It occurred to me a couple of days ago that I talk quite a bit about overnight oats, but have never explained what they are or how to make them. Silly me!
Basically, overnight oats are a cold version of oatmeal. Instead of cooking them on the stove or in the microwave, the oats sit in the fridge overnight and absorb the liquid they are mixed with. You never cook them. Overnight oats are my absolute favorite summer breakfast! Cold, sweet and filling, they always taste totally decadent. It’s like eating dessert for breakfast. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I go to bed early on nights when I know overnight oats are waiting for me for breakfast. Breakfast can’t get here quickly enough.
Truthfully, you can use anything to make overnight oats, but I have my go to mix that never fails me!
Classic Overnight Oats Base
Makes one serving.
Ingredients
- 1/3 (heaping) cup oats
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 2/3 cup milk of choice (my favorite is vanilla almond milk, if you use an unflavored milk, try adding a bit of honey or syrup to sweeten the oats)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, stir well and top with favorite yummies!
When you first mix up the oats, they may appear a bit lackluster and runny (like the above photo). But in the morning they will be thick, creamy, fluffy and a little bit doughy (like the below photo, same bowl after sitting in the fridge overnight). Yum!
Don’t let the base recipe hold you back. Try adding mix-ins. A spoonful of cocoa for chocolate overnight oats. Peanut butter. Honey. Your favorite jam. The possibilities
