Transform your mornings with the simplest, most delicious breakfast—overnight oats! Whether you’re using steel cut, old-fashioned, or quick oats, this easy recipe lets you customize your oats for the perfect texture and flavor.

prepared overnight oats topped with fruit in glass jars. this recipe
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I used to hear all the time that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but let’s be real—how often do we actually take the time for it? I know I don’t, even when my schedule allows for a slower morning. There are days when I hit the ground running with a cup of coffee in hand, thinking I’ll just start my day, and before I know it, it’s suddenly lunchtime, and my stomach is reminding me that I skipped breakfast. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever found yourself rushing through breakfast or skipping it altogether, overnight oats are the perfect solution. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutrients, keeping you full and satisfied all morning long.

Most overnight oat recipes call for old-fashioned oats, however, I’ve perfected this recipe and included instructions on how to make overnight oats using steel-cut oats and quick-cooking oats.

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.

three types of oats in glass bowls.

How to Make Overnight Oats (Instructions for Each Type of Oats)

dry oats going into a jar.

Step 1: Add old-fashioned oats or quick-cooking oats into a single-serving jar or an individual food container with a lid.

milk being poured over dry oats.

Step 2: Add milk of choice. Dairy or non-dairy milk works fine.

oats and milk whisked together.

Step 3: Sir the dry oats with milk to combine.

closed jar with oats and milk.

Step 4: Cover the container and refrigerate overnight.

How to Prepare 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 requires more liquid and longer cooking time to get the oats soft. Steel-cut oats have a chewier and heartier texture even when cooked to the fullest.

To prepare overnight steel-cut oats, combine the oats with milk and microwave for about 3 minutes. Immediately cover the container with a tight-fitting lid to trap all the steam and keep the oats nice and hot. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy the next 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 oats with toppings.

Overnight Oat Toppings

  • Fresh berries
  • Sliced bananas
  • Chopped nuts
  • Chia seeds or flaxseeds
  • Nut butters
  • Greek yogurt
  • Sliced apples, sliced kiwi, or mango
  • Dried fruit
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Granola
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Coconut flakes
  • Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg
  • A dollop of jam

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.

Overnight Oats FAQs

How long do overnight oats take?

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.

Overnight oats vs oatmeal

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.

Overnight oat ratio

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

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Flaxseed and Blueberry Oatmeal

Coconut Oatmeal

Strawberry Chia Pudding

If you try our overnight oat recipe, please leave a star rating and let us know how you liked the recipe in the comments below.

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prepared overnight oats topped with fruit in glass jars.

What Type of Oats to Use for Overnight Oats: Instructions for Old Fashioned, Quick Oats, and Steel Cut

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

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

Units Scale

Old-Fashioned Oats:

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice

Quick-Cooking Oats:

  • 1/2 quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice

Steel-Cut Oats:

  • 1/4 cup steel-cut oats
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

Old-Fashioned & Quick-Cooking Oats

  1. In an individual food container with a lid, mix oats with milk. Refrigerator overnight.
  2. 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

  1. 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 a couple of times. Alternatively, in a small saucepan, bring milk to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in oats and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  2. Immediately, transfer the oats to an individual food container with a lid, close it shut, and refrigerate overnight.
  3. 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)
  • Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
  • Coconut chips or chocolate chips
  • Nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter)
  • Dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, raisins)
  • Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
  • Fruit preserves or jam
  • Dash of cinnamon or cinnamon

Notes

  • Storing: 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.

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

Recipe originally published March 2015.