How to Make Classic Overnight Oats

Overnight oatmeal is a no-cook method for preparing oats. To make overnight oats, combine equal parts old-fashioned oats and liquid in a jar. Old-fashioned oats (aka rolled oats) have been steamed and flattened, making them quicker-cooking and less crunchy than steel-cut oats, but not as quick-cooking as quick oats. The soaking process “cooks” the oats, plumping them up so that, by the next day, they’re hydrated and tender.

Overnight oats taste a little different than regular oatmeal—for starters, they’re cold. Cold oats might not seem like a comforting breakfast, but they’re actually very refreshing in the warmer months. The soaked oats have a hearty flavor that pairs well with fresh fruit. Adding a spoonful of yogurt or nut butter will give overnight oats a creamier texture.

Overnight oats are a no-cook version of oatmeal, meaning that the biggest difference between the two dishes is that overnight oats do not require heat. Regular oatmeal is usually made with water and then topped with milk or cream. Overnight oats, on the other hand, don’t cook on the stovetop, and they’re typically soaked in milk or nut milk. The result is that overnight oats are creamier than their cooked counterpart.

Jazz up overnight oats with your favorite toppings and mix-ins. Here are some different flavors to explore.

1. 1. Tropical overnight oats: Mix oats with coconut milk, chia seeds, and agave syrup. Place frozen pineapple and mango chunks at the bottom of a jar and top with oat mixture. Top with sliced bananas and shredded coconut.
2. 2. Pumpkin pie overnight oats: Combine oats and milk with a spoonful of pumpkin purée, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
3. 3. Nutty chocolate overnight oats: Mix oats and your favorite milk with a little cocoa powder and a spoonful of peanut butter (or almond butter or sunflower seed butter). Top with cacao nibs.
4. 4. Savory overnight oats: Omit fruit and sweetener. Top simple overnight oats with a soft-boiled egg, pea shoots, pickled onions, and a dash of hot sauce.