I LOVE oatmeal. Baked oatmeal. Steel-cut oatmeal. Instant oatmeal. Oatmeal with flax seeds. Oatmeal with berries. You get the picture.
So, naturally, my interest was piqued when I began seeing recipes for “overnight oatmeal” pop up on Pinterest and among blogs I follow. A new take on oatmeal? One that can be enjoyed cold? I was officially intrigued.
The verdict? I’m a fan. Overnight oatmeal can be eaten cold or warmed, but for me cold is the way to go because: 1. it’s easier that way (just pull out of the fridge, grab a spoon, and go) and 2. I like adding a cold option to the traditionally warm oatmeal line-up (it makes oatmeal sound much more appealing during the spring and summer months, which to me is a plus).
I’m still new to the overnight oatmeal game, but here are a few takes on the dish that I’ve tried so far and loved. (Oh, and a couple of quick notes: 1. use old-fashioned rolled oats for these recipes and NOT instant, quick, or steel-cut and 2. these will stay fresh in your fridge for up to four days):
Blackberry Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup almond milk
- 2/3 cup uncooked oats (old fashioned rolled oats — not instant, quick, or steel-cut)
- 1 Tablespoon blackberry jam
- Fresh blackberries
Directions
- Combine almond milk, oats, and jam in a mason jar and shake until well combined.
- Refrigerate overnight and top with blackberries before eating!
Banana Honey Almond Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup uncooked oats (old fashioned rolled oats — not instant, quick, or steel-cut)
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup diced fresh banana
- Drizzle of honey
Directions
- Place the oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and almond milk into a mason jar, put the lid on, seal, and shake to combine.
- Uncap, add the almonds, then fill the rest of the jar to the top with bananas. drizzle with honey and recap tightly. Shake to incorporate all the ingredients and refrigerate overnight.
Applesauce Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup 1% milk
- 1/2 cup uncooked oats (old fashioned rolled oats — not instant, quick, or steel-cut)
- 1/2 cup applesauce (I used this recipe to make a quick and easy microwave version at home using fresh apples)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, seal, and shake vigoroursly until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, eat cold (or warm up for 1-2 minutes in the microwave).
Coconut Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup sweetened coconut milk
- 2/3 cup uncooked oats (old fashioned rolled oats — not instant, quick, or steel-cut)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 2 Tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
Directions
- Combine coconut milk, oats, and chia seeds in a mason jar, seal, and shake vigoroursly until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Place in the fridge overnight. Before enjoying, top with shredded coconut and chocolate chips.