<\/h2>\nThe recipe below makes one serving.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s intentional.<\/p>\n
Once you know how to make one serving, you can multiply it by however many breakfasts you actually want to prep.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to make five just because there are five weekdays.<\/p>\n
Want breakfast handled for the next three mornings? Make three.<\/p>\n
Only need something for tomorrow because the rest of your week is unpredictable? Make one.<\/p>\n
Meal prep works better when it supports your actual schedule instead of forcing you into a Monday-through-Friday system.<\/p>\n
The basic formula is:<\/p>\n
Oats + liquid + optional add-ins + toppings<\/strong><\/p>\nThe main ingredients are:<\/p>\n
\nRolled oats<\/li>\n Milk, non-dairy milk, or another liquid<\/li>\n Fruit, if desired<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFrom there, you can build the flavor you want.<\/p>\n
Want more ideas and overnight oats inspiration? <\/p>\n
Here are a few of our favorite Overnight Oats recipes!<\/h3>\n\n
What kind of oats are best for overnight oats?<\/h2>\nI recommend old-fashioned rolled oats<\/strong> for the easiest, most reliable overnight oats.<\/p>\nRolled oats have been steamed and flattened, which helps them absorb liquid relatively easily while still maintaining some texture. Steel-cut oats are chopped into larger pieces and generally take longer to soften.<\/p>\n
Can I use quick oats?<\/h3>\n You can, but expect a softer texture.<\/p>\n
Because quick oats are processed into smaller, thinner pieces, they absorb liquid faster.<\/p>\n
If you prefer very soft, almost pudding-like overnight oats, you may like them.<\/p>\n
If you want a little more chew, rolled oats are usually the better choice.<\/p>\n
Can I use steel-cut oats?<\/h3>\n This is where I\u2019d soften the advice from the original version of this recipe.<\/p>\n
Steel-cut oats aren\u2019t impossible to soak overnight, but they don\u2019t behave like rolled oats.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re thicker and less processed, so they tend to remain considerably chewier and may require a different liquid ratio, a longer soak, or some cooking depending on the texture you want.<\/p>\n
For this particular master recipe, stick with rolled oats.<\/p>\n
That removes the guesswork.<\/p>\n
How to keep overnight oats from getting boring<\/h2>\nThis is the question that matters if you\u2019re going to make them regularly.<\/p>\n
My favorite approach is to keep the base<\/strong> simple and change one or two flavor elements.<\/p>\nYou don\u2019t need five different complicated overnight oats recipes lined up across your refrigerator.<\/p>\n
Try combinations like:<\/p>\n
\nStrawberry + peanut butter<\/li>\n Blueberry + almond<\/li>\n Banana + cinnamon<\/li>\n Apple + cinnamon<\/li>\n Pineapple + coconut<\/li>\n Berries + yogurt<\/li>\n Peanut butter + chocolate<\/li>\n Pumpkin + warm spices<\/li>\n Peach + vanilla<\/li>\n Cherry + chocolate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nYou can also keep crunchy ingredients separate until you\u2019re ready to eat.<\/p>\n
Nuts, granola, toasted coconut, cacao nibs, or seeds can lose some of their crunch when they sit in liquid for several days.<\/p>\n
If texture matters to you, store those separately and add them in the morning.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one tiny extra step that can make a meal-prepped breakfast feel much fresher.<\/p>\n
My favorite way to prep several overnight oats at once<\/h2>\nHere\u2019s where I think people sometimes make meal prep harder than necessary.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to make five completely different recipes.<\/p>\n
Line up however many containers you want to prep.<\/p>\n
Add the oats to each one.<\/p>\n
Add the liquid.<\/p>\n
Then customize them.<\/p>\n
Maybe three jars get the same base, but one gets berries, one gets banana and peanut butter, and one gets apple and cinnamon.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re still working assembly-line style, which keeps the prep fast, but the breakfasts don\u2019t all taste identical.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a useful middle ground between \u201ceat the exact same thing every day\u201d and \u201cmake five separate breakfasts.\u201d with milk and fruit. I promise! Just keep it in an airtight container, and you\u2019ll be set.<\/p>\n
Do you get bored with eating the same thing all the time? Sign up below and I\u2019ll help you keep healthy meal prep easy and interesting!<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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Overnight Oats Master Recipe<\/h2>\nAuthor: <\/span>Workweek Lunch<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Copy-of-Overnight-Oats-Master-Recipe-1.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Overnight](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Overnight-Oats-Master-Recipe-Ingredients.jpg\")
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