8 Overnight Oats Recipes That Make Breakfast Taste Like Dessert | What's Good by V (2024)

FAQs

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

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.

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.

You see, all grains contain something called “phytic acid”—or phytates—in the outer layer or bran, and oats contain more phytates than almost any other grain. So, if this phytic acid is untreated, it will combine with important minerals in our body and block their absorption.

Another mistake people make is not adding enough liquid to their overnight oats. If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat.

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

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?

Just like with regular stove top oats, there are some classic add-ins like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, maple syrup (or honey) and a pinch of sea salt that really elevate the flavor and make overnight oats super tasty.

The night before, place the oats, Granola Dust and a pinch of cinnamon into a lidded container. Pour over the milk, mix well then cover and pop in the fridge overnight. In the morning, grate in most of the apple and pear and give the mixture a good stir, adding a splash more milk to loosen, if needed.

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.

What's the difference between old-fashioned and overnight oats? ›

When you soak oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. This may make them easier to digest compared to oats that have been cooked.

Easy Overnight Oats Ingredients

Milk: Use cow's milk, oat milk, almond milk, or whatever milk alternative you prefer. Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day. Oats: Make sure to use rolled oats.

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

The bottom line. The general oatmeal serving size is around half a cup of uncooked oats or one cup of cooked oatmeal. A serving of oats provides a variety of important nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Adding too much sugar

"Adding some sweeteners, such as refined sugar, brown sugar, heavy creams, and syrups to oatmeal can make it more inflammatory than anti-inflammatory, but natural sweeteners can be used in place of these including fresh or frozen fruit and honey," says Best.

Can I use water? No. Adding enough water to make your oats drinkable will greatly damage the taste. Think of it like eating cereal with water, don't do it!

To make them simply combine oats with milk of choice, chia seeds and fruit and place them in a jar or a bowl with a lid and refrigerate overnight. I use Monk fruit or Stevia to sweeten them but you can sweeten them with whatever you prefer.

When soaked overnight, the starch in the oats is naturally broken down, allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the oats. This causes the oatmeal to swell up and absorb the liquid through every pore, making it a healthy and filling breakfast meal on its own.