Overnight oats with water

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Overnight oats with water is an easy and healthy breakfast made with oats, water, and honey! This creamy oatmeal recipe takes only 5 minutes to prepare.

Overnight oats with water and yogurt in a white and blue bowl carried by two hands

Why you will LOVE this recipe

It is super quick and easy to make. If you're like me and don't have much time in the morning, this is the perfect recipe for you!
Extra fibers. Starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal is a great way to add extra fiber to your diet.
Perfect meal prep breakfast. This recipe is easily adjustable to your needs. Make one large batch for the whole week and keep it in the freezer.
Kids love it. I think all the busy moms out there are always looking for easy recipes the kids will actually eat. Add their favorite healthy toppings to start their day.

Can I make overnight oats with water?

It is made by soaking oats in a liquid like milk, but you can absolutely make overnight oats without yogurt or milk.

I recommend adding some yogurt, mashed banana, or chia seeds for an extra creamy breakfast, but you can make this recipe with just water.

This is also a great way to make it dairy free!

What type of oats is best for this recipe

For best results, it is best to use old-fashioned oats. These flakes are not rolled, so they absorb the milk better, making them softer.

You can use rolled or instant oats, but in my experience, it absorbs less liquid and remains a bit harder. Personally, I don't like it as much.

Ingredients

Oats - oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you are on a gluten-free diet, be sure to check the packaging to see if the oats are truly gluten-free.

It may have come into contact with it during the manufacturing process.

Water - one of the things I LOVE about this recipe is that you can vary the ingredients. I always use water when I make overnight oats, but you can also use plant-based or regular milk.

Thus, this dish is also great for people who are lactose intolerant lactose or prefer not to eat dairy.

Honey - as a sweetener, I love to use honey. This gives a subtle flavor that is amazing with fresh fruit.

Try local honey in your breakfast recipes!

You can replace honey with any sweetener you like.

Yogurt - yogurt is totally optional, but adding a little yogurt of mashed banana to the mixture gives the oats a nice fresh flavor. It also helps to achieve the soft creaminess of the milk.

How do you make overnight oats?

You make overnight oats in the refrigerator. The name says it all, but you leave the oats in the refrigerator overnight instead of on the stove for a while.

This allows the oats to soak up the water, giving you a luscious creamy texture.

The next morning you finish it with your favorite toppings, and your healthy, nutritious breakfast is ready. So this way of preparing oat flakes is great for people with busy schedules.

If you're really stretched for time, this recipe is also ideal for taking with you! Make it in a leak-proof container.

Toppings

You can eat this recipe as is, but why not vary it up a bit? These are my favorite toppings when I make overnight oats.

Fruit. Add some fresh fruit to your breakfast to make the dish extra healthy! Think apple or banana, but sliced peach or berries are also delicious!
Nuts. Eating a handful of nuts every day is good for you. They provide you with good fats and are filling. Finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts go very well with the mild taste of oat flakes.
Chocolate. Sprinkle some chopped chocolate, cocoa nibs, or chocolate chips over your bowl. You can also make delicious high-protein overnight oats with cocoa powder!
Cocoanut. Honey and coconut is a classic combo! If you are a true coconut lover you should check out my overnight oats with coconut milk and chocolate!

Frequently asked questions

What is the best ratio?

I like to use equal parts water and oats when I make this recipe.

Can I eat overnight oats warm?

Absolutely! Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until warm!

Can I substitute the water with plant-based milk?

Yes. You can use plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk. Regular milk will work as well.

Equipment

To make this recipe, you will need a measuring cup and a leak-proof container. An empty jam jar or a mason jar is perfect for this.

Storage

Overnight oats can be made 12 to 24 hours in advance. I personally would not prepare it longer in advance because the oats can get a bit soggy.

If you want to store it longer, I recommend freezing it.

You could also make more and freeze it to have breakfast ready for the whole week. That is why this is one of my favorite meal prep recipes!!

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