How to Meal Prep Overnight Oats {9 Easy Recipes} - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

The best overnight oats ideas

Can you use quick oats?

Quick-cooking oats are a fast and convenient grain option to use when making overnight oats, but keep in mind that the consistency and soaking time will change. Quick oats only need to soak for about 30 minutes. They will also be thinner when finished, regardless of the soaking time, so keep that in mind if you’re using one-minute oats.

How do you make rolled oats creamier?

If you want your overnight oatmeal to have a nice creamy texture, add in a bit more Greek yogurt or use thicker non-dairy milks like coconut milk or cashew milk.

Can you eat them warm?

By definition, overnight oats are intended to be eaten cold. They do not need to be heated to absorb the liquid into the oats because they soak for at least two hours. If you prefer hot oatmeal, pop the whole jar into the microwave before eating. Keep in mind that heating does decrease the amount of healthy starch in the oats, and I would not recommend heating if you have added Greek yogurt.

Do you add the toppings to the jars when prepping or right before serving?

You can add any toppings or add-ins to your basic overnight oats recipe when you're making it – there's no need to wait until serving them. It won't change the texture, and will make your oats even more flavourful!

Can you make one big batch instead of individual servings?

You can make your overnight oats all in one big serving if you'd prefer. I personally like making individual serving sizes because they're easier to grab and go, and you can try out different flavours for each jar.

How long are overnight oats good for?

I like to make overnight oats ahead of time on Sundays for the busy work week ahead. The great part is that these jars will last in the fridge for up to 5 days so all you need to do is make the base (milk, oats and Greek yogurt if desired), then add your flavourings of choice. You could in theory make all five of the jars with different flavours, so long as you have the right ingredients on hand!

Overnight oats recipes are intended to be eaten cold, so you don’t have to worry about reheating them. You can pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes if you want, but that will reduce some of the health benefits, and if you’ve added Greek yogurt, the texture will be off.

Can you freeze overnight oats?

Any kind of cooked oatmeal, including these healthy overnight oats recipes, can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Add a little bit of water before freezing for best results.

Freezing the oats in a muffin tin and then transferring individual serving sizes to a freezer-friendly Ziploc bag will provide your family with portions appropriate for breakfast that will just need to be reheated. Reheat the oats in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes depending on serving size for a healthy and quick breakfast. You can also just let them defrost in the fridge overnight then eat them cold the next day.

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