Brands
Top Tips for Crafting the Perfect Overnight Oats
By: admin On: 23 October 2023
Overnight oats are a fantastic breakfast choice for several reason If you are looking for a nutritious, easy-to-prepare, yet still delicious breakfast option, then overnight oats could be just what you need.
If you are looking for a nutritious, easy-to-prepare, yet still delicious breakfast option, then overnight oats could be just what you need. Packed with goodness, highly customizable, and incredibly convenient, overnight oats are the perfect solution for those busy mornings when you need a quick yet healthy start. Read on to uncover the secrets behind crafting your perfect bowl of morning oats.
Why Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are a fantastic choice for several reasons.
Number one, they are super good for you. Rich in fibre and protein, they keep you satiated for a longer period, aiding in weight management and promoting digestive health. They're also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being.
Number two, they are gonna save you a ton of time. You simply mix the ingredients the night before, and by morning, you have a ready-to-eat, healthy breakfast waiting for you. This makes them an ideal option for those rushed, early mornings.
Number three, you can totally make it your own. Overnight oats are incredibly versatile; you can customize them to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or even the season. Whether you like them sweet, fruity, or nutty, there's an overnight oats recipe out there for you.
Oh, and did we mention delicious?
What's not to love.
The Basic Recipe
The basic recipe for overnight oats requires just a few key ingredients. At its core lies rolled oats, which are the foundation of this dish.
These organic rolled jumbo oats are ideal for making classic overnight oats.
Next is a liquid, usually milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk, to soften the oats and create a creamy texture. A sweetener such as honey or maple syrup can be added for a dash of sweetness. Finally, a bit of yoghurt can be included for a tangy flavour and extra creaminess. These ingredients form the base of your overnight oats, to which you can add a variety of toppings and mix-ins for flavour and a nutritional boost.
So, in a nutshell, here's what you do. Remember, this process starts the night before. The clue is in the name.
- Choose your container: First, select a container to make your overnight oats in. This could be a jar, a bowl, or a Tupperware container with a lid.
- Mix the base ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of your preferred liquid (milk or dairy-free alternative), and a scant pinch of salt into your container. Add your chosen sweetener as desired. If you like, mix in 1/4 cup of yoghurt as well. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Add your mix-ins: This is where the fun begins. Feel free to add your favourite fruits, nuts, seeds, or spices. But don't forget that the texture will change. Nuts, for instance, will lose some of their crunch. Grated apple will add liquid back into the oats. So think about not just the flavour, but the final textures that you want to achieve.
- Let it rest: Once all the ingredients are combined, cover your container, and place it in the fridge overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid, soften, and develop a beautiful, creamy texture all on their own.
- Enjoy: The next morning, give your oats a good stir and add a little extra liquid if needed. Top with more of your favourite fruity, nutty, seedy bits, and enjoy your healthy, filling breakfast.
The basic overnight oats recipe
For 1 serving
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
a pinch of salt
Sweetener, as required (sugar, honey etc)
Fruit, nuts or seeds
- Combine, cover and place in the fridge overnight. That's it!
All you need to remember is that the overnight oats ratio is equal parts of oats to milk. And that half a cup is an ample serving for one person. After that, it's up to you how you make your overnight oats.
Getting Creative
Now's the fun part. There is just no end to the possibilities of your bowl of overnight oats.
Here are a few healthy breakfast ideas to get you started.
Fruity overnight oats
Apple Cinnamon: Grated fresh apple, a dash of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Top with chopped walnuts. Don't be afraid to mix up your base either. Give our 5 grain porridge blend a go, instead of regular oats.
Tropical Delight: Mix in dried coconut shavings and chunks of pineapple. Finish with a topping of toasted coconut flakes and a splash of coconut milk.
Banana Nut Crunch: Add mashed banana and almond butter into your oats mix. Top with sliced bananas and crushed almonds.
Berries Galore: A medley of fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add a dollop of Greek yoghurt on top.
Feeling something different?
Spiced Pumpkin: Mix in pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Top with pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Chocolate Lovers: Blend in cocoa powder and a dollop of nut butter. Top with dark chocolate chips, and for an added crunch, some granola.
Peanut Butter Jelly: Mix in a spoonful of peanut butter and a swirl of your favourite jam. Top it off with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
Or, you could go with a seasonal theme that not only suits your seasonal ingredients but your style of eating and mood too.
Seasonal overnight oats
Autumn Harvest: Try adding roasted pumpkin cubes, a dash of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey to your oats. Top it off with crunchy pumpkin seeds.
Winter Warmer: Mix in stewed apples with a touch of vanilla and clove. Sprinkle over some toasted pecans for added warmth.
Spring Fling: Incorporate fresh strawberries and a dollop of light, creamy yoghurt. Finish with some chopped mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Summer Zest: A combination of fresh blueberries, a swirl of lemon zest, and a sprinkle of chia seeds make a vibrant and tasty mix. Top it off with a spoonful of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Mix things up even further by experimenting with different grains and ready-made muesli mixes for your base.
Try this classic organic original bircher mix or our hinterland bircher muesli which is already packed with nuts and fruit.
Remember, these are just ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with what you have, what's in season, and what you love!
Our Top Tips for the Perfect Overnight Oats
The right oats to use
Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats when making overnight oats, as they soak up the liquid well and offer a creamy, chewy texture, unlike instant oats which can become too mushy.
The ideal ratio of oats to liquid
The ideal ratio for overnight oats is typically 1:2, meaning that for every one part of oats, you should use two parts of liquid; this ensures your oats are well-soaked and achieve a creamy consistency without being overly soggy.
To sweeten or not to sweeten?
When it comes to sweetening your overnight oats, it's entirely a matter of personal preference; you can choose to add natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup or rely on the natural sweetness of your chosen fruits and toppings. Remember though that oats, and many milks especially dairy, have their own inherent sweetness too.
What is the ideal refrigeration time for overnight oats?
For the perfect texture and flavour, allow your overnight oats to refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but not more than 24 hours. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy and delicious breakfast treat. If left longer than 24 hours, the oats might become overly mushy. Always keep them covered to prevent your fridge flavours from mingling.
We think that overnight oats are a great choice for breakfast that is not just super convenient and time-saving, but versatile and nutritious too. The different combinations of oats, liquids, sweeteners, and toppings, mean you can make it your own without getting stuck in a rut. Whether you like your oats slightly chewy or creamier, sweet or fruity, there is tons of room for creativity. So why wait? Try making your own batch of overnight oats tonight! Who knows, you might discover your new favourite breakfast dish.
Our top tip? Making the perfect overnight oats is all about finding the right balance that works for you!
Have you discovered our full range of healthy cereals yet? Don't forget, that if you still aren't sure about what goes into a healthy breakfast, then check out this in-depth guide.