Hello, People. Austin Carter welcomes you all to Beyond the Bayou Blog to make you a perfectionist in making your favorite delights. One such recipe we will try today that is not just healthy and filling but can be a delicious breakfast option for you i.e. Overnight Oats.
So are you someone who usually skips your breakfast just because you don’t have enough time to prepare a meal? Not to worry! Austin today brings you a recipe that will make your morning hassle-free as you can simply make preparations for it before going to your bed. Yes, these overnight oats will just take you five minutes in the morning to top them with your favorite crunches.
This overnight oats recipe has been my life savior for years as I just prepare a batch of it in advance for the days that are not really easy and convenient for me. Sometimes I even prefer French Press Coffee with it which is too easy to make.
So let’s just begin learning this fulfilling recipe to make you feel at ease. You can also try this mouth-watering Oatmeal Cake if seeking more nourishing recipes like this.
What Are Overnight Oats?
If you haven’t tried overnight oatmeal, it’s a super easy way to make oatmeal without cooking. Instead of heating oats on the stove or in the microwave, you mix them with milk and let them soak.
This soaking time lets the oats soak up the milk and become soft enough to eat without cooking. You just need to refrigerate the oats for 2 hours, but it’s even better if you leave them overnight, which is why they’re called overnight oats!
The next morning, you’ll have a delicious, creamy bowl or jar of oatmeal ready to eat. It’s like a thick, creamy pudding. This makes for a convenient breakfast that’s dense and creamy, unlike hot oatmeal.
The best part is, that you get all the health benefits of oats in a quick and easy breakfast you can grab and go.
Why They Are a Must-Try?
- Easy No-Cook Breakfast: This recipe removes the morning fuss�no need to cook. Just mix the night before, chill, and enjoy.
- Key Ingredients: All you need for overnight oats are oats and milk. Adding Greek yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, and vanilla extract is recommended for better taste and texture.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with protein and fiber, these oats keep you full and provide lots of nutrients.
- Fully Customizable: Whether you love fruit, chocolate, or nuts, you can create your favorite flavor. You can add anything you like � it’s a versatile breakfast recipe.
- Great for Prep: Make it ahead on Sunday and have a tasty and healthy breakfast ready all week.
How to Make Overnight Oats?
Preparation: Gather all the ingredients and a lidded container or jar.
Combine Ingredients: Place oats, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, a pinch of salt, and yogurt (if using) in the container or jar.
Add Almond Milk: Pour almond milk into the container until all ingredients are covered.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir well to combine all ingredients. Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds at the bottom or sides of the jar.
Cover and Chill: Put the lid on the container and store it in the fridge overnight or for up to 5 days.
Serve: When you’re ready to eat, give the oats a final stir to mix everything evenly. Add your favorite toppings, such as fruits, nuts, or granola, and enjoy your delicious and nutritious overnight oats!
Looking for Some Delicious Toppings? Here You Go!
- Fruit: Bananas, berries, pineapple, mango, toasted coconut, or any fruit you like.
- Nut Butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, or any nut/seed butter you prefer.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, coconut, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.
- Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture; you can use store-bought or try a homemade recipe.
- Protein: Add Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or protein powder for extra protein.
- Chocolate: Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for a delightful treat.
- Peanut Butter: Mix peanut butter into the oats and top with more peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and blueberries.
- Berry: Add fresh berries and a bit of jam (any flavor you like).
You May Find These Tips Helpful!
- Choose the Right Container: Use a jar or a mason jar with measurement lines for easy preparation and storage.
- Use the Right Oats: Use plain old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut oats, as they won’t work well for this recipe.
- Optional Warm Option: You can warm up the oats in the morning if you prefer. Just microwave them in a microwave-safe jar for one minute.
- Make a Batch for the Week: Since overnight oats can stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days, consider making a batch on Sunday for the whole week.
- Watch the Liquid Amount: Use a 1:1 ratio of milk to oats to get the right consistency. Adjust as needed for your preferred texture.
- Layer Add-Ins: If adding fruits, nuts, or syrups, layer them instead of mixing them to maintain their texture.
- Chill Time: Let the oats chill for at least 4 hours, preferably longer, for the flavors to meld together.
- Consider Milk Temperature: Room-temperature milk will soak into the oats faster than cold milk, so adjust based on your time constraints.
Store Them for Ease!
- Storing Overnight Oats: After making your overnight oats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Shelf Life: Overnight oats can typically be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Beyond that, they may start to lose their texture and flavor.
- Managing Leftovers: If you have leftover overnight oats, you can enjoy them for breakfast the next day or for a quick snack during the week.
- Refrigeration: Always refrigerate any leftover oats promptly to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm oats, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until heated through. Stir them well before eating to distribute the heat evenly.
- Adding Toppings: Feel free to add fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to your leftover oats to enhance their flavor and texture before serving.
Are Oats Gluten-Free?
Yes, oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can sometimes be contaminated with gluten during processing. To ensure gluten-free oats, look for products labeled “certified gluten-free.” These oats are processed in facilities that are free from cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye, making them safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What Is the Ratio for Overnight Oats?
The ideal ratio for overnight oats is typically 1 part oats to 1 part liquid. This means if you use 1/2 cup of oats, you would add 1/2 cup of liquid, such as milk or yogurt. Adjust the ratio based on your desired consistency; more liquid makes the oats softer, while less liquid keeps them thicker.
Overnight Oats Recipe
Equipment
- Lidded container or jar
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- � cup whole rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- � teaspoon maple syrup plus more for serving
- Pinch of sea salt
- � cup whole milk Greek yogurt optional
- ? cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Gather ingredients and a lidded container or jar.
- Combine oats, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, salt, and yogurt (if using) in the container.
- Pour almond milk to cover all ingredients.
- Mix thoroughly to avoid clumps of chia seeds.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 5 days.
- Before serving, stir oats again and add desired toppings.
- Enjoy your customizable and nutritious overnight oats.
