Overnight Oats – Just 3 Ingredients

Is that old saying, ‘breakfast is the more important meal of the day’ actually true?

Who knows, but I do know that having a pile of breakfasts prepared and ready in the fridge, definitely brightens up my morning.

You’ve all loved my Baked Oats recipe this winter, so I thought as the days are getting lighter and brighter (fingers crossed) I’d share another similar prepare ahead oats recipe that doesn’t need to be baked, Overnight Oats.

I used to eat these all the time and I’ve just rediscovered them. 

Hope you have as much fun trying the different topping options as I have in thee last week!

You’ll love this Overnight Oats recipe because:

Make breakfasts for the week in just 5 minutes.

 

A whole world of toppings to try.

 

A strong healthy start to the day

Which yoghurt can I use to make overnight oats?

I tend to use Low Fat Greek Yoghurt just because it’s what we always have in the house. 

Basically, any yoghurt is fine and works. You might just need to add a little more milk if your yoghurt is very thick and you want the oats to be a more runny texture when you come to eat them.

Can I make this dairy free?

Sure. Just use dairy free milk and yoghurt. (I like almond milk in this for added flavour.)

What toppings can I add?

There are five different ideas listed in the recipe at the bottom of this post, but go crazy and try whatever takes your fancy.

I do think they benefit from having some sweetness added (maple syrup/honey/Nutella ) but that’s my own taste, you decide for yourself.

Should I add the toppings/flavours to overnight oats the night before or in the morning?

Add your additional ingredients either the night before or in the morning when ready to eat.

I tend to add in the morning, as the oats will last up to 3 days without the toppings.

If you want to save time, and plan to eat after just one night, adding the night before is fine.

Does it matter if I used whole or rolled oats?

Short answer: no.

In the photo below I’ve made Overnight Oats using both whole (jumbo oats) and also rolled oats and you can see that after a night in the fridge, there’s hardly any difference.

You can just about see a difference, but the texture when eating them is almost identical.

So longer answer – use whichever you have in the cupboard!

Can I heat these overnight oats up?

Yes. Just pop into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between bursts of heating.

How long will Overnight Oats keep in the fridge?

Without the flavours/toppings, they will be fine for 3 days after you make them.

Some people say longer, but I think they do go a bit of a strange texture if left for longer.

What container should I use to make these in?

Any container that you can put a lid or covering on works well. Just be sure it has enough space to allow for the oats to plump up and to add your toppings.

I do really like using these Kilner jars as they have a wide top to be able to reach your spoon in easily AND they have liquid measurements on the side so you can just pour milk straight in without measuring in a jug. YESSS!