Make your own, Easy Overnight Oats, the perfect lazy breakfast.

Make your own, Easy Overnight Oats, the perfect lazy breakfast.

Easy Overnight Oats, make the perfect lazy breakfast. Packed with goodness they are one of the most versatile breakfast options around. Very little, is any cooking is required and the simplest versions can be made in minutes.

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t have time for breakfast, then these are for you! A healthy tasty, interesting breakfast can be in front of you in less time that it takes to make toast.

And if that’s not enough, take some overnight oats along with you. I sometimes take a jar with me if I’m of on an early morning photo trip been both easy to carry and eat.

Syrup and spice overnight oats ready for the fridge

I like to use screw top Kilner  jars to assemble the oats and all the recipes below are made for that size of jar. Of course, you can use any container you like even old well-washed jam jars.

What ingredients do you need for Easy Overnight Oats?

Oats.

Essential, well you couldn’t have overnight oats without oats, could you? Ordinary rolled oats are fine for any recipe. Jumbo oats can be added into the mix to give a different texture if needed.

Pinhead, rolled, and jumbo oats
Pinhead, rolled, and jumbo oats

DON’T use quick cook oats as they are part processed already. Oatmeal is also unsuitable particularly pinhead oatmeal (known as steel cut oats in the U.S.A.)

Milk.

I should say liquid, water you do, but might not be worth getting out of bed for. You can use any of the plant-based milks, coconut, almond, oat, or fruit juices. Try experimenting to impress your guests.

Sweetener.

Loads of options here. Try honey, unrefined sugar, maple syrup, golden syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Don’t overdo the sweetener at first as some ingredients like dried fruit will add sweetness.

Vanilla Essence.

I like to add a little vanilla to form a background flavour, but like the sweetener don’t overdo it.

Greek Yoghurt.

A spoonful of yoghurt mixed into the oats adds a richness of the oats and a dollop on top does no harm.

Chia seeds.

These are optional, they provide a richer texture to the oats and add bags of nutrition to the dish. High in fibre’ Omega 3 and loaded with antioxidants. You don’t need a great deal a small packet will get you going.

Chia (left) and ground Flax seed (right)
Chia (left) and ground Flax seed (right)

Flax Seeds.

Flax seeds are a great addition to any cereal. Like Chia they are rich in Omega 3 and have numerous health benefits including controlling cholesterol and gut health.

Toppings

Good toppings make the difference between good and brilliant overnight oats. The options are endless but as a start try, berry fruits, fruit compotes, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, chocolate, muesli, or crushed biscuits.

Good quality Greek yoghurt will add a fresh creamy texture. Try adding into the soaking oats and adding a spoonful on top before serving

Serving.

How do I serve Easy Overnight Oats?

Basically, any way you like. For your guests dress them with some really good yoghurt and plenty of fresh fruit. If you’re in need of a quick breakfast just tuck in straight from the jar.

Don’t be afraid to try serving the oats warmed in the microwave. Great for the winter to get you going. Our Syrup and Spice overnight oats are ideal for this.

So, how do I get started?

For a basic mixture try 1 part (by volume) of oats to 1 ¼ parts milk, plus 1/8thpart chia seeds. Mix the whole lot together in a jar and leave overnight in the fridge. If you wish you could then add sweeteners and toppings as you want.

As long as the milk is fresh the prepared oats will keep up to five days in the fridge. Adding items into the mix will shorten the life of the oats.

I prefer to make a dedicated recipe with all the flavours added in at the start. This makes life much easier first thing in the morning. All my recipes below will make two breakfasts and will keep up to three days in the fridge.

Easy Overnight Oats.

Now I have wetted your appetite. Try out any or all of the selection below.

Enjoy Life !

John.

Hi, my name is John Webber, award winning chef and tutor, now retired to the west coast of Scotland. Welcome to our blog focusing on food, cooking, and countryside. My aim is to pass on my years of skills and knowledge together with an appreciation of the countryside.

Join us to experience the beauty of the west coast, cook some great food and be at ease in the kitchen.

Dusting with flour

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