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
½ cup old-fashioned oats
¼ cup dried fruit, cut into small pieces, if needed (see Tip)
1 tablespoon chia, flax, poppy or sesame seeds
1 cup milk or unsweetened dairy alternative, such as almond or oat milk
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Maple syrup, honey or brown sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped or sliced nuts, toasted, if desired
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.
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. (The soaked oat mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.)
The New York Times Cooking
The New York Times Cooking
Step 2
Uncover, stir well, and taste. If you prefer more sweetness, stir in some sweetener. Top with the nuts just before eating.
Tip
If you'd prefer to use fresh or frozen fruit, top the oats with it just before eating. Soaking fresh or frozen fruit in the oats mixture affects the texture and flavor in a not-good way.
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FAQS
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.
Soaking dried fruit — use your favorite — alongside the oats sweetens the mixture nicely, but you can stir in additional sugar, maple syrup or honey to taste just before eating.
Dairy and non-dairy milks work well for overnight oats. Coconut, soy and oat milk yield thicker mixtures, which you can thin with more milk before serving if you'd like. If you use sweetened non-dairy milk, taste the soaked oats before adding more sweetener.
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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.
Carol Lasbrey
Use drinking kefir instad of milk
deeb
Someone commented on not liking cold breakfasts - just take the oats out of the fridge and zap in the microwave for 30-50 seconds! Yummy.
Mary
This was really good! It makes for a quick, delicious and substantial breakfast. I used chopped dried apricots and raisins. And topped with fresh raspberries. And it has a frig life of 5 days.
