overnight oats with instant oatmeal
Hello. Welcome to solsarin. This post is about “overnight oats with instant oatmeal“.
Oat
The oat (Avena sativa), sometimes called the common oat, is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed, which is known by the same name (usually in the plural, unlike other cereals and pseudocereals). While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal and rolled oats, one of the most common uses is as livestock feed.
Healthy no-cook overnight oats are the perfect oatmeal solution for meal preppers and busy mornings. Our four varieties overnight oatmeal mixes are made in batches- you just add water- everyday easy oats, protein, superfood or grain-free. No more worrying if you have the ingredients on hand. Add your own flavors for the perfect combination.
Easy make-ahead breakfasts are essential for busy weekday mornings. We regularly make overnight oats or chia seed pudding in jars for a quick grab and go breakfast. But often when I go to make these tasty breakfasts, I realize I am out of an ingredient. Ahhhh! So frustrating! That is when I came up with the idea for an instant mix that just needs water.
PREP YOUR OWN OVERNIGHT OATS BLEND AND JUST ADD WATER
Every recipe for overnight oats contains milk (regular or nondairy) and often contains yogurt as well. So we had to experiment. A lot.
We found the perfect DIY instant overnight oatmeal mix that just needs water! You get the same creamy texture without the extra grocery shopping. Holla!
Let’s start with the basics.
WHAT ARE OVERNIGHT OATS?
Overnight oatmeal is a method of cold soaking oats in a liquid, usually milk, to soften the oats. Unlike traditional oatmeal, no cooking is required. And while you can eat overnight oats warm most people enjoy them chilled right out of the fridge. Making them a great alternative to a breakfast bar or other on the go breakfast option. tart the morning
Overnight oats usually include the addition of fruit, nuts or other mix-ins to add flavor and texture.
DO YOU EAT OVERNIGHT OATS HOT OR COLD?
Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, however, if you prefer warm oats you always have the option to heat them up on the stovetop or in the microwave for one and half to two minutes.
WHY MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS INSTEAD OF OATMEAL?
Stove top oatmeal and instant oatmeal packets are pretty easy to make so you may be wondering why bother with cold soaking oats.
We think overnight oats have some advantages over these other methods:
*No prep or wait time in the morning
*Takes less than 5 minutes to make
*No extra dirty dishes, no pot, no stirring
*You can customize the serving size
*Additional protein or superfoods can be added without getting gummy
*None of the chemical additives that instant oatmeal packs contain
*A cold breakfast is perfect for a warm day
*You can make multiple days at once, no extra prep needed
*Each jar can be flavored differently so everyone in the family can have their own favorite without the extra work
WHY USE A DRY MIX INSTEAD OF REGULAR OVERNIGHT OATS RECIPE?
Dry mixed oats are easier because you can make a large batch and only scoop out what you need. No extra ingredients like milk, non-dairy milk or yogurt make these overnight oats easier to prep.
Additionally, there is no need to refrigerate. Overnight oats made without milk or yogurt can be left out to soak at room temperature. Making them perfect for dorm rooms or camping.
ARE OVERNIGHT OATS HEALTHY?
Not only are cold soaked oats full of healthy carbs and fiber, they also have more protein and good fats than other grains.
Here are some other health benefits:
*Oats are high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria and increases feelings of fullness.
*Due to the soluble fiber beta-glucan, oats may improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels.
* Studies indicate that the fiber in oats helps relieves constipation.
*Oats contain many powerful antioxidants, including avenanthramides. These compounds may help reduce blood pressure and provide other benefits.
*Oats are gluten-free making them a great option for anyone with celiac or gluten sensitivities.
*Because oats are whole grain they aid in regulation and will keep you fuller longer.
Our superfood overnight oats and protein overnight oats allow you to further amp up the health benefits. And don’t worry, we have our low-carb, grain -free Keto friends covered too!
WHAT TYPE OF OATS ARE USED IN OVERNIGHT OATS?
Typically, overnight oats are made with old-fashion oats. Quick cook oats can be used but it is not recommended to make them more than one day ahead. Quick cook oats are flattened to help them cook faster and we find they tend to totally breakdown when left to soak more than a day or two.
While you can use steel cut oats, they are not recommended for overnight oats. The chewy texture is great when cooked but they remain too firm for a cold soak method.
Those with celiac or gluten sensitivities should always use oats that are specifically marked “gluten-free” to avoid cross contamination with wheat and other gluten containing products.
HOW TO STORE OVERNIGHT OATS?
Our instant overnight mixes can be stored up to 3 months. We recommend no more than 4 to 6 weeks for our grain-free overnight oats due to the oils in the nuts.
Store prepared overnight oats in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you used quick cook oats in your mix it is recommended that you don’t keep them longer than 1-2 days to ensure the texture stays appetizin
DO YOU NEED MILK OR YOGURT TO MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS?
Not our recipes! That is what is so great about our instant dry mix method. No milk or yogurt required, just add water.
Typical overnight oat recipes require milk (regular or non-dairy) and sometimes yogurt as well. And while you can use water in most recipes, the results aren’t stellar. You can expect bland watery oats.
Instead, we use
non-dairy powdered coconut milk, or regular milk powder, to keep the oats shelf-stable and delicious
WHAT JARS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR OVERNIGHT OATS?
First off, you don’t need special jars to make overnight oats. Just because Pinterest shows gorgeous pictures of fancy overnight oatmeal recipes it doesn’t mean that is required.
Overnights are meant to be a simple meal. We make them our jelly mason jars, regular mason jars or our favorite glass to-go containers. A simple bowl is fine as long as you can cover it.
NEW BREAKFAST: INSTANT OVERNIGHT OATS
Is that an oxymoron?! I think so. We all know overnight oatmeal as the popular way to soak overnight old fashioned rolled oats (or instant or quick cooking steel cut oats) in milk and/or yogurt to make a no-cook, portable, high protein breakfast. All too often though, I forget to make them!
With two kids to get out the door, I am all over the quick breakfasts these days. This technique came to me serendipitously (is that a word?!) because after mixing up my ingredients, I was pulled away from breakfast for 10 minutes to tend to the boys. When I came back I realized I had a wonderful overnight oats consistency in much less time! And so I’ve been making what I’m calling “Instant Overnight Oats.”
If you’re meal prepping or out the door, prep this quick breakfast in a couple of mason jars and grab and go!
- Steel cut oats = cut only
- Quick steel cut oats = cut and steamed
- Old fashioned rolled oats = cut and rolled
- Quick oats = cut, rolled, and steamed
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT OVERNIGHT OATS
The main ingredient is obviously instant oatmeal. One packet of instant oats will do or you can use a third cup of instant oats from a canister. I keep plain on hand to minimize sugar and maximize creative flavor control, but if you are a strawberries ‘n cream girl, you can certainly use flavored.
ADD QUICK OATS TO AN EQUAL PART LIQUID AND STIR TOGETHER.
I used one packet of plain instant oats, 1/3 cup milk, and a little chocolate protein powder and peanut butter powder for flavors.
Is Instant Oatmeal Plant-Based?
Yes, my friend! Instant Oatmeal is a fantastic plant-based food option. Even the instant oatmeal packets. You can find individual sized oatmeal packets everywhere and they range from super healthy ingredients, to not so healthy ingredients. If you want to try overnight oats with instant oatmeal packets and have a little bit of a sweet tooth, give the low sugar instant oatmeal a try! It was really delicious! And it’s so easy! I like to keep things simple over here, as a mama of four cute humans.
Oatmeal flavor ideas
Oh there are endless options of flavor ideas for overnight oats! I had fun making these classic oatmeal flavors with some variety. Here you go!
- Maple brown sugar oats: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon brown sugar to the mix.
- Peanut butter banana oats: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter and 1/2 banana chopped into slices.
- Apple cinnamon oats:Add 1/2 an apple chopped into small pieces and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Blueberry almond oats: Add 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and 1 tablespoon almond butter.
What size mason jar for overnight oats?
I used a 16 ounce mason jar for this recipe so there was room for toppings after the oats expanded (12 ounce jars will work too). I think 8 ounce jars are too small as the oats and chia seeds will expand. Any airtight container that fits at least 12 ounces will work!
Thank you for staying with this post “overnight oats with instant oatmeal” until the end.
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