Simple Overnight Oats

By: Sarena Shasteen | October 19 2017

Alright friends, let’s talk overnight oats. What are overnight oats? They're all the rage these days, and I can tell you a few reasons why . . . they are so easy to prep the night before so you have breakfast ready for you on those busy mornings, they can be made for breakfast or a snack (I love making them dessert style), and they are super delicious! How could you resist?

Think about it, you mix up some oatmeal, a liquid of your choice, throw in some chia seeds, maybe add some yogurt or protein powder, toss some fruit in if you like, and then maybe a crunchy topping like nuts, coconut, muesli or granola . . . yum!

Now, there are a million and one ways to make overnight oats. I like mixing quick oats and rolled oats so I get a better mix of textures. This adds to the creaminess in my overnight oats, too. Also, add yogurt, protein powder, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, chocolate . . . seriously, you can make them taste like whatever you want them to. To demonstrate the ease of making overnight oats, I’m going to keep this simple today. I’m making two with Almond Protein Powder, one topped with mixed berries and the other with warm vanilla bananas. I’m dairy free and while I love yogurt, I just don’t feel like the dairy free yogurts give me the protein boost I’m looking for in yogurt. Also, Bob’s Red Mill Almond Protein Powder is an excellent source of fiber and calcium.

Have you tried overnight oats? What are your favorite toppings?

Alternately, you could easily use our oatmeal cups to make overnight oats, as well! Check out the instructions here. We have new varieties to choose from now too, so no toppings needed! MMMMmmmm pineapple coconut . . .

Basic Overnight Oatmeal

Mix everything together, cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Warm Vanilla Bananas

  • 1 Banana, sliced
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Coconut Oil

Heat coconut oil on medium heat in a sauté pan until melted. Add the bananas, vanilla, and cinnamon. Sauté 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly browned.

Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

24 Comments

  1. Kat
    Your recipe says "3/4 Milk". Is it 3/4 cup milk?

    Also, I don't eat highly processed foods. Can I simply leave out the protein powder/yogurt?

    Thank you.
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Whitney Barnes
      Good catch! It's been corrected now. And yes, 3/4 cup and you could leave out the protein powder.
      Reply
  2. Nadine Baier
    Hello Sarena,

    I am looking for a new breakfast :D I often have the problem that I sleep too long and then have no more time to prepare. So I just came across your article.

    First of all thank you very much! Overnight Oats are a great idea! I will try that right today.

    I can really make them in a thousand different variations :) So I always have variety at breakfast - how wonderful :)

    Thank you very much for the inspiration!

    I still have a question: Should I always make the Oats fresh for the next day in the evening or can I prepare them for 2-3 days in advance?

    Dearest greetings,
    Nadine

    P.S.: My English isn't the best, but I hope it's enough :)
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Hi Nadine, thanks for your kind words! You can prepare overnight oats and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that they texture may become a bit too soft.
      Reply
  3. Sylvie Lapointe
    Bonjour, est-ce que je peux faire la nuit, l’avoine avec de l’avoine épointée? Est ce que je pourrais avoir des recettes où on utilise l’avoine épointée? Merci!
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Malheureusement, Steel Steel Oats ne ramollirait pas du jour au lendemain, comme l'avoine roulée. Ils auraient encore besoin d'une petite quantité de cuisson pour se ramollir.
      Reply
  4. Sarah
    I’ve tried making overnight oats twice with the old fashioned rolled gluten free oats and each time it turns out like soup. I’ve used 1/2 cup of oats and 3/4 cup milk and let sit over 8 hours in the fridge. Any suggestions for how to better get it more like porridge?
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Whitney Barnes
      Hi Sarah! There aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to Overnight Oats. If you like them with less liquid, you could reduce the amount of milk you add, use yogurt instead of all or some of the milk, or add chia or flax seeds to help absorb excess liquid. I hope those suggestions help! Enjoy :)
      Reply
  5. Tina Harris
    I have a question regarding the overnight oats. I recently purchased the Organic Extra Thick Whole Grain Rolled Oats. For the overnight recipe, you suggested adding chia seeds. I have diverticulosis, and chia seeds are a 'no-no'. Can this recipe be made with almond milk and without the chia seeds?
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Hi Tina - Yes, you can absolutely sub in Almond Milk and omit the Chia Seeds. Overnight Oats are super flexible in terms of ingredients. You can also use yogurt and/or milk and add in your favorite spices/fruits. Enjoy! :)
      Reply
  6. Anthony Cook
    Hi Sarena, Can I just add room temperature water to a cup of rolled oats and leave it in the fridge overnight? Will that make resistance-starch oats?
    Reply
  7. Danieth Patton
    Can buckwheat grouts be substituted for chia seeds?
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Hi Danieth - You could substitute buckwheat groats for some of the oatmeal while still adding chia seeds to the mix.
      Reply
  8. Mona
    Can you use the 10 Grain Hot Ceral for Overnight Oats?
    Reply
    1. Elisabeth Allie
      Elisabeth Allie
      Absolutely!
      Reply
  9. Gayle
    Can you use Red Mill 5 Grain Hot Cereal for overnight oats?
    Reply
    1. Elisabeth Allie
      Elisabeth Allie
      Absolutely!
      Reply
  10. Sam
    Hi, can I use oat milk?
    Reply
    1. Elisabeth Allie
      Absolutely!
      Reply
  11. Prem Turner
    Do you have any recipes for overnight oats using the Protein oats?
    Reply
    1. Ashley Morris
      Hi Prem, you can use Protein Oats in replacement of other overnight oat recipes that included old fashioned rolled oats. You can find many recipes on our recipe page at bobsredmill.com.
      Reply
  12. Heidi
    Hi! Two questions. 1) I made overnight oats with the protein oats even substitution for old fashioned oats in my recipe. The oats didn’t absorb as much of the liquid as the old fashioned oats and didn’t soften as much. Any suggestions how to absorb more liquid? 2) I’m allergic to Chia seeds. If I omit them, should I decrease the liquid volume in an overnight oats recipe.
    Reply
    1. Ashley Morris
      Hi Heidi, we recommend reaching out to our customer service department who can help you troubleshoot. You can email them at [email protected]. Thanks!
      Reply

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