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How to Make Perfect Overnight Oats with Old-Fashioned, Quick-Cooking, and Steel-Cut Oats Recipe

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4 from 38 reviews

A versatile guide on how to prepare overnight oats using three different types of oats: old-fashioned, quick oats, and steel-cut oats. This recipe provides detailed instructions for soaking and cooking each oat variety, along with creative topping ideas for a nutritious and convenient breakfast option.

  • Total Time: Overnight soaking (~8 hours) plus 5 minutes active prep
  • Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

Old-Fashioned & Quick-Cooking Oats

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice

Steel-Cut Oats

  • 1/4 cup steel-cut oats
  • 3/4 cup milk of choice

Toppings (optional)

  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
  • Coconut chips or chocolate chips
  • Nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter)
  • Dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, raisins)
  • Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
  • Fruit preserves or jam
  • Dash of cinnamon or cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Old-Fashioned & Quick-Cooking Oats: In an individual food container with a lid, combine 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats or 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats with 1/2 cup of your preferred milk. Mix well to ensure all oats are soaked. Seal the container and refrigerate overnight to allow the oats to absorb the liquid and soften.
  2. Morning Preparation for Old-Fashioned & Quick-Cooking Oats: In the morning, stir the soaked oats to combine. You may add your favorite toppings such as fruits, nuts, or sweeteners. Optionally, warm up the oats in the microwave before adding toppings if you prefer a warm breakfast.
  3. Prepare Steel-Cut Oats: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 1/4 cup steel-cut oats with 3/4 cup milk. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent the milk from boiling over. Stir occasionally during microwaving. Alternatively, on the stovetop, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, add steel-cut oats, and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Refrigerate Steel-Cut Oats: Immediately after cooking, transfer the steel-cut oats to an individual food container with a lid. Seal the container and refrigerate overnight to allow the oats to soften and absorb the milk thoroughly.
  5. Morning Preparation for Steel-Cut Oats: The next morning, stir the oats well. Add toppings of your choice to enhance flavor and texture, or warm the oats in the microwave before topping if you prefer a heated meal.
  6. Add Toppings: Choose from a variety of toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, honey, coconut chips, nut butters, dried fruits, nuts, fruit preserves, or a dash of cinnamon to customize your overnight oats to your liking.

Notes

  • Adjust the milk quantity slightly based on your preferred consistency.
  • Steel-cut oats require slight cooking before refrigeration, unlike old-fashioned and quick oats which soak overnight without prior cooking.
  • Microwaving requires monitoring to prevent milk from boiling over.
  • Use any type of milk (dairy or plant-based) to suit dietary preferences.
  • Overnight oats are best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
  • Feel free to experiment with different toppings to keep the breakfast variety exciting.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes (for steel-cut oats microwave or stovetop cooking)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian