If you are looking for a filling and quick breakfast option, then overnight oats may be the perfect choice for you!
Overnight oats are made by combining oats with (plant-based) milk or yogurt and letting them sit in the fridge overnight.
This allows the oats to soften and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy and delicious breakfast.
But can you use quick oats for overnight oats?
And what other ingredients can you add to make them even more delicious?
Keep reading to find out!
At the end of this article I will also provide you with an easy overnight oats recipe.
Can You Use Quick Oats For Overnight Oats?
Quick oats will work for overnight oats, but they will not have the same texture as rolled oats. Rolled oats are thicker and heartier, which makes them ideal for soaking up the liquid overnight. Quick oats are thinner and flakier, so they will not hold up as well in the fridge.
Quick oats are oats that have been pre-cooked and then rolled and pressed flat.
This makes them cook faster than regular oats, which is why they are often used in oatmeal recipes.
When it comes to overnight oats though, I personally prefer to use rolled oats because they will hold up better.
If you only have quick oats (or 1 minute oats) on hand, don’t worry, you can still make overnight oats with them, but they will not be as thick and won’t really have a bite.
Overnight oats made with quick oats tend to taste a bit more like porridge. So if you enjoy porridge, you will likely enjoy overnight oats made with quick oats as well!
How To Use Quick Oats For Overnight Oats
If you want to use quick oats for overnight oats, the best way to do it is to add them to a liquid such as (plant-based) milk or yogurt and let them sit for a few minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients.
This will give the quick oats a chance to absorb some of the liquid and soften up a bit.
After that, the next step is to add any other ingredients you want, such as fruits, nuts, or seeds.
Just like with rolled oats, you can add whatever ingredients you want to quick oats to make them even more delicious.
Then, simply cover the oats and let them sit in the fridge overnight.
As quick oats don’t need as much time to soften as rolled oats, you can even make overnight oats with them the same day.
Just be sure to give them at least 30 minutes in the fridge before eating in order to let the flavors meld together and let it chill.
I personally like to use a mason jar for storing my overnight oats.
It’s the perfect size and it’s easy to eat out of!
In the morning, you can give them a stir and enjoy your delicious and nutritious breakfast!
What Other Ingredients Can You Add To Overnight Oats?
There are so many delicious ingredients that you can add to overnight oats!
Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Chia seeds
These little seeds are packed with fiber and protein, making them a great addition to your breakfast.
Fresh fruit
Adding fresh berries or diced fruit is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to your oats. You can also add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries.
Coconut
Whether you add shredded coconut, coconut flakes, or coconut milk, this is a great way to add some tropical flavor to your oats.
Nuts and seeds
Adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds will give your oats some crunch and added protein.
Maple syrup
If you want your oats to be extra sweet, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup.
Cinnamon
This spice is perfect for adding a little warmth and flavor to your breakfast.
Nut butter
Whether you prefer almond butter, peanut butter, or another type of nut butter, adding a spoonful to your oats is a great way to add protein and flavor.
Cocoa powder
If you are a chocolate lover, then adding cocoa powder to your oats is a must!
These are just a few of the many ingredients that you can add to overnight oats.
Get creative and experiment with different flavors until you find your perfect combination.
If you want to use a liquid different from milk or yogurt, try using unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, just plain water or even green tea!
The possibilities are endless.
Is Instant Oatmeal The Same As Quick Oats?
Instant oatmeal is not the same thing as quick oats. Instant oatmeal is made with pre-cooked and dried oats that have been rolled and pressed flat. Quick oats are also made with pre-cooked and dried oats, but they are not as flat as instant oatmeal.
Instant oatmeal is designed to cook very quickly, usually in about one minute.
Quick oats will also cook quickly, but they will have a slightly different texture than instant oatmeal.
Easy Overnight Oats Recipe With Quick Oats
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup quick oats
-1/2 cup milk (I like to use almond milk)
-½ tablespoon chia seeds
-½ cup diced fresh fruit (I love to use strawberries and blueberries!)
-a pinch of spice such as cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix (optional)
Instructions:
Add the quick oats to a bowl or mason jar. Pour in the (plant-based) milk and stir to combine.
Add the chia seeds and diced fruit and stir again.
Top off with a pinch of cinnamon (or any other spice you like!), if desired.
Place the oats in the fridge overnight (or for at least 30 minutes) to allow them to soften and thicken.
In the morning, give them a stir and enjoy! You can eat them cold or heat them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Other Questions You May Have
What type of oats are the best choice for overnight oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best option for overnight oats because they have a chewy texture and absorb the liquid well. Steel-cut oats can also be used, but they require a longer soaking time and may not become as soft as rolled oats.
Do I have to use milk for overnight oats?
You can use any type of liquid, such as oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice. You can also use yogurt as part of the liquid to give the oats a creamy texture and protein boost.
What’s the basic overnight oats recipe
The basic overnight oats recipe consists of oats, milk or dairy-free milk of choice, and a sweetener, such as brown sugar. You can also add toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, and mix-ins, such as protein powder or flax seeds.
How long should I let my overnight oats soak?
You should let your overnight oats soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight, to allow the oats to absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture. You can also make a single serving of overnight oats by letting them soak for at least 2-3 hours.
Can I heat up my overnight oats in the morning?
You can heat up your overnight oats in the morning for a warm bowl of oatmeal. Simply microwave them for 1-2 minutes or heat them up on the stove with a little extra milk.
Is overnight oatmeal a healthy breakfast option?
Overnight oatmeal is generally considered a healthy breakfast option because it’s made with whole grain oats, (non-dairy) milk, and healthy fats, such as flax seeds or chia seeds. It’s also a great way to meal prep for busy mornings and get a protein boost from the addition of Greek yogurt or protein powder.
In Conclusion
So, can you use quick oats for overnight oats?
The answer is that you can use quick oats for your overnight oats, but they will not have the same texture.
Quick oats tend to be thinner, so they will not hold up as well as regular oats in the fridge.
If you only have quick oats on hand, you can still make overnight oats with them, but they will not be as thick and won’t have the same type of bite.
When it comes to overnight oats toppings, the sky is the limit! You could add fresh fruit, nut butter, spices, or even chocolate.
Mix it up until you find your perfect overnight oats combination!