Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for overnight oats? ›

I recommend a 1:1 ratio of rolled oats to milk, plus half as much yogurt. So for 1/2 cup of oats, I use 1/2 cup of milk + 1/4 cup of yogurt (or an additional 1/4 cup of milk). These proportions seem to give the oats the perfect consistency, not too thick, but not soupy.

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.)

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.

The oats need to cold steep overnight to reach the optimal texture. We recommend cold-steeping in the fridge (45 degrees or colder) for a minimum of 6 hours but not longer than 24 hours. Remove from fridge when you're ready to eat it.

Overnight Oats are great with all kinds of milk, dairy (pasteurized) or non-dairy. Feel free to use your favorite! We do not recommend making Overnight Oats with water because it will result in an overly liquid texture. Did this answer your question?

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.

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.

Overnight oats are commonly prepared using yogurt or vegan yogurt to create an extra creamy texture. However, yogurt is not mandatory and you can achieve the same results by using nut or seed butter as an alternative.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Unlike mold, which is a very obvious indicator of spoilage (and can grow on oats if they're exposed to moisture), these yeasts are pretty much invisible, and while affected oats will still look OK, their sour flavor will convince you otherwise. Preventing oats from going bad is easy, it just requires a bit of thought.

When you soak oats, it's almost like you're cooking them without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently. Overnight oats are healthier for your gut.

A Note for Babies

You can make the over night oats with baby's usual milk (breast milk or first infant formula) or cow's milk if baby is over 6's months. Soft fruit such as banana can be mashed with the porridge oats. Hard fruits such as apple can be softened by steaming or simmering them until soft.

Use 1 tsp at first to see how your baby tolerates it, or follow your doctor's instructions. You might add more oatmeal if your doctor says it's okay. The maximum amount of oatmeal that you can add to a bottle is 1 tsp (2 g) of oatmeal per 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of formula.

Overnight oats are typically made with milk but you can still have a creamy bowl of overnight oats that won't lack in flavor or creaminess by using water! Old-Fashioned Oats: I highly recommend using Old-Fashioned Oats (Rolled Oats) instead of quick-cooking oats.