fare and no cooking in advance necessary. Sitting in the milk for a few hours actually does all the “cooking” necessary.
I love these!! I have been making them for almost 2yrs now. I use more yogurt, actually plain Greek yogurt, and almond milk for myself. We flavor ours with a spoon of organic jam and then some chopped, usually frozen fruit. I recently starting doing half regular oats and half of the multi-oats from Trader Joes that has barley and stuff in it. My husband and young daughter love them too. I will make a large batch in a mixing bowl and then spoon it into the tall narrow (12oz?) canning jar and freeze them. Pull one out the night before and stick in the fridge and/or hubby puts one from freezer straight into his lunch bag and they are ready to eat for a mid morning or afternoon snack. So many combinations of flavors you can do too.
These look great! Have you tried the version using chia seeds? I hadn’t ever used chia seeds before, but found the recipe on this website ( http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal ) and decided to give it a go. SO GOOD!! The texture with the chia seeds is awesome! I really really love the mango version on this website! :)
Hi Karrie. I add chia regularly. :) ~Amy
Any info about gluten free foods?
Oatmeal is GF, it just often gets contaminated by other grains at the elevator. Buy GF-certified oats and this recipe is GF!
…and if you are looking for a gluten free website, check out: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/. :) ~Amy
How long will these last in the fridge fully made?
Kimberly, I usually make them on Sunday evening for the week (in individual jars) and they are just as good on Friday as they are on Monday. I typically put bananas in ours and the bananas aren’t even brown or mushy on Friday…I attribute that to the yogurt, but that is just my guess!
I love making oats like this. I’ve had them last atleast 4 days. I also the next day will top with a little slice almonds or chopped green apple for some crunch. I don’t put yogurt in mine, just milk or almond milk. I was inspired to do this after having something similar from Corner Bakery Cafe. Yum!
I read an article recently about grocery-store cinnamon containing more sawdust and cinnamon oil, rather than ground cinnamon. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but it may as well be for the lack of flavor in the grocery-store cinnamon.
I must be a visionary before my time. I’ve been eating oats mixed in yogurt for years. It is one of my favorite breakfasts. I don’t even wait a long time before eating.
Does it thicken up during the “cooking” process?
Hi Michelle. It does. :) ~Amy
I’ve made overnight oats a few times as well and I love them! So easy to throw together at night and then have breakfast all ready to go the next morning! Great idea to send them to school for a snack! (Making note for next year when my daughter starts Kindergarten.) :)
I like the idea of buying the cinnamon, but can’t afford the price of their grater. Do you think a fine cheese grater would work ok?
Michelle, Any kind of spice, microplane or just fine grater should work and you can get one for less than $10. Laura
Hi Michelle, it’s Rupert from Cinnamon Hill. You can grate our Saigon cinnamon sticks on a strong microplane but I’m afraid the Ceylon sticks are just too fine and will splinter, so you won’t get a fine powder. However you can grind the Ceylon sticks in a spice grinder or a coffee grinder.
Can you use steel cut oats?
The steel cut oats didn’t absorb all the milk, Still a little crunchy for me!!
I use steel cut oats in mine with more yogurt and less milk than this recipe.
How long is the cinnamon stick good for after opening the sealed freshness packaging? Also, Can you make several jars of this at the beginning of the week and leave in fridge or will it get too mushy?
Hi Alice, the unwrapped stick will be good for a few months do don’t worry about it.
…and we often make these oats to last throughout the week. I also make them using steel cut oats which provide a different texture all together. :) ~Amy
Wondering if you can warm these up? I’ve never tried cold oats/oatmeal before. Thanks!
Hi Ashley. You are welcome to warm them but eating them cold is just very much like cold cereal.
Oh I want that cinnamon & grater!!! I’ll have to add it to a wishlist for some day.
I recently found your blog and love the info you write about and your ideas about eating. With Taco Bell starting breakfast, I thought it would be fun to go atleast once, despite real food eating hoping to get just sausage and eggs unil i found this little gem: http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/ingredientstatement
i thought it might be humorus reading if you get a minute:]
Oh my goodness! I couldn’t help myself … I had to see what Taco Bell puts in their foods. I find it unbelievable that even if you want to get something simple like EGGS, you don’t just get eggs, but a whole bunch of YUCK ingredients mixed in with them. Another interesting point … there is this ingredient, Dimethylpolysiloxane, that they are putting in SO many of their products as an “anti-foaming agent”. WHY??? Well, we certainly wouldn’t want our apple empanadas, hash browns, or nacho chips to be foamy! Hee hee. Well, thank goodness there are so many fast, easy, and HEALTHIER options that we can provide for our families right out of our own kitchens!
To me it looks like they are having one type of oil which they use for everything and that happens to have Dimethylpolysiloxane in it. I am all for not using food additives if they are not necessary, but Dimethylpolysiloxane is in my opinion actually quite useful. This “anti-foaming agent” is for the safety of the people who are working with large quantities of hot oil (for instance deep frying). There are only minute amounts necessary to be effective (try to fill a bath tub with bubble bath, put a drop of silicone oil in it and see what happens). Dimethylpolysiloxane would not be necessary for many of their products, but my guess is that out of convenience they just have this one type of oil. Bare in mind, that Dimethylpolysiloxane has no effect on the end product – it only prevents the oil from foaming but does not do anything to the ready to eat french fries, etc. Therefore it is technically not a “food additive” but a “processing aid” and would not required to be labeled at all. In Europe, for instance, where people are much more cautious about any type of food additives you won”t see Dimethylsiloxan on an ingredient list although it is also widely used in the Fast Food industry.
Love this! Oatmeal is always my go-to quick Monday morning breakfast when everyone has daycare/school/work but it is usually so crazy trying to get everything cooked and on the table. I think this might be the new solution!
How have I never thought if this?!?
OK, Am I missing something? My oatmeal is always WARM. Are we supposed to eat straight from fridge- no heating?
That’s right – this oatmeal is served cold! Think iced coffee :)
Thank you for this. I try to eat as real food as possible, but one thing I’ve been stuck on is breakfast–where I usually opt for a breakfast sandwich. I’m trying to eat more vegetarian and my allergist suggested I go gluten free. This seems like a great way to get in the protein I need in the morning. Thanks for sharing!
Can you heat this in the morning . My son will not eat cold oatmeal. But I love the idea of being able to prepare ahead
Hi there. You can heat it if you like. ~Amy
I only have quick cooking oats on hand. Will they do alright? Also, can I heat this in the morning?
Hi Christy. I’ve used quick oats with this method and while the texture is a bit more mushy, it works fine. You can heat them but they are quite good cold. ~Amy
Penzeys (www.penzeys.com) sells great cinnamon-five different types if I remember correctly, all with different flavor profiles, for reasonable prices.
Just add some fresh apples to this recipe and it is heaven in a jar!!
What size mason jars do you use?
Hi. The ones pictured here are jelly jar sized and are very convenient for single servings! Lisa uses various sizes, however. ~Amy
Funny. I’ve been doing a variation on this for awhile too. Mine is Swiss Museli (oats and other grains with nuts and raisins) + almond milk + mixed berries + cottage cheese + chia seeds. Let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight, and it’s pretty amazing. I call it gruel pudding :)
I just ordered the cinnamon with grater set. This looks so fun! I can’t wait to try this recipe. I have heard about cinnamon vs. cassia and can’t wait to try the difference. I will come back and post my opinions. I love oatmeal and am excited about trying it cold for a change!
Is the Cinnamon Hill Cinnamon grown on an Organic Farm??
Thanks
Hi Paula, it’s Rupert here from Cinnamon Hill. There is no organic certification process in either Sri Lanka or Vietnam. However, in neither country are pesticides used at all in the farming of cinnamon. In Vietnam the cinnamon is grown as a tree, without any use of fertilisers. In Sri Lanka, where it is grown as a bush, natural and artificial fertilisers are usually used.
Hi Rupert! You’re product is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I will be adding this to my wish list today. I would love to add one to my kitchen. And I love that you offer a variety of flavors too! I’m so glad to have found you!
I have tried a couple different types of cinnamon from a local spice store and was amazed at how different they taste from each other. I’m currently using Korintje cinnamon from Indonesia, but I’ve tried from Vietnam and China as well.
Was that local spice store Penzys by any chance? I buy all my spices from Penzys and buy then in quantities to last a year or less. There is a HUGE difference in quality over grocery store spices, not to mention Penzys is usually cheaper. If one is using TRUE Ceylon cinnamon, it should be milder in flavor. I prefer Vietnamese cinnamon for its rich, spicy flavor. I buy it in 4 oz bags and go through it before the year is out. I’m sure fresh grinding cinnamon, like fresh nutmeg, makes a difference. However, if one is not ready for that, just buying ones spices from a quality spice retailer like Penzys, and replacing ones spices after a year or less, will make a world of difference. FYI Penzys sells Indonesian cinnamon sticks as well 5 varieties of ground cinnamon
http://www.penzys.com
Oops, that’s http://www.penzeys.com to think I’ve been spelling without the second “e” all these years.
It sounds like you work for Penzey’s! I know it’s expensive but I prefer the idea of a real cinnamon specialist.
No, I don’t, just love their quality so much better then grocery store variety. Plus, I live in WI so Penzeys is local for me, and I try to buy local whenever possible. The Spice House would be an equally good choice for those who don’t want to grate their own. I just advocate good spices in general. I cringed the first time I saw the 5 year old jars of spices in my MIL cupboards. I’ve since learned to bring down all my own spices & extracts when I plan to do any cooking or baking at her house. I’m the fresh ground cinnamon is amazing!
Love overnight oats! I also like to do half rolled oats and half oat groats which is the true whole food to oats.
Almost every night I bring my oatmeal (porridge) to a boil then leave overnight to heat up on stove at breakfast. Nothing fancy but oatmeal perfectly cooked.
This sounds interesting! I would like to try. Anyone who can comment on the taste? Same as hot oats? It feels like these Would turn mushy. Would they?
Hello Maddy. I was skeptical, too, when I first learned of this method but give them a try! :) ~Amy
Maddy, I just made this recipe for my son last night. I personally dislike oatmeal because of the mushy texture. This was surprisingly not mushy at all and really tasty. I plan to make myself some now.
Thanks for that comment Josie. I personally find oatmeal disgusting (ate too much of it as a child!) The mushy (okra-like) consistency really turns me off. However I am going to give this a try. If you dislike oatmeal and didn’t find this revolting I think I will try it too. I have all the ingredients on hand (my hubby likes oatmeal so I always have some on hand). I will post my reaction, I am looking forward to it.
I am an oatmeal convert! I have been eating one of these just about everyday. The first time I tried it without heating because I thought that is what was suggested since it says in the article that it was packed in a thermos cold. I really didn’t care for it that way so I popped it in the microwave for thirty seconds and it was perfect. I also dextrinized the oats and let them cool before packing everything in the jars. I make 2 or three at a time in case a family member needs a quick breakfast and if they don’t I have breakfast for the next day. This has really helped to solve the problem I have been having finding something nutritious, quick and easy foer breakfast. Thanks loads!
Did your kids like oatmeal before your original 100 days?
My 3 kids don’t really like oatmeal. Do I keep introducing it until they get hungry enough to like it?
Hi Kiersten. Lisa girls are oatmeal lovers! Sometimes it can be a texture issue with kids if they aren’t used to eating it. I have one child that prefers the nutty taste and texture of steel cut oats and one that likes rolled. Neither like the same flavors added, as one likes sweet and the other not so much. So, I have to prepare two different types. They weren’t lovers of oatmeal prior to us cleaning up our food act. :)
I’ve never tried the overnight oats but this sounds so simple and good. Wonder how it would do to leave the yogurt out? It’s such a small amount. I’m going to check out the cinnamon too! Sounds so good!
Don’t worry about the yogurt, it is a fermented food and unless it is old enough to worry about eating right out of the fridge don’t worry about it in this. It can stay at room temp for a few hours before eating. If it is real yogurt (especially if you made it yourself) the good bacteria in it will only multiply anyway – win/win situation!
I think she meant omit. :-)
Is there a difference between rolling oats and quick oats?
Nicole, the only difference is that quick oats are put through rollers for longer which makes them thinner and therefore quicker to cook – for this recipe, you could probably use quick oats but it MAY end up a little ‘mushier’ because they absorb more liquid than rolled oats. However, on the plus side, there is no difference in nutritional value between the two! :) Made this recipe myself yesterday after reading this (using rolled oats) and I’m happy to say I thought it was delicious – I must confess, I thought it would taste a bit like cold icky porridge lol but all the flavours absorb in a nice way into the oats. Left out the cinnamon though as I can’t stand it! Hope this helps :)
you should try adding the cinnamon, just “micro-measurements” at first and build up to recipe quantities. Cinnamon is really a medicinal herb as well as a food spice and is really good for you. Just one reference for you to check out:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68
This recipe looks delicious!
I have never added Greek yogurt to my oatmeal..just nuts, apple, cinnamon, organic cream and cranberries ..:)
I am going to give it a try but with fresh berries now they are starting to come into season!
Thanks for your great whole food ideas!
Can this recipe be used with Greek yogurt? It is all we buy now. Maybe I would need to increase the milk a little?
I made this yesterday with a big tablespoon of Greek yoghurt and I thought it was great so it seems to be an acceptable substitute!
You Can make this with out yogurt. I have never added it to mine. Just use equal parts of oats and milk. I like vanilla, cinnamon, and raw maple syrup.
Another favorite is vanilla, honey and fresh blueberries.
The kids love it with vanilla and a tablespoon or so of unsweetened peanut butter, and honey or maple syrup.
You can do what ever you like to it and it’s there waiting for you in the morning.
This may be a stupid question but do you eat these cold? Can it be heated?
Yes, Trish, these are eaten cold but you can heat them if you like. ~Amy
So it sounds like these are served cold right?
Hello Sarah. They are. :) ~Amy
I love overnight oats! I usually use 1/2 cup plain organic yogurt, 1/4 cup regular oats, pinch of cinnamon and fruit – usually either blueberries, mango or apple. Instead of making at night, I make this right before I leave for the gym in the morning and put in the refrigerator. It’s ready when I get back. I’ve found that frozen wild blueberries (which are smaller than other blueberries) work really well because they are smaller and have a slightly softer texture when thawed than fresh blueberries.
Can steel cut oats be used in place of rolled oats?
You can use steel cut oats. They will be more chewy, dense, and nutty but I love them. :) ~Amy
I have a REALLY stupid question (but I’m a guy so that’s to be expected). Is the 1/2 cup of rolled oats cooked before you add them or do you just throw the dry oats in with everything else?
Hi Eric. No cooking required at all. :) ~Amy
Are you supposed to heat it up or leave it cold?
Hi Karen. Either, but this recipe is good served cold.
Does it have to be rolled oats or can I use steel cut instead? Thanks.
I make steel-cut refrigerator oats all the time. :)
We love Overnight Oatmeal! Been making it for months. (My sister-in-law introduced to us on vacation as “Swiss Oatmeal”) I make mine at least 3 times a week for breakfast on the go. My favorite combo is dried cranberries (instead of raisins) and diced apples. I also like doing blueberries and slivered almonds. I also usually use Maple Syrup instead of honey. (I like the taste better) Yum!!
I had tried other recipes for overnight/cold oats before, and hated them. Really glad I gave it one more try! This was nice, made me think of a cold rice pudding but less grainy. My only concern is that somehow it’s not as filling as 1/2 cup oats cooked with water or milk.
I think I’ll be making it in double batches next time. :)
I have always disliked the smell of oatmeal (grandma gave me WAY TOO much as a kid!). Because it is so healthily I have been looking for a way to add it to my menus. Maybe by not cooking it, I won’t smell it and this will work for me! Thanks for the idea!
May I dice the apple when I make it or does that need to be added fresh? If I can do it in advance would it be ok to do for five days – or just a day ahead? Thanks!
Hi Claire. You can add apple before refrigerating or wait and do it fresh. I’ve made these oats for a full school-week of breakfasts in advance. :)
Another big hit with my guys! They have always loved oatmeal so this wasn’t a tough sell. We have made as written, swapping out Greek yogurt because that’s what we use. We also tried swapping apples for the raisins and maple syrup (organic grade b) for the honey. Both were great! This solved the o’dark thirty rush in our home of grabbing something less healthy or nothing at all. I make this in batches of 6-12 depending on the day. They have even grabbed them as snacks or packed for lunch at work! This is so quick, healthy, and hearty (ie no sugar crash!). Finally, something we all agree on. Thank you Lisa!!
I got started making this and realized I didn’t have any yogurt. I decided to proceed without it and it worked out just fine!
I don’t have rolled oats, just steel cut – would those work?
Hello Logan. Making these with steel-cut is my favorite way. They come out nutty and crunchy. ~Amy
Wouldn’t it have to be the quick cooking steel cut oats? The non-precooked steel cut oats take 40 minutes to cook. Doesn’t seem like they would be edible by simply soaking at room temperature.
I’ve done (another) overnight oatmeal with regular steel cut oats and they do soften, though I prefer using the old fashioned oats for these. For steel cut oats, I rather cook them in the crock pot overnight.
I read this a while ago and I am very intrigued by the idea of fresh cinnamon so I bit the bullet and ordered some today. I can’t wait to try it. I am making a mental list of all the things I can make with it, and cinnamon ice cream is right there at the top of it. Thanks for the recommendation!
I remember seeing an ad on here with a coupon code for Cinnamon Hill. Is that no longer current… can’t find it now. Was “strongly suggesting” my husband by me the set for Mother’s Day and was hoping to find the coupon code. :)
Hi Faith. Yes, the coupon codes are almost always short term. ~Amy
I just put this in the refrigerator and will try it in thr morning. I used soy yogurt and almond milk because my son is severely allergic to milk. I’ll let you know how it tastes!
Hi. New to the blog here. Just wondering if you have more overnight oatmeal recipes or oatmeal smoothie recipes.
Hi Brandi. Go here for a crazy bunch of ideas but be sure to sweeten with honey or maple syrup: http://www.buzzfeed.com/arielknutson/overnight-oat-recipes-oatmeal-cold. :) ~Amy
I LOVE this recipe! Is it OK to make a bunch in advance and eat over a few days? Or is it only good when prepared the night before and eaten the next day?
Hi Erin. These can be made a few days in advance, too! :)
Making it in a thermos is such a great idea! Thanks a million!
I’ve been making this for a couple weeks now… it is AWESOME!! We are vegan so I use soy milk, maple syrup, and coconut milk yogurt. I don’t have fresh cinnamon, but it is on my list of things to try soon!! I sometimes have it for breakfast, but it is so yummy it is often my dessert.
So there is no cooking with this recipe?
That’s the beauty of it! :)
I like to throw in some fresh fruit like blueberries.
Love overnight oatmeal! Yum!
Just wondering if anyone added in fruit that does not work very well, or if anyone has used flavored yogurts instead of plain?
I’d love to try overnight oats! Been wanting to make it but haven’t got started yet as I have a question. Which type of rolled oats do you use? Is it the instant cook (just pour boiling water), quick cook (need some cooking but only requires shorter cooking time), or regular ones (that requires the full length of cooking time if we are eating it hot)? Is it necessary to cook the oats first? I feel uncomfortable eating the rolled oats without cooking them as it would appear to be the case in overnight recipes, if I understand the recipes correctly. Would appreciate your comments. Thanks!
Hi Lil. You can use regular rolled oats. I use steel cut, too for a nuttier texture. ~Amy
Just wondering if anyone has done these dairy free?
Hi Beth. I make them with almond milk. :)
So they eat the oatmeal cold?
Hi Kristin. Yep. But, you can warm it if you prefer.
Just wondering if you soak this dish overnight, can you microwave it in the morning if you’d like hot oatmeal?
Sure. You can do that. ~Amy
Was wanting to try this…. can u use “quick cook” oats? I have a ton and rather than buying rolled…. anyway just wondered if anyone had tried it?
Hi Elena. You can. The results are just a little more “mushy”. ~Amy
I made this last night with whole milk organic vanilla bean yogurt since that’s what I had in the house. It was AMAZING, and my toddler loved it, too! I think this will be her breakfast for daycare from now on!
I want to love overnight oats like all of you guys! But I’ve made them twice – with rolled oats – and they’re not turning out so good. I’m getting major thumbs down from my 6 and 4 year old, and I’m not enjoying them either. It’s like the oats aren’t absorbing any of the liquid overnight while in the fridge and they are just kind of blah. What am I doing wrong?!
Hi Kate. Hmmm, I’m not sure. What kind of oats are you using?
Don’t you have to cook the Oates. I hated oatmeal as a child and still don’t like it. I would think cold Oates would be even worse? Just wondering.
Hello Olive. No, they are not cooked. ~Amy
Olive, I hate cooked oatmeal but really like this. It’s just not the same.
Can you use steel cut oats?
Hi Emily. I like them best with steel cut. It is a nutty crunchy texture and sometimes I like them best on day two. :) ~Amy
I’m obsessed with this blog and this is my first recipe. For the first time, I had everything required in my pantry!
So I REALLY want to try overnight oats. However, oats should be soaked for 24 hours to get rid of the phytic acid. I soak mine in buckwheat flour and apple cider vinegar. If I were to dehydrate them after soaking/rinsing, would they reabsorb the liquid which makes overnight oats so good?
Hi Darra. Yep, I’m pretty sure they would be just fine. :)
Just curious, have you tried any fruit combos yet? I am wondering how much liquid berries or peaches might be. Do the release too much moisture?
Hi Carissa. We do dried fruits combos all the time. I usually add fresh fruit just before eating. ~Amy
Do you eat this cold?
Yep. It’s delicious!
can you add frozen fruit instead of raisins???
Hi Jackie. I think that would work fine. Let us know how it turns out. ~Amy
Is cinnamon hill offering any discount codes for first time buyers? I’d love to try it.
Could I use almond milk?
I use almond milk in mine!
I have never added yogurt to my oatmeal. Fabulous idea!
I made overnight oats for the first time last week. They were ok. Mine were a big lump in the morning. Do you add anything to them in the am? Also can you use steel cut oats in this reciepe?
Hello. You can always add more milk in the morning if if is too thick. You can use steel-cut oats but be prepared for a very different texture and you might give them more soaking time. I love them! ~Amy
I lovelovelove this recipe! I have always used regular rolled oats and recently decided to try steel cut and found that I definitely prefer the rolled. The steel cut are too chewy for my liking and weren’t as creamy. I microwave the bowl for 1 minute then top with fresh blueberries, they go great in this!
Interesting….I will have to try, both the recipe and the fresh cinnamon.
I just put some in the fridge! Yum!
There is a health difference between cassia cinnamon — what is usually found on the grocery shelf — and Ceylon cinnamon, which is better for you. Cassia contains high levels of coumarin, a blood thinning agent believed to cause liver damage when taken in high quantities. Ceylon cinnamon is often called true cinnamon and usually has no side effects.
For those who are vegan or dairy free I make these using almond milk (chocolate almond milk with a scoop of peanut butter doubles as dessert!) and in place of yogurt you can use a mashed banana. I also add chia seeds along with other mix ins.
I’m not vegan;but I would love your specific dessert recipe with peanut butter.
I love your posts, and can’t wait to try this out. However, I have a question about rolled oats. We have always eaten them, but my husband says they are (mildly) processed. We try to limit our processed foods, so I was wondering if you considered them processed?
Hi Nicole. They are rolled thin and steamed which makes them a little more processed than steel cut oats but they are still a whole grain. Here is a great info-graphic on the difference: http://www.prevention.com/whats-healthier-steel-cut-oats-or-rolled-oats. ~Amy
So you eat it cold?
Yep! :)
Hi, I tried this last night and just had it for breakfast. I warmed mine for a minute in the microwave I couldn’t eat it cold. It was really good.
This is my daughter and my new thing, and we are really enjoying it! I should have known better than to try some overnight oat recipes from other websites, they were ok but not NEARLY as delicious as this one! My daughter likes to omit the raisins (never been much of a raisin fan) and says it tastes just like a cinnamon roll! We also like to warm ours up in the morning. :) The yogurt makes these oats so creamy…yum!!! Thanks Lisa for yet another wonderful recipe!!!
so yummy! made with banana and almond milk. i don’t even like oatmeal :)
I am excited to try this. Can I add frozen fruit to the oatmeal before refrigerating or should I thaw it first?
Hi Patricia. I think either would work. If you thaw it first, the oats will absorb more of the fruit flavor. ~Amy
I made this last night so I can have it at my desk while working today and let me just say, these are some of the best oats (overnight or otherwise) I’ve ever had (typing this while eating them…yum!). I think might cut back on the honey and use stevia instead and omit the raisins next time but otherwise, ah-maz-ing!
What a great idea!! Can’t wait to try this. The fresh cinnamon looks lovely and what a great gift it would make. It’s a little pricey though, $72 for 2 sticks, grater and shipping.
my niece told me about this oatmeal recipe. i am an older adult & have stomach issues so i have never been able to digest oatmeal. i also can’t do dairy plus i am diabetic. but i tried overnight in fridge with water then adding unsweet almond milk with no yogurt.. and it works great that way. for more variety i have even been using the packets of flavored oatmeal. the apple cinnamon & peaches/cream are my favs. for those who want even more, put in blender with organic whey protein. really has helped my energy level. but the whey protein isn’t good for later, only a now drink or it clumps up.
wanted to see if you know the total callories in this recipe. Looks amazing and i would like to try it.
I plugged this into myfitnesspal.com with whole milk and whole milk yogurt, and it came to 282 calories.
Sounds yummy…Do you warm it up prior to eating or eat cold? :o)
We eat it cold. ;)
I’m also not an oatmeal fan & can’t even imagine eating it cold. So, how long in the microwave to warm it up?
Thanks
Hi Jo. Try one minute.
Do you cook the rolled oats first.
Nope. It soaks up liquid and thickens up in the fridge.
Obsessed!!!! I’ve been wanting to try this for some time but was apprehensive about the whole “eating it cold” thing. Um, it’s amazing! My 15 month old loves it too and shovels it in his mouth, it’s adorable. We’ll top it with fresh blueberries in the morning so they don’t get soggy overnight. If you’re thinking about trying this, do it. You won’t regret it!
Does this work with steel cut oats?
Hi Pats. It does. The texture is crunchy and nutty. I usually give mine a minimum of 12 hours. ~Amy
Inhave been wanting to try overnight oats and this recipe sounds wonderful! Would it be possible to substitute almond milk for the milk?
Hello Michele. Yes, that’s an easy swap. :)
Can I just say how much I love your site? I was, no lie, sitting here thinking what the heck am I going to make for breakfast tomorrow? (as usual I haven’t gone grocery shopping because I’m a procrastinator). And this pops up on my Facebook feed. The best part? I have every single one of these ingredients chilling in my kitchen right now. Almost every single recipe on your site are all things that I have on hand which is just awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Would it work with steel-cut oats?
Hi Jim. It does but I let mine rest in the fridge longer. It has a nutty crunchy texture. ~Amy
So I made aversion of this with old fashioned oats and stones field plain yogurt last night. My kids thought it tasted like play dough and I have to agree it was a bit sour. What went wrong.? Should I try flavored yogurt?
I completely agree! I made this a couple of months ago with old fashioned oats and stony field plain yogurt and I too thought it tasted very sour. My kids ate it but didn’t love it. I couldn’t finish mine – it almost was as if the yogurt soured overnight. I too would like to know what went wrong or if that is the flavor. I so want to like this – it has such potential in my house for making morning a little bit less rushed!!
Hi Stefanie. You can try it without the yogurt. That is typically what I do simply because I avoid dairy. It always turns out fine. ~Amy
Stephanie, I prefer it without the honey, cinnamon, and vanilla – I just add a spoonful of brown sugar instead. You could substitute maple syrup to stick with a whole food. I also add slivered almonds to give a crunch!
Muesli works great in place of rolled oats!
I’ve made these for about a year.. I sub almond milk for milk and up the amount of yogurt. My fav is to use vanilla yogurt and mix in coconut flakes and pineapple chunks and chia seed.
I hope this doesn’t sound like a stupid question…So you eat this cold? Just clarifying as I didn’t see in the directions to warm it up.
Hi Korri. Yes but you could also heat it if you’d like. ~Amy
We make this to but I have always heard it call summer porridge. I do oats, yogurt, milk, chia seeds ( yum), honey and strawberries.
Do you use quick oats or regular oats in this recipe or does it matter?? Thank you.
Hi Melissa. Lisa uses regular rolled oats. You can use quick oats but they will me more mushy. ~Amy
The first time I made one of these recipes I used quick oats and I didn’t like it at all. This is much better with the rolled oats…a little better texture!
This is my new favorite too! Do you ever try to make multiple days worth at one time or does it get too soggy that way? Thanks!
Hi Michelle. You can make it for a whole week at a time. I do that with steel-cut oats. Works great! ~Amy
do you do the same recipe just with steel cut oats or different measurement of other ingredients too?
Our whole family absolutely LOVES this recipe! We have made it over and over again since trying it a couple weeks ago. However, I’m just realizing that I may have a slight oat sensitivity. This is a huge bummer since I love to eat oats in most of my baking dishes I make. I was curious if you have any knowledge of another grain that could be in place of oats in this recipe? Amaranth, Wheat Berries, Spelt, Millet? I’ve personally never cooked with any of these so I didn’t know if they would soften overnight just like the oatmeal or not. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Liz
Hi Liz. We’ve not used a different grain/seed for this. These might help: http://ohsheglows.com/2012/06/14/easy-overnight-buckwheat-parfait/, http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gluten-free-hot-breakfast-cereal/, and http://www.buzzfeed.com/deenashanker/ways-you-never-knew-you-could-eat-quinoa-for-breakfast. ~Amy
Liz, not cooking the oats could be part of the problem for you. Here’s an alternative overnight oats recipe you could try once to see how it goes: Mix 1 part old-fashioned rolled oats with 1 part water (about one half cup oats per serving), a dollop of yogurt (teaspoon or so) and pinch of salt. Let sit overnight. In the morning bring a second part water to a boil in a saucepan, add the oat mixture, stir, cover, turn the heat to the lowest setting and let simmer about seven minutes, then turn the heat off and let sit maybe ten minutes more. Serve with milk, fruit, etc. This is from memory, but originally from the Nourishing Traditions cookbook (Sally Fallon, Weston Price association), which is very opinionated indeed about how harmful whole grains can be for us if not properly fermented and cooked! In any case it is a very tasty and easy version of traditional oatmeal. Good luck with this.
Liz, I just looked up the original Nourishing Traditions recipe for overnight cooked porridge thinking I remembered variations replacing the rolled oats with rolled kamut, spelt, rye, whole teff, amarath, and corn grits, and yes, all of these are possible, according to the the book, though some (rye, teff) will require more soaking time – and the corn grits are soaked not in yogurt water, but in limed water to improve nutritional quality as per the ancient culinary tradition. The original porridge recipe specifies 2 tablespoons live and active plain yogurt per 1 cup oats and 1 cup water and a half a teaspoon sea salt in the pre-soak for adequate fermentation, but this tastes too sour and salty for me and I regularly enjoy my version with about a quarter of the yogurt amount and the pinch of salt.
My son loves these. How long are they good for in the fridge?
Hi Lori. I’ve made them for an entire week’s worth of breakfast. :)
Hi thanks for these!! Can i just ask wld quick cooking rolled oats work?
Hi there. You can try quick oats but the texture will be more mushy.
Other than raisins, what can I use?
Oh, there are endless possibilities. :) You can use any dried or fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. ;)
Have you ever made these with steel cut oats?
What would you do differently, if anything?
Hi Lorie. I love this with steel cut oats but you do have to let it sit in the fridge longer. The texture is crunchy and nutty. ~Amy
I’m intrigued to try this as well. I’m just not sure how we will like cold oatmeal. That’s the only thing stopping me here
I actually op mine in the microwave for 20-30 seconds in the morning to take the chill off.
I just ordered some cinnamon from Cinnamon Hill. Can’t wait to get it!
Made these and my children love them. The recipe does fit better inside the smaller “half size” mason jars though.
I’ve made these and they love them. I also make them a “pancake” – 1 egg and 2 egg white beaten. Add uncooked oatmeal to thicken (about ½ c – ¾ c) and some cinnamon. Pour into oiled skillet (I use ghee or coconut oil) and cook until set, flip over and cook until browned. Can be eaten as a pancake or cut up to eat as a snack later. I serve them hot with maple syrup and little more ghee – love them!
Can I use steel cut oats if I don’t have the rolled?
Hi Abby. I love this made with steel cut oats but I do leave them in the fridge longer to soften. ~Amy
So u eat this oatmeal cold?
Yes, Tracey, it is akin to cold cereal. However, you can always heat it up if you prefer.
Will the 8 oz mason jar work for one serving or do I need to make a batch and place it into multiple jars?
Hi Dan. The recipe is for one serving. The 8 oz jars are what we use. ~Amy
Is there anything you need to replace the yogurt with if you don’t eat cows milk yogurt? Can you leave it out? I have soy yogurt but it’s flavored.
Hi Stacy. You can leave it out or you can use a non-dairy yogurt.
We made this recipe last night with a couple of modifications: we doubled the yogurt and added 1 tsp of chia seeds. It was a hit!
This is my favourite overnight oats recipe, I add some blueberries and banana just before I eat them in the morning :)
My son who is 10, and I made these together late this afternoon. He refuses oatmeal but likes oatmeal raisin cookies and decided to give them a try. He couldn’t wait and had to try them for a before bed snack,they were in the fridge for about 3-4 hrs, and he loooved them! We had to make more for breakfast tomorrow. Woot woot! Thanks so much for another item we can add to our “real food” list.
I would give this recipe 5 stars. I make several jars at a time for the busy week. I use my canning funnel to keep the jars clean when making them. Our 13 year old refuses to eat cooked oatmeal but devours this!! I make a double batch for the skinny little thing and he loves it, score! Our 9 year old daughter loves it too and would eat it for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. I really enjoy the convenience of grabbing one on my way out the door to work. With 4 children and a hubby to get out the door, it’s a lifesaver and so tasty and nutritious. Thank you so much for giving us a healthy, simple, economical, delicious morning alternative.
I checked out the link to Cinnamon Hill as I was curious about using fresh cinnamon however after looking at the prices of the grater plus the cinnamon and shipping, it’s well over $90. It seems overpriced. With that said, I would like to know how long a package of their cinnamon lasted you. Thanks!
You’re really meant to use it “fresh” (not in baked goods, etc.) so it’s lasted us a LONG time!
I have tried a recipe similar to this and my oatmeal loving kids and husband thought it was terrible. I liked the convenience, but my family prefers their oatmeal warm. I will give this recipe a try and see if they change their minds. The other recipe I tried had more yogurt than this one call for. Here’s for hoping :)
Can you use steel cut oats with this recipe?
Hi Lynette. You can. I love them. The texture is very different and you have to let them soak much longer. ~Amy
Just got back from the grocery store and bought quick oats instead. Can these be used?
I bought the quick oats as well! Rolled old are not available and if they are they will cost me an arm and a leg. LOL!
It is possible that they might get a little mushy.
How long will they last refrigerated? I made 2 and my husband forgot to eat before work. Will they still be good tomorrow or too soggy?
Hi Beth. They should still be fine.
Hello, can this be heated in the morning?
Hi Cyndy. Sure, you can heat it if you like.
Is it possible to use flavored yogurt? How will that change things?
Hi Alexis. It would change the taste. Plus, flavored yogurts are typically high in sugar or have artificial sweeteners.
Do the raisins plump up (like they do in baked items)?
Hi Tracy. They do absorb some liquid but the texture of the raisins is still chewy.
LOVE LOVE LOVE! New favorite! :D
Can you make up a weeks worth in small jars, or will it not last that long?
Hi Laura. I’ve made them on Sunday for the school week. It works well but I tend to prefer steel cut oats.
Are there different variations that can be done by using frozen or fresh fruit since we have a few in the family that are not raisin lovers?
Hi Donna. Sure, you can be very creative with this oat method. ;) Here are some yummy variations: http://www.katheats.com/favorite-foods/overnightoats.
Donna,
I’d suggest peanut butter and jam. Even with my very low sugar homemade jam, I feel like I’m eating a PB&J oatmeal cookie for breakfast.
Coconut jam is wonderful. New organic item for my family.
Where do you buy coconut jam? Are there different flavors?
O.M.GEEE!! My fav. But if you forget to make the o/n oats-you can use regular oats. I also use some almond/rice milk. And a natural sweetener-maple syrup. Added chia seeds makes a perfect thickener, along with ground flax. I usually use a banana, but have used non-sweetened canned fruit, and of course, no sugar added frozen fruit. This is a super easy snack/breakfast, etc.
Do you recommend eating it hot or cold?
Hello Reg. Most eat it like a cold cereal.
Does anybody happen to know the calorie count of this recipe?
Hi Jill. We do not provide calorie info. This post explains the philosophy behind that: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/.
I just put my first batch in the fridge for the night. I added chopped raw cashews and some fresh ground cardamon. It smells like kheer. I can’t wait!
Can you substitute Greek yogurt and soy or almond milk in the recipe?
Hi. Yes, that works, too.
Thank you for this recipe! This is so much better then stove top oats. (Though I’d definitely recommend adding a pinch of salt.) I eat mine with peanut butter and jam, (homemade very low sugar jam!). It tastes like you’re eating an oatmeal cookie for breakfast, even though it’s super healthy. (I usually leave out the honey when I make it this way.) This recipe has been great for traveling.
What is the purpose of the yogurt? I am trying to minimize dairy in my diet and would substitute the milk for almond milk. Does the yogurt have to be in there? Thanks! Andrea
Hi there. You do not have to use yogurt or you could use a non-dairy yogurt. I typically just make mine with almond milk.
Thank you!
We just bought a big container of quick cook steel cut oats at Costco. Can I use that instead? What kind of a difference will the “quick cook” make in soaking.
Hi there. You will have to soak the steel cut oats longer. I usually allow mine to soak for a full 24 hours.
I am new to whole food eating and will begin the adventure this weekend! I found this easy recipe and can’t wait to try it! Just to confirm though, really, you don’t have to cook the oats at all? Just soak the raw oats and eat?
Also, the instructions say to wait no more than 7 hours to eat it. What happens if it goes longer than that? I was going to have my kids make it before they go to bed (around 7-8 pm) but we don’t have breakfast until around 8am. Even if I make it around 10pm that would still be longer than 7 hours. What time have others made it the night before so it is fine in the morning?
Thanks!
Hi there. That is referring to keeping it in a thermos if it is sent to school. :) You can keep it in the fridge soaking for much longer.
I’ve read about phylates in whole grains (especially oatmeal) causing tooth decay etc.. I would love to have this disproved. Given the fact that your children eat oatmeal daily, do they have any tooth decay issues?
None at all! They’ve had nothing other than good reports from the dentist.
I’ve been reading about phylates in oats lately. Apparently soaking for at least an hour, preferably overnight in a fridge, will break down the phylates in oats, making them easier to digest, and better for us. Some people who would otherwise react to oats, may find soaking allows them to eat them.
I love overnight oatmeal. They are good to keep on hand to keep from heading the junk food. (Not everyone in my household shares my healthy eating ideas.)
I have a question about the Cinnamon Hill products. Which grater did they send you? Wood or plastic? Also, how much cinnamon do you think each stick produces? I would like to use this formula to make my decision about how much I would need to order.
Thank you.
I have both graters and they both work equally well. And a cinnamon stick lasts a LONG time. It’s more powerful than the stuff out of the jar so you don’t need as much (in my opinion)! :) I hope that helps.
Does anyone know how long these will keep? I would love to make a whole bunch at once so I can just grab them in the morning for the whole week.
Hi Liz. You can definitely pull them from the fridge for the work week. ;)
Can this be frozen and then thawed overnight?
Hi there. It can. The texture will be changed a bit.
Will quinoa soften up enough to add that?
Hi Lisa. If you use quinoa flakes.
Thanks Amy for taking the time to answer my question. I never heard of quinoa flakes. I’ll have to look for them next time I shop
Can you give more details on packing them in a thermos for school lunches? Should the thermos be chilled first? TIA
Hello Melanie. I do chill my thermos if I am sending something cold.
Do you serve just as it’s out of fridge? I would like to have warm meal in the morning, so maybe warm up a bit in microwave or on the stove?
You can absolutely warm them up in the morning. I have one child that eats them cold and my other two like when I heat theirs up.
what does the yogurt do in this recipe? Would it work without it? What could I substitute?
Hi Stacy. You do not have to use yogurt or you could use a non-dairy yogurt. I typically just make mine with almond or coconut milk.
Can you use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats? I prefer them over rolled but can switch if I need to.
You will have to soak the steel cut oats longer. I usually allow mine to soak for a full 24 hours.
I use a recipe that is almost identical, but I use craisins instead of raisins and add more cinnamon because I love it!
I love overnight oats!!!! I seem to get addicted to warm oatmeal in winter- and overnight oats in summer- when I still want my oat fix but not in the mood for a warm breakfast!
Would this work with steelcut oats by any chance? That’s all I have to work with for now.
Hi Kelly. I use steel cut oats but I really like the crunchy texture.
I like the steel cut that aren’t instant, but that usually take 20+ minutes to cook stove top; do u think those would work? Thanks!
I use steel cut and love them. The texture is nutty.
Would this work with rice milk instead of cow’s milk?Rah
Yep.
I just started eating ‘overnight’ oats in November. I use Soy Milk (unsweetened), golden raisins and reduced sugar craisins, as well as heapin’ tablespoon of toasted sliced almonds, and a couple crops of pure almond extract. And then I top with 6-8 thawed dark cherries. Pretty close to dessert, but a very pleasant breakfast. Ask me about diced apples, cinnamon, and some raw cranberry relish as ‘instead’ add-ins. :)
I just started eating ‘overnight’ oats in November. I use Soy Milk (unsweetened), golden raisins and reduced sugar craisins, as well as heapin’ tablespoon of toasted sliced almonds, and a couple drops of pure almond extract. And then I top with 6-8 thawed dark cherries. Pretty close to dessert, but a very pleasant breakfast. Ask me about diced apples, cinnamon, and some raw cranberry relish as ‘instead’ add-ins. :)
Is this the kind of thing where multiple batches could be made at once and then dished out throughout the week or would it completely change the texture?
Sure, you can make it in bigger batches.
I have been adding a tablespoon of Chia with a little more liquid and also some chopped walnuts – really yummy! My husband who used to eat sugary cereals for breakfast is loving this :)
Can you skip the yogurt? How do you adjust the measurements
Hi there. Just leave it out.
Easy way to do steel cut oats..
Instructions
Place oats and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil, watching carefully so the water doesn’t boil over. Turn down heat quickly and allow the oats to simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Cover with a lid and let stand overnight at room temperature.
Could you add fresh fruit and nuts or would you want to add them in the morning? Also, is it thick or running in the morning?
Yes, we add about 10 frozen blueberries and 1/2 a banana cut in very small pieces, it is delicious!!!
Saved aas a favorite, I really like your website!
Can you double (or more) this recipe? Say, if I wanted to make it for my family of 4.
Sure!
When I make overnight oatmeal, I use 2 cups each of the following to make daily breakfast to take to work (or just take the whole container to work.:
2 cups of:
Minute Oatmeal
Greek Yogurt (I use vanilla flavoured)
1 Tbsp of Cocoa
2 tsp of Cinnamon
3/4 c up raisins
You can use any nuts/almonds or mixed nuts that you like.
If you want to throw in some blueberries or any other fruit that you like there are no rules you can change the recipe according to your taste.
This is such an easy way to ensure that you have a healthy ready-to-eat breakfast!
ENJOY ❤️
Just wondering if this would work with steel cut oats?
Hi Jen. I use steel cut and love them. They are rich and nutty.
They are normally what I eat, and just sounded like they would be perfect for this kind of recipe. :)
Thanks for your response!
I love this recipe but I really dislike yogurt. I have tried all kinds and have tried to acquire a taste for it but I just cannot. Would this recipe be okay without the yogurt? Would you substitute anything in place of it?
Hi there. You can just leave it out.
I sometimes use applesauce in place of the yogurt.
We use Fairlife whole milk instead of regular milk with yogurt. We get the extra protein without the stronger yogurt flavor. Fairlife milk has less carbs and more protein than regular milk and it tastes wonderful!
Do you heat the oatmeal the next morning or just eat it cold?
Hi. We usually eat it cold.
Hello.plz do u soak oats b4 using them or what?? I’ve read alot about the importance of soaking n nvr used them raw ever since
Hi there. We do not typically soak our oats prior to preparing these.
the overnight process does the soaking for you I believe doesn’t it? pretty sure that’s the case. I make these a lot btw, my girlfriend turned me onto them, they are great for quick meals that will last a few days in the fridge.
It does, essentially. ;)
It is my understanding that you have to soak at room temperature in order to neutralize the phytic acid, and milk is not a good soaking liquid for that anyway. I am thinking to try soaking normally beforehand and then prepare according to the recipe.
Can you use coconut/almond milk for this?
I always make mine with almond milk! Delicious!
What is the difference veteeeb all the oats? Are rolled oats better than steel cut oats or quick oat?
Veteeeb= between
Steel cut oat have a far more crunchy texture and I let them soak longer.
Hi, I bet somebody already asked this, but can I use quick oats? What’s the difference (it says ingredients: organic rolled oats). Sorry for a probably repetitive question :-)
Thanks!
Claudia
Hi. You can and do not need to adjust ingredients.
Old fashioned oats….not instant, not steel cut…are the best. Instant break down too much overnight and steel cut, too chewy. I just use Quaker old fashioned. Superb!
Does this mean you are eating COLD oats? That doesn’t sound very appetizing to me.
Yes your eating it cold but you can warm it up in the microwave if you prefer.
Does this work with almond milk? With due respect to the kids, this sounds great for me!
It can. :)
There is no cooking or heating involved? Don’t the oats get soggy?
Yes they get soggy the milk soaks into the oatmeal but you can heat it up in the microwave if you like.
can you leave the yogurt out? milk allergy in the house.
You can.
What would i do if i have steel cut oats? I am trying to use whats in my cupboard.
I only use steel cut. Love them. You make them the same way but for a minimum of 8 hours and they come out chewy and nutty. I prefer the texture.
how many can you make at once and how long can it stay in the fridge,,,
You can make as many as you want but each recipe is for one jar they keep in the fridge for 3 days.
Hi! We are making overnight oats several times a week and I need to stock up on mason jars. The three we have aren’t ebough! What size works best? Which are good for freezing other recepies (like tomatoe bisque)? Thanks!
Hi, These are the jars Lisa uses: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/shopping-guide/product/freezer-safe-glass-jars/.
Are these suppose to be eaten cold?
Yes but you can heat them if you prefer.
Does this have the same texture as cooked oatmeal which I hate.
I know how good oatmeal is for you so I am hoping you say no.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for this overnight oatmeal recipe. I definitely want to try it out for 2 reasons. The first is that oatmeal for breakfast has been a mainstay of mine for many years. And oatmeal was my first stop for my own experiment with real food which helped me lose 75 pounds in 6 months just about 6 years ago. And I was the worst cookie monster, and so far, so good, been getting fitter and stronger as time goes on. Number 2, I am not too fond of spending a lot of time in the kitchen, but I prefer real food any day, so this is a perfect blend of my fav breakfast food and quick and easy preparation. Will have to give you my review after trying it out!
Richard