Are you trying to learn more about overnight oats, but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you’re wondering how to sweeten your overnight oats naturally, or you’re wondering if overnight oats are a reliable and healthy way to feed your family?
If so, then read this epic blog post. We’re about to discuss some of the best tips and tricks to help make the most out of your overnight oats, even if you’ve never tried them before!
Overnight Oats Help You Avoid Processed Sugars
One of the most critical reasons why overnight oats are great for your family is because they help you to avoid excess processed sugars. According to the CDC, Americans eat way too many added sugars. That’s one of the top reasons that I happily recommend overnight oats to my friends, family, colleagues, or anyone who will listen.
A lot of people rush to eat instant oatmeal and consider instant oatmeal a healthy snack or meal. Unfortunately, many instant oatmeal options contain way too much sugar and sodium. As an alternative to instant oatmeal, I highly recommend overnight oats containing steel-cut oats or rolled oats.
Overnight Oats Feed And Fill Your Family On The Cheap
Oats are the miracle breakfast ingredient that can help you and your family get a satisfying, savory breakfast without the high cost.
Everyone knows that the world economy isn’t so hot right now. Lots of families are hurting financially, which is bad news and can add to stress at the breakfast table. There’s also a misconception that it’s impossible to eat a healthy meal on the cheap. I’m happy to bust that ugly myth!
That’s another reason why I love steel-cut oats. Not only are steel-cut oats minimally processed and high in fiber, but they can also make you feel fuller, and they taste excellent if you prepare your overnight oats properly.
Here’s How You Can Add Massive Flavor And Substance To Your Overnight Oats
The best part about preparing overnight oats is that you can express your inner culinary genius freely. Every fruit on this list that you add to your overnight oats changes the consistency and flavor dramatically. The more you test and experiment, the better your chances of finding that dream flavor combination that you’ve always been seeking.
Here Are My Favorite Overnight Oat Flavor Boosters:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Raspberries
- Bananas
- Apples
- Apricots
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
You can experiment with different combinations to get the exact consistency that you and your family enjoy. Try testing with various ingredients until you find the right mix that makes your tastebuds dance.
I also love to add homemade dried fruit to my overnight oats. Dried fruit adds a nice consistency to your overnight oats and a wonderful clash of flavors.
Genius Ways To Sweeten Overnight Oats Naturally
There are a few ways to sweeten your overnight oats. The first way, and my preferred way, is by adding a dash of honey to your oatmeal. Adding honey is something that you can do when you initially mix your overnight oats, or you can also add a tiny pinch of honey into your bowl when it’s ready to serve.
You can even add a dash of cinnamon, peanut butter, or Nutella to your oats for an added flavor boost. Another option you have is to add a small splash of syrup. If you use syrup, make sure that it’s all-natural!
The Easiest Way To Prepare Overnight Oats:
Another tremendous benefit of overnight oats is that they’re ludicrously straightforward to prepare. No culinary arts degree is required. When you wake up the next morning, breakfast is ready!
Remember that the type of oat you use will change the consistency of your overnight oats.
Steel-cut oats are much denser than other types of oats. If you use steel-cut oats, you will need to use more liquid to compensate for the thick density. Regardless of which oats you use, my preferred ingredients list usually resembles something like the following.
Overnight Oats Ingredients List:
- 1 cup of steel-cut oats or rolled oats
- 1 and a half cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of yogurt (optional)
- 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped fruit
- 1 small pinch of chia seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons of a nut of your choice (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work nicely)
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s talk about the preparation. The main thing to consider is the liquid you use to break down your oats. Some prefer milk. Others also love to add a smidgen of yogurt for extra flavor. My advice is to experiment with both options. You might love thicker or thinner consistency, and it’s always fun to try something new so you can keep breakfast interesting.
How To Prepare Your Overnight Oats Without Fuss:
- Combine your milk, yogurt, cinnamon, honey, or other optional flavor boosters in a container or jar.
- Add your oats. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add your fruits of choice. Gently mix your fruit into the oats.
- Place your oatmeal container in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
- Wake up the next day, and enjoy your delicious, savory breakfast!
Conclusion
I hope that this answers your overnight oats questions.
Overnight oats are a perfectly viable breakfast solution, and they’re much easier to make than you think.
I promise that once you make a few overnight oat batches, you’ll probably invent unique flavor combinations and consistency ratios that you and your family love.
Thanks for reading, and have fun!