Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!
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).
Recipe for Overnight Oats
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.
Perfect Oats Recipe for an Easy Snack
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 ½ 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.
Do you Eat Overnight Oats Cold?
For our family we serve overnight oats cold! It's perfect for keeping throughout the day in an insulated container like a thermos, and it's a great way to enjoy a cool and nutritious snack in the summer months! We don't recommend heating these oats, since the ingredients wouldn't lend well to a hot oatmeal dish.
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.
Our Favorite Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon raisins ((or more if you like more raisins))
- ⅛ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 pinches cinnamon
Instructions
- 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.
Sarah @ Mum In Bloom says
So it sounds like these are served cold right?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Sarah. They are. :) ~Amy
Trish says
This may be a stupid question but do you eat these cold? Can it be heated?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Yes, Trish, these are eaten cold but you can heat them if you like. ~Amy
kim says
Can this recipe be used with Greek yogurt? It is all we buy now. Maybe I would need to increase the milk a little?
Claire O says
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!
Dori says
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.
Lisa Michele says
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!
Nicole says
Is there a difference between rolling oats and quick oats?
Claire O says
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 :)
Faye says
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
Jen E says
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!
Faye says
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!
Kelly says
I think she meant omit. :-)
Kiersten says
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?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
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. :)
Maddy says
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?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Maddy. I was skeptical, too, when I first learned of this method but give them a try! :) ~Amy
Josie says
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.
Faye says
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.
Faye says
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!
Kento says
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.
Sara @the organic dietitian says
Love overnight oats! I also like to do half rolled oats and half oat groats which is the true whole food to oats.
Megan Glenn says
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.
Kristin says
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
Kristin says
Oops, that's http://www.penzeys.com to think I've been spelling without the second "e" all these years.
Elisa says
It sounds like you work for Penzey's! I know it's expensive but I prefer the idea of a real cinnamon specialist.
Kristin says
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!
Paula Buenavista says
Is the Cinnamon Hill Cinnamon grown on an Organic Farm??
Thanks
Rupert says
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.
Hillary says
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!
Lisa says
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!
juliag says
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 :)
Valorie says
What size mason jars do you use?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. The ones pictured here are jelly jar sized and are very convenient for single servings! Lisa uses various sizes, however. ~Amy
Lisa B says
Just add some fresh apples to this recipe and it is heaven in a jar!!
Amberly says
Penzeys (www.penzeys.com) sells great cinnamon-five different types if I remember correctly, all with different flavor profiles, for reasonable prices.
Christy says
I only have quick cooking oats on hand. Will they do alright? Also, can I heat this in the morning?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
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
Raina says
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
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. You can heat it if you like. ~Amy
Jackie says
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!
renee says
OK, Am I missing something? My oatmeal is always WARM. Are we supposed to eat straight from fridge- no heating?
Lisa says
That's right - this oatmeal is served cold! Think iced coffee :)
Sarah says
How have I never thought if this?!?
Kat says
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!
Amanda says
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:]
Joy says
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!
Critical Reader says
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.
Dani says
Oh I want that cinnamon & grater!!! I'll have to add it to a wishlist for some day.
Ashley says
Wondering if you can warm these up? I've never tried cold oats/oatmeal before. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Ashley. You are welcome to warm them but eating them cold is just very much like cold cereal.
Alice says
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?
Rupert says
Hi Alice, the unwrapped stick will be good for a few months do don't worry about it.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
...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
Diane says
Can you use steel cut oats?
Lisa B says
The steel cut oats didn't absorb all the milk, Still a little crunchy for me!!
Sarah says
I use steel cut oats in mine with more yogurt and less milk than this recipe.
Michelle says
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?
Laura says
Michelle, Any kind of spice, microplane or just fine grater should work and you can get one for less than $10. Laura
Rupert says
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.
LeAnn @ Real Fit, Real Food Mom says
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.) :)
Michelle K says
Does it thicken up during the "cooking" process?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michelle. It does. :) ~Amy
Marnie H says
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.
Jolene says
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.
Jess says
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!
Kimberly says
How long will these last in the fridge fully made?
Lori says
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!
mandi says
Any info about gluten free foods?
Ann says
Oatmeal is GF, it just often gets contaminated by other grains at the elevator. Buy GF-certified oats and this recipe is GF!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
...and if you are looking for a gluten free website, check out: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/. :) ~Amy
Karrie says
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! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Karrie. I add chia regularly. :) ~Amy
Michele says
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.
Meg says
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.
Lisa says
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.
Diana M says
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.