Overnight Oats – Type of Oats and How to Use Them
Jump to:
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but why do we skip it? I know I do. Even now when my schedule allows me to sit down and have a decent meal I still have days where my feet hit the ground, cup of coffee in hand, and next thing I know, it’s lunch time and my hunger pains are kicking in.
Even in my last trimester of pregnancy, I’m still guilty of that! I know, don’t judge. That’s probably the worst thing ever. But I think it all comes down to time. At least for me, it’s always been about time.
I wish I had known about overnight oats when my days began at 5 am and didn’t end until the sun went down. The thing is, you don’t need to be a workaholic to enjoy these. Whether you’re an office robot, busy mom (or prego who should be better at eating breakfast), or young working adult, you can make these the night before and have a tasty breakfast waiting for you the next morning.
What Type of Oats to use for Overnight Oats?
Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, are best for overnight oats. They’re made by steaming and flattening whole-grain oats. As a result, they’re more circular than other varieties and absorb liquid more easily.
Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish or Scottish oats, are slightly less processed than other oat varieties. They’re made by slicing whole-grain oats into smaller pieces. As a result, they take the longest to cook and do not become thick or soft without additional cooking when used for overnight oats.
Quick oats are cut into pieces, pressed thinly, and steamed for longer than other oat varieties. As a result, they cook very quickly and have a softer texture. However, it also means that they absorb liquid readily and can become mushy when used for overnight oats.
Best Oats for Overnight Oats
Old-fashioned oats are best to use for overnight oats. They absorb liquid well and become thick and soft when left to soak. However, thanks to their slightly larger size, they do not become mushy.
How to Make Overnight Oats (Instructions for Each Type of Oats)
I’ll show you today, how to prepare three types of oats (rolled, quick, and steel cut) overnight, with very minimal cooking. But in my book “microwaving” is not cooking so let’s just say there is NO cooking involved with these.
All you need is a jar/container with a lid. I like mason jars as you can take them with you on the go. Oats of your choice and milk. You mix the oats with milk in a jar and pop it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, they’re soft and ready to be eaten. Cold or warmed up. It’s that easy! Seriously. This method works on rolled and quick oats.
How to Use Steel Cut Oats for Overnight Oats
Preparing steel-cut oats is just a little bit different. If you’ve ever tried cooking steel-cut oats on a stovetop, you know it takes buckets of liquid and all day to pretty much get them soft. Steel-cut oats have a different texture even when cooked to the fullest, more chewy and grainy. And when I tried just soaking them in milk, it’s like I’ve never cooked them.
So what I did was mix the oats with milk, pop it in the microwave for 3 minutes, immediately close the oats with a tight lid to trap all the hot air, and leave it in the fridge overnight. That’s the only difference with steel cut. It takes three minutes longer to prepare but in return, you get a healthy ready-to-go breakfast in the morning.
How to Use Overnight Oats
Overnight oats work well as a meal prep breakfast, snack, or even a dessert, depending on the toppings you add. For example, breakfast or snack options might include a drizzle of nut butter, seeds, or fruit. Meanwhile, dessert overnight oat recipes are often topped with more indulgent options such as chocolate or whipped cream.
Prepare a batch in advance, and store them in single-serving jars in the fridge for the week. When you’re ready to eat, grab a jar, add your toppings of choice, and enjoy!
Do You Heat Up Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are meant to be enjoyed cold. However, if you prefer a warm breakfast, you can warm them in microwave-safe bowl for about 60-90 seconds before adding toppings.
Overnight Oat Toppings
Then the fun part begins…TOPPINGS! You can do chopped nuts, dried and fresh fruits, maple syrup and honey, cinnamon, fruit preserves, coconut, and anything else that you like. That’s the best part about making your oats vs. purchasing pre-flavored packets as you can customize your flavors to what your little heart desires. Love it! Don’t you?
How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge overnight oats will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind that the oats may become softer the longer they sit.
What Type of Oats for Overnight Oats FAQs
Overnight oats only take a few minutes to assemble. Then, it’s best to let them rest in the fridge for a minimum of two hours or ideally overnight.
Oatmeal is made by cooking oats in liquid either in the microwave or on the stove. Meanwhile, overnight oats do not require any cooking. Instead, the oats soak in water or milk, becoming soft as if they were cooked.
The standard ratio of liquid to oats for overnight oats is 1:1. I like to use a little more liquid for a creamy consistency.
You May Also Like
If you try our recipe, please leave a star rating and let us know how you liked the recipe in the comments below.
Print
What Type of Oats for Overnight Oats: Instructions for Three Type of Oats
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick and easy breakfast on the go with these overnight oats! Learn how to prepare steel-cut oats, old-fashioned oats, and quick-cooking oats overnight.
Ingredients
Old-Fashioned Oats:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup milk
Quick-Cooking Oats:
- 1/2 quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 cup milk
Steel-Cut Oats:
- 1/4 cup steel-cut oats
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
Old-Fashioned Oats
- In an individual food container with a lid, mix oats with milk. Refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats, add toppings of your choice or warm up the oats in the microwave before adding toppings.
Quick-Cooking Oats
- In an individual food container with a lid, mix oats with milk. Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats, add toppings of your choice or warm up the oats in the microwave before adding toppings.
Steel-Cut Oats
- In a microwave safe bowl, mix oats with milk. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes, keeping an eye on the oats so the milk does not boil over. You may have to stop and stir couple times.
- Immediately, transfer the oats to an individual food container with a lid, close it shut, and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats, add toppings of your choice or warm up the oats in the microwave before adding toppings.
Topping Ideas
- fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries); brown sugar; coconut chips; almond butter; peanut butter; raisins; almonds; fruit preserves; walnuts; cinnamon; dry fruit; maple syrup; honey
Notes
** if eating oats cold and you want extra creaminess, you can stir in Greek yogurt
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 294
- Sugar: 9.2 g
- Sodium: 78.7 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat:
- Carbohydrates: 40.4 g
- Protein: 11.5 g
- Cholesterol: 18.3 mg
Hi! I'm Katya -- a former corporate paralegal turned full-time recipe developer and blogger behind Little Broken. Here you'll find family-friendly and seasonal recipes made from real ingredients.
Thank you for such a a quick and healthy recipe! My three kids love oatmeal and this will be perfect for them. I love how it’s super easy, especially on busy mornings!
Has anyone used a low sugar protein powder in the overnight oats, mixed with other goodies of course…?
I like adding applesauce to mine
Thank you for sharing your great information. I read your blog daily . It give me so much knowledge and ideas.
I appreciate you what you did up there, I liked steel cut very much. Thanks
Ran out of long cooking so trying it with the quick cook oats this morning. Glad you had this info available TY
How would you go about doing the steel xut oats but without a microwave? I dont have or use one. Thanks!
Hi there,
I used the quick oat and mix with dry muesli then the flavor yoghurt and keep in the fridge for a whole night. That’s the most healthy breakfast I had during my pregnancy.
Easy, simple but healthy.
Dry muesli sounds delicious! Never tried it. Thanks for sharing Lia.
I did it with steel cuts oats how you said to do it. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk and it was perfect. This morning, I just put it in the microwave for another minute and added chopped bananas, slivered almonds, cinnamon, some truvia, and covered for like a minute and it tasted like banana bread….so hearty and yummy! Thank u!!
Can you use water instead of milk? If so would it still be 3/4 cup?
Hi Samantha…I have not tried it with water so I can’t answer with 100% certainty but if you do try it, please let me know how it turns out as I would love to know!
Do u put the fruit the next day or can i prepare with it ahead of time and put in jar overnight?
Hi Michelle, you would put the fruit right before serving (next day). Thanks!
Can you use frozen fruit or would it be to watery?
Hi Phyllis, you should be just fine with the frozen fruit. Thanks.
I’ve actually used frozen fruit microwaved for like 30 second then pour it on the oats. So good
Oh wow! Thanks so much Laura! So glad they turned out well for you and you enjoyed them 🙂
Hi that’s a great idea. Just wondering if you know, could I make a few days worth up in advance? Or would they go too sogy?
hi Jojo: I only tried making the oats the night before and it’s hard to say how they will turn out when made several days in advance. You may have to add more liquid as oats soak in all the liquid if left for too long. I would use your best judgement when making them and if you do, please let me know how they turn out!
Do you sweeten your oats?
Yes, you can top the oatmeal with maple syrup, brown sugar, fruit, etc. to sweeten it up.
I love the overnight oatmeal but I always do old fashioned with chia seeds for extra vitamins. I do half yogurt half milk with either maple syrup or honey for sweetner and of course lots of fruit.
I have yet to try chia seeds! I love adding yogurt too for extra creaminess 🙂
I started making overnight oatmeal a few years ago. I typically only eat it in the summer months, when it is warm and the thought of hot oatmeal is not so appealing. Also, I like to use fresh fruit and it readily available at the farmers market then. I typically add chia seeds and flax seed meal for extra protein and Omega 3. Thanks for the info on using steel cut oats. Never tried because I could not see how it would work. Will give it a whirl.
I love fresh fruit on mine too and have yet to try chia seeds or flax seed. On my to do list 🙂 Let me know what you think about steel cut oats. I found that’s what works the best to get them soft. They still have a little of a rough texture but taste really good. Thanks for the comment Rhonda!
I woke up today and checked IG, you have made me hungry instantly. I wanted to come join you for a cup of oatmeal.
ha ha! that would’ve been perfect ….only if we lived closer. Maybe one day 🙂
oh Katya this is perfect, definitely great for a nursing mom. Will be trying this tonight. Thank you!
Aww..congrats on your baby! Hopefully it’ll give you more time with the baby and less time in the kitchen 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!