Pimp up your porridge with this super overnight oats recipe — a top-tier breakfast to set you up for the day.
Soaking your oats overnight means they get super swole and pudding-like — great for a grab-and-go breakfast. We love a dash of cinnamon and a dollop of almond butter in ours, but why not try your favourite variation of mix-ins and toppings for your very own version?
- What are overnight oats?
- How to make overnight oats
- How to prep overnight oats
- Can you heat up overnight oats?
- Are overnight oats healthy?
- Benefits of overnight oats
- Variations and add-ins
- Tips for making the best overnight oats
- Equipment needed
- Overnight oats recipe
- More overnight oats recipes
What are overnight oats?
If you’ve not seen them all over TikTok, firstly, where’ve you been? Secondly, you’re missing out on a serious gut health game changer.
Overnight oats are raw oats that’ve been soaked, usually overnight, in liquid. This slow-soaking process allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften, taking on a creamy, pudding-like consistency without the need for heat.
It's the ultimate way to start fibremaxxing from the moment you wake up.
How to make overnight oats?
Making overnight oats doesn’t require a whole lot of work. Generally, you can chuck all of your ingredients into a jar or tub, give it a good mix, and leave it overnight to work its magic. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward meal prep for a busy week.
How to prep overnight oats
With such a speedy process, it’s so easy to prep — all you need to do is determine how much you want to make, adjust the ingredients to the amount you desire, and you’re set. You can even prep a few days in advance to ensure you’re hitting your fibre targets every single morning.
Can you heat up overnight oats?
While delicious cold, on a morning where you want a warming breakfast you can heat them up in a pan or in the microwave. Bear in mind they might benefit from an extra splash of milk if you plan to heat them up, as the complex carbohydrates in the oats will continue to thicken as they warm.
Are overnight oats healthy?
Because of their high fibre content, oats make an excellent breakfast food. Specifically, oats are rich in beta glucan, a type of soluble fibre that is great for heart health and keeping you feeling full.
Combine that with a scoop of protein and some healthy fats, and you’re off to a winner. They're good for you, quick, and simple — what’s not to love?
Benefits of overnight oats
They're a gym-goer's favourite breakfast for a reason.
No cooking
One of the biggest pros of overnight oats — they don’t require any cooking. Once you become an overnight oat regular you won’t even need to measure out your ingredients.
Handful of ingredients
It's a budget-friendly recipe that only requires four base ingredients plus your choice of toppings.
Satiety & digestion
Being packed with fibre, these oats provide a slow release of energy, preventing that mid-morning sugar crash and supporting digestive wellness.
Customisable
You can switch up your toppings every day so you never get bored. It's the perfect canvas for superfoods like chia seeds or flax.
Ideal for prepping
Since they’re so quick to make, and actually need to sit overnight before you can enjoy them, they’re a meal-prepper's dream.
Variations and add-ins
Yoghurt
Not only does yoghurt add a nice texture, but it’s also a great option for adding further depth of flavour. Plus, added Greek yoghurt equals added protein and probiotics, which is always a bonus for gut health.
Protein Powder
Overnight oats is the ideal recipe to add some extra protein to. Add a scoop of Impact Whey to the mixture, stir to combine, and leave overnight.
Toppings
To keep things interesting, vary your toppings. I'm partial to apple and cinnamon, but you can also add chia seeds or flaxseed for an extra boost of omega-3s and even more dietary fibre. Routine doesn’t have to be bland — add syrups, fruit, or FlavDrops.
Tips to make the best overnight oats
Make inside a jar
For ease, if you make your oat mixture in the same container you’re going to store them in, transport them in, and eat them in, you’re going to save on time and washing up. Plus, if you make them in a nice jar, they’ll look even more appetising.
Prep batches for the week ahead
If you know you’re going to need breakfast for the majority of the week, make them all at once. It'll save you on time and washing up, plus it’s one less thing to think about mid-week.
Once you’ve prepared it, let the oats chill for at least four hours
While allowing your oats to chill overnight is ideal, if you forgot to pull your prep together the night before, four hours should work — you might just have to opt for a slightly later breakfast.
Equipment needed
- Bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Glass jar or container
Overnight oats recipe
Servings: Serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
- 75g dairy-free yoghurt
- 50g Instant Oats
- 125ml almond milk
- 1tbsp almond butter
- 1tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a jar or bowl and stir well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, then enjoy your deliciously plump and creamy overnight oats.
| calories 372 kcal |
| totalFat 17g |
| totalCarbohydrates 45g |
| protein 10g |
More overnight oat recipes
If you're looking to mix things up, try these recipes.
Cinnamon Danish overnight oats
A sweet & simple breakfast solution that’ll have you coming back time and time again.
Recipe here.
Toffee Apple Protein Overnight Oats
Apple and toffee for breakfast — need I say more?
Recipe here.
