Overnight Oats

By Genevieve Ko

Updated Aug. 22, 2024

Overnight Oats
David Malosh for The New York Times
Total Time
5 minutes, plus overnight soaking
Rating
4(10,349)
Comments
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Overnight oats are, of course, a healthy breakfast and they’re easy to make, but they also feel like a special treat, sweet with dried fruit. Unlike oatmeal, uncooked but softened oats retain a fresh flavor and taste delicious cold. Top it with nuts just before eating for an irresistible crunch against the creamy oats.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 cups
  • ½cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¼cup dried fruit, cut into small pieces, if needed
  • 1tablespoon chia, flax, poppy or sesame seeds
  • 1cup milk or unsweetened dairy alternative, such as almond or oat milk
  • ¼teaspoon kosher salt
  • Maple syrup, honey or brown sugar (optional)
  • 2tablespoons chopped or sliced nuts, toasted, if desired
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

136 calories; 6 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 5 grams protein; 145 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Mix oats, dried fruit, seeds, milk and salt in a pint jar or 2-cup airtight resealable container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or up to 5 days.

  2. Step 2

    Uncover, stir well, and taste. If you prefer more sweetness, stir in some sweetener. Top with the nuts just before eating.

    Image of finished oats in a jar with a spoon for making overnight oats.
Tip
  • The soaked oat mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Private Notes

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FAQS

  1. Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

Ratings

4 out of 5
10,349 user ratings
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Comments

P.M.

I guess this is a silly question, but- when the recipe says "old-fashioned oats," does this mean steel-cut oats or rolled oats? Clarity, please. Thank you.

EJG

I don't like ANYTHING super cold for breakfast so when I make oats like this I use almond milk and leave it on the counter overnight for room temperature pleasure in the morning!

Patricia

HI, It means rolled oats instead of quick cook or instant. Steel cut don't work that well overnight.

SGH

For those interested in macros amd calorie count, this is listed as four servings. But one-fourth of this recipe is a very small portion.

ocellot

I make these every year as soon as the weather gets hot. This year my fave combo is dates, 1 tbs toasted sesame dates and either 1 Tbs coconut flakes or walnuts, a little cinnamon and a little date syrup. If feeling fancy I add some orange zest. Pistachio milk if I have it. Or whatever milk. Always chia seeds. So good! I look forward to the yummy and heat-generating-free morning routine (also includes overnight cold brew.)

Jean Carroll

NYT, please clarify - how many servings does this make?

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