Overnight Oats
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThis recipe for Overnight Oats makes a quick and easy breakfast that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients! It’s my new go-t0 morning meal.
Overnight Oats:
Lately I’ve been a bit obsessed with overnight oats. For the past couple months they’ve been my go-to for breakfast. And while they may have gained a lot of popularity in the last year or so, they’ve been around forever.
I was introduced to overnight oats about 10 years ago when I worked for the Four Seasons Hotel. Back then (and until recently), I knew overnight oats as muesli, which is short for Birchermuesli. The recipe was developed around the start of the last century by Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital. His original version included shredded apple which he believed to be a cure for jaundice.
Another history lesson on IBC. You’re welcome!
How To Make Overnight Oats:
I’m sure you’ve seen lots or recipes for overnight oats posted online, and you may have noticed that the concept for creating them is pretty similar. The base is quick oats and milk (regular, skim, soy, almond, etc.).
From there, you add whatever healthful things you like, including fruits, nuts, chia seeds, honey, etc. As you can imagine, the list is almost endless. The oats, milk, and fruit are combined before you go to bed. That way by morning the oats have had time to soak up the milk, and breakfast is ready to go.
Speaking of ingredients, the recipe I’m giving you is a great jumping off point for creating your own version. As with oatmeal, you can customize these oats based on your food preferences or what’s in your pantry and refrigerator.
What Oats Do You Use for Overnight Oats?
Honestly, you can use whatever you’d like: quick oats, rolled oats, muesli, steel cut oats, etc.
Here I used steel cut, but also like quick oats too.
Some other ingredients to consider: any kind of fruit or berries, seeds, any variety of nut, cocoa powder, protein powder, nut butter, and citrus zest. There are so many things your could add to these overnight oats.
You can also use whatever type of milk (regular milk, almond milk, or soy milk) and sweetener (honey, sugar, agave, or maple syrup) you like best.
I like topping my overnight oats with Greek yogurt, nuts, and a few more berries. The yogurt adds a little tang, the nuts provide crunch, and the additional berries are Instagram-worthy.
If you like these overnight oats, you’ll love these too:
Pretty great, right? Obviously, a beautiful presentation makes these look extra tasty, but these oats are truly delicious. Give them a try and let us know what you think. Also tell us what ingredients you like best in your overnight oats. Share in the comments below.
Bon appétit!
Overnight Oats Recipe:
Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup steel cut oats quick variety
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup fresh berries raspberries and blueberries
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons walnuts
- Additional berries and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a container with a lid, combine the steel cut oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and fresh berries. Stir to combine. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
- Divide the oats into two bowls. Just before serving spoon 1/4 cup Greek yogurt on top of each bowl of oats. Garnish with chopped walnuts, additional berries, and a sprig of mint.
Can you use old fashioned rolled oats?
Yep! Just avoid any ‘quick cooking’ oats.
xo Michael
This recipe will take you to your happy place! Yummy meets healthy! I was skeptical of cold oats. Just tried it this morning after soaking overnight. Unbelievable!! Must try! I used whole flax instead of milled. Michael, thank you for sharing your talent and experience. This is the 3rd recipe I’ve tried and thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!! <3
xo Michael
This is good
A simple and safe dish! Thank you for sharing this oatmeal recipe with us!
Thank you! We just spent the weekend at the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole and I googled this recipe!! So glad I found it – it’s the best. (and a bonus … discovered your blog!)
Sorry….I have to make my oatmeal on the stove standing over it stirring.
I like it with cinn and maple syrup. Or bananas.
That’s okay! Have you’re oatmeal whatever way you like it. 🙂 That combo sounds delish.
xo Michael
I’ve never tried this but definitely will! Your presentation is just perfect!
Thanks for the opportunity to win the giveaway!
xo
Pat
Love this, thanks for the giveaway. Hope all is well!!
You’re welcome! Thanks Susan.
xo Michael
Michael, do you use WHOLE flax seeds or milled (ground)? Some say the whole seeds are harder to digest, but seems they would make the oats mixture more chewy……Yours looks so pretty with the garnish of berries and mint.
Linda, I used the milled flax seeds. 🙂
xo Michael
Looks delicious. But I’ve never eaten cold oats as mother or grandmother always served them hot with a ring of cold milk and a sprinkle of sugar topped with whatever fruit was on hand. Maybe I’ll give them a try.
Thanks for the history lesson. Who knew that it was patients. I’ve been wanting to try over night oats. But you made look so pretty and yummy!
xoxo,
Carla B.
http://www.carlabethany.com/d
Thanks Carla. They are certainly delicious and a little patience makes them pretty too. 🙂
xo Michael
This is just what I need to make hectic mornings better. (No more eating at my desk!) Thank you!
This is so true! Great time saver. (Plus it’s homemade and delicious!)
xo Michael