Overnight Oats Ratio (2024)

Overnight oats is a no-cook method for making oatmeal. The basic idea is that you allow old-fashioned oats to soak in milk overnight (or for a few nights), so by the time you are ready to eat them in the morning, they are soft and easy to digest.

You can add ingredients to overnight oats before soaking overnight, or you can mix in ingredients after for a delicious breakfast.

Typically, overnight oats are served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. You can also grab the container from your refrigerator in the morning and head off to your office and eat them once you arrive (or on your commute if you are not driving).

Or you can warm overnight oats in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to warm them quickly if you prefer.

Related: 50+ Healthy Breakfast Ideas, Date Shake, Chocolate Banana Smoothie, and Orange Julius Recipe.

Overnight Oats Ratio (1)

Overnight Oats Basic Ratio = 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats + 3/4 cup milk

This is what I usually make for one serving. I’ll add other things to this, but I’ll share more about that below. If you want to double or triple this to make multiple servings you easily can.

You can use any kind of milk you prefer. I typically use 2% dairy milk, as that’s typically what we have at our house. But, anything from whole to skim milk works, or a non-dairy option like soy milk, almond milk, or another option that you prefer.

Overnight Oats Ratio (2)

Here you can see (on the right) the more soupy-liquid version is the overnight oats before they have soaked overnight. The mug on the left is the overnight oats after two nights of soaking.

You can make overnight oats up to five days ahead of time. They get softer the longer they soak.

Overnight Oats Ratio (3)

If you want to sweeten the basic ratio recipe, I will typically add some chopped fruit to the bottom (or mixed in), a tablespoon or two of fruit jam, or stir a little honey or maple syrup into the milk before combining with the oats.

Check out this video for the process:

Overnight Oats Ratio (4)

You can make overnight oats with:

  • Yogurt – I will usually substitute 1/4 cup of the milk for 1/4 cup of yogurt or mix in a little yogurt after the oats are already done.
  • Protein powder – stir a little into the milk before soaking.
  • Peanut butter – or any nut butter you prefer
  • Fresh fruit – chopped up and added before soaking or after.
  • Fruit jam – added to the bottom of the container before soaking, so it’s like a store-bought fruit bottom yogurt. Simply stir before eating.
Overnight Oats Ratio (5)

Now that you know the basic ratio for overnight oats and some ideas for ingredients you can add, here are four ideas for overnight oats.

I also love this Elvis overnight oats recipe with peanut butter and banana.

Need something quicker? Try this 5 minute oatmeal recipe.

Overnight Oats Ratio (6)

While I love basic overnight oats, they can be a little boring and I don’t love a cold breakfast in the winter. For that reason, I highly recommend you try overnight BAKED oatmeal, which is typically made in larger quantities and can be rewarmed throughout the week if it’s just you eating it.

  • Overnight Baked Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal – one of my favorite recipes on our whole site.
  • Overnight Baked Apple Oatmeal – tastes like autumn
  • Overnight Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal – a healthier alternative to banana bread
  • Pineapple Upside Down Overnight Baked Oatmeal
  • Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Baked Oatmeal
Overnight Oats Ratio (7)

If you love overnight oats, you might also love these cookie recipes:

  • No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies – my all-time favorite cookie
  • No Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – the autumn version
  • Lisa’s Basic Oatmeal Cookies – the only classic oatmeal cookie recipe you’ll ever need
  • Cowboy Cookies – oatmeal, chocolate, coconut, pecans—these are fun!
Overnight Oats Ratio (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are overnight oats healthy?

If you are looking for a simple, whole food breakfast that is also high in fiber, overnight oats can be a great option.

Why make overnight oats?

For an easy, no-cook, and fast breakfast option. Once you make the oats the night before, you will have breakfast ready in the morning with little to no effort at all.

Can I use water instead of milk in overnight oats?

Yes, but the results may be pretty bland in flavor. Milk adds a creaminess as well. But water will work if you prefer to use it in place of a milk option.

Overnight Oats Ratio (9)

You can store overnight oats in any reusable glass or plastic container that has a lid. I will sometimes use a coffee mug and add a lid by covering it with a small piece of aluminum foil.

You should let your oats soak for at least eight hours (overnight) and you can make them up to five days ahead of when you plan to consume them.

What do you mix into oatmeal? xo. Emma

Get our FREE recipe guide with our most popular recipes of all time!

Get the Guide

Overnight Oats Ratio (10)

Free Popular Recipe Guide

Our top 25 recipes of all time!

5 from 6 votes

Print

Overnight Oats Ratio (11)Get the Recipe

how much milk to use when making overnight oats

Yield 1

Prep 2 minutes mins

Soak Time 8 hours hrs

Total 8 hours hrs 2 minutes mins

Instructions

  • Stir the ingredients together.

  • Store in a container with a lid for at least 8 hours.

  • Mixture can be stored for up to 5 days.

  • Serve chilled or warm in the microwave.

Notes

Use any dairy or non dairy milk you like.

You can substitute 1/4 cup milk with the same amount of yogurt for a creamier consistency.

You can mix some protein powder in with the milk before combining with oats.

You can stir in other ingredients to the overnight oats like: fresh fruit, nuts, nut butter, fruit jam, or yogurt.

See post for lots of other overnight oat recipes plus other great recipes that contain oats.

© Author Emma Chapman

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keywords overnight oatmeal

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Overnight Oats – Basic Ratio

Amount per Serving

Calories

263

% Daily Value*

Fat

9

g

14

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

2

g

Cholesterol

22

mg

7

%

Sodium

72

mg

3

%

Potassium

421

mg

12

%

Carbohydrates

36

g

12

%

Fiber

4

g

17

%

Sugar

9

g

10

%

Protein

11

g

22

%

Vitamin A

296

IU

6

%

Calcium

246

mg

25

%

Iron

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Overnight Oats Ratio (2024)

FAQs

What is the best ratio for overnight oats? ›

What's the Best Ratio for Overnight Oats? Making overnight oats is actually as easy as memorizing a simple ratio: Use equal parts old-fashioned rolled oats and milk, plus half as much yogurt. For example, the recipe below calls for 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 2 cups milk, and 1 cup yogurt.

What is the formula for overnight oats? ›

I recommend a 1:1 ratio of rolled oats to milk, plus half as much yogurt. So for 1/2 cup of oats, I use 1/2 cup of milk + 1/4 cup of yogurt (or an additional 1/4 cup of milk). These proportions seem to give the oats the perfect consistency, not too thick, but not soupy.

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

How much liquid for 1 cup of overnight oats? ›

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

Are oats overnight actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Are overnight oats healthy for weight loss? ›

There are countless health benefits of overnight oats, especially when it comes to your weight loss goals. It can keep you fuller for longer. For starters, oats can help keep you full, and in turn, can help reduce mindless snacking and excess calorie intake between meals.

Do overnight oats get thicker overnight? ›

This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily triple or quadruple the recipe to make a bigger batch for meal prep! I just recommend using 3/4 cup milk per serving because as the oats sit they'll get thicker. These blended overnight oats will last in the fridge for 3-4 days stored in a sealed airtight container.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Do you actually leave overnight oats overnight? ›

Can I mix and drink them immediately? Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.

What is the best portion size for overnight oats? ›

This is really the only ingredient you have no choice about. Skip the steel-cut oats and quick cooking oats and stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. For me, about 1/2 cup of oats makes the right amount of overnight oats (a little over a cup) for my breakfast. If you want to make more, or less, go for it.

What to use instead of yogurt in overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are commonly prepared using yogurt or vegan yogurt to create an extra creamy texture. However, yogurt is not mandatory and you can achieve the same results by using nut or seed butter as an alternative.

What milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

What is the ratio of oats to milk? ›

Read the instructions on the side of your oatmeal container and do what they say to avoid a pasty, sticky mess or a soupy mush. For steel-cut oats, the ratio is 3/4 to 1 cup of liquid per 1/4 cup of oats. If you are using quick-cooking or rolled oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats.

What is the best oatmeal ratio? ›

Stove Top
  • 1/2 cup oats.
  • 1 cup water or milk.
  • Dash of salt (optional; for low sodium diets, omit salt)

Is 1 cup of oats too much? ›

The bottom line. The general oatmeal serving size is around half a cup of uncooked oats or one cup of cooked oatmeal. A serving of oats provides a variety of important nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5858

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.