5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Overnight Oats (and 3 Easy Upgrades) (2024)

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Café-worthy overnight oats are just a good night's sleep away.

By

Riley Wofford

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Overnight Oats (and 3 Easy Upgrades) (1)

Riley Wofford

Riley is an associate food editor for Martha Stewart Living.

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Published on January 23, 2024

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In This Article

  • How to Make Overnight Oats
  • Mistakes to Avoid
  • Easy Upgrades

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Overnight Oats (and 3 Easy Upgrades) (2)

Overnight oats just get more popular—and for good reason. They're a healthy and filling breakfast that everyone loves. Overnight oats are a meal prep standard in our kitchens for a few reasons: they’re portable and make a great on-the-go breakfast; you can create them up to a few days ahead of time; and they are so versatile. You can make them as sweet or creamy as you’d like and add any of your favorite toppings.

Unlike oatmeal, overnight oats don't require any cooking time. Old-fashioned rolled oats are allowed to soak in milk until they soften to a consistency that is perfectly pleasant to eat. They're easy to make, but there are a few points where things can go wrong. Here, we're sharing the mistakes to avoid, plus our tips and tricks to ensure your overnight oats have the perfect consistency and flavor. They’ll be a regular part of your make-ahead breakfast rotation in no time.

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How to Make Overnight Oats

It really is as easy as stirring together a few key ingredients and then letting the oats hang out in the refrigerator overnight.

  • The key to overnight oats is the correct milk-to-oats ratio: for each cup of rolled oats, you'll want to use ¾ cup of milk. Cow’s milk or any plant-based milk alternative works, so use whatever you like best (just avoid using water in place of milk since the oats won’t absorb the liquid as thoroughly).
  • You can add a splash of sweetener, like maple syrup or honey, to the mixture or stir in a spoonful of brown sugar to add sweetness.
  • Warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can also add a boost of flavor, depending on what you plan to serve the oatmeal with for breakfast.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

The Difference Between Overnight Oats and Oatmeal

The key differences between overnight oats and traditional oatmeal are the type of oats used and the amount of time it takes from start to finish:

Oats: Oatmeal can be made with instant, steel cut, or old-fashioned rolled oats, and each will cook for different lengths of time and require different liquid-to-oat ratios. We always recommend using the rolled variety for overnight oats. Instant oats will turn to mush if they soak for too long, and steel-cut oats will never soften quite enough, leaving you with oats that are a bit too toothsome. Rolled oats soften overnight but still maintain some of their texture.

Timing: Overnight oats really do require an overnight soak. While stovetop or baked oatmeal can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour, overnight oats need more time since they’re not being cooked.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Overnight Oats

  1. Using the wrong oat-to-milk ratio: If you don't add enough milk, some of the oats will soak up all of the liquid before the rest of the oats can absorb any, creating an uneven texture. Some oats will be very soft while others might still be chewy. On the other hand, if you add too much milk the overnight oats will have a soupy oat mixture because the oats can only absorb so much liquid.
  2. Using instant or steel-cut oats: As mentioned, rolled oats are the perfect choice for overnight oats. Instant oats will be too mushy, and steel-cut oats are too tough and chewy.
  3. Not seasoning: Just because overnight oats are a sweet recipe doesn’t mean you should skip adding a pinch of salt! Salt helps bring out the natural sugars and overall flavor of the dish.
  4. Rushing the process: It really does take at least 12 hours to get the right texture. If you don’t give the oats enough time, they won’t properly absorb all of the milk.
  5. Not stirring before serving: It's normal for a thin layer of milk to float to the top of the jar you made the overnight oats in. Make sure to give the jar a good stir before serving.

3 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Overnight Oats

Anything you would add to traditional oatmeal can be used with overnight oats.

Fruit

Fresh or dried fruit is the perfect topping for overnight oats.

Fresh: Sweet mixed berries (or just your favorite kind), sliced bananas and apples, or seasonal stone fruit like peaches can be added just before serving.

Dried: To use dried fruit like cranberries, golden raisins, cherries, and apricots, stir them in before the oats soak overnight. This will save you a bit of time in the morning—and the fruit flavors and sweetens the oats.

Nuts and Seeds

  • Toasted nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pepitas, and hemp seeds are delightfully crunchy toppings you can add to overnight oats. (We prefer to use toasted nuts or seeds because toasting brings out their flavor and makes them crunchier, for a better contrast to the soft oats.)
  • A drizzle of nut butter before serving can add a boost of protein and healthy fat.

Sweeteners

  • If you want to add a burst of sweetness, consider stirring in some maple syrup, honey, or your sugar of choice—we like coconut sugar—to the oats before they soak overnight.
  • Feeling decadent? A drizzle of melted chocolate or dulce de leche, or a spoonful of berry jam adds a little something special.

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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Overnight Oats (and 3 Easy Upgrades) (2024)

FAQs

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Overnight Oats (and 3 Easy Upgrades)? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What makes overnight oats taste better? ›

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won't taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you're really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

Can you make overnight oats wrong? ›

Using the wrong oat-to-milk ratio: If you don't add enough milk, some of the oats will soak up all of the liquid before the rest of the oats can absorb any, creating an uneven texture. Some oats will be very soft while others might still be chewy.

Why you shouldn't eat overnight oats in the morning? ›

according to Chinese nutrition, why, because the food is cold. now, logically our bodies operated about 90.5 degrees. if you put something in your body. that's from the refrigerator, about fifty four, fifty five degrees, like overnight oats, then that actually will slow your digestion down.

What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk.

Do you stir overnight oats before putting in the fridge? ›

In a large glass jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir.

What liquid to use for overnight oats? ›

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

What is the best container for overnight oats? ›

Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

Are overnight oats actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Is it better to use water or milk for overnight oats? ›

The addition of milk to overnight oats creates a creamy texture whereas water won't add any creaminess but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We can compensate for the lack of creaminess and flavor with other nutritious ingredients like mashed banana, plant-based yogurt, or nut butter.

How long do overnight oats need to rest? ›

Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.

What can you not mix with oats? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  • Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  • Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  • Chocolate chips or other candy.
  • Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  • Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes.
  • Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

Why should we not eat oats at night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Why do my overnight oats taste so bad? ›

While overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option, they can taste bland if you don't add any sweetener. Some people skip the sweetener altogether, thinking that the fruit they add will be enough. However, a little bit of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar can go a long way in making your oats more enjoyable.

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