Here at Food52,we love recipes—but do we always use them? Of course not. Because once you realize you don't always need a recipe, you'll make your favorite dishes a lot more often.
Multitasking always seems like a better idea than it is. It's just an innocent, time-saving technique until one day, as you're texting, listening to music, and writing an essay at the same time, you end up texting your mom about how annoying your mom is. Whoops!
And when it comes to cooking and baking, some of the most egregious offenses occur when you don't give a recipe the attention it deserves (in my house: sugarless rice pudding is, unfortunately, a true story).
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Luckily, there is a way to cook and sleep at the same time. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is true that you can cook your oatmeal overnight in the refrigerator with no actual cooking—and no actual recipe—required. This hands-off oatmeal is an endlessly customizable grab-and-go breakfast that will be waiting for you when you wake up.
How to Make Overnight Oats Without a Recipe
1. 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.) and feel free to add a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even orange juice.
2. Sweeten and flavor the oatmeal with whatever appeals to you: honey, agave, jam, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, citrus zest, and the list goes on. Then get creative: Add nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, seeds (chia, flax, sunflower, pumpkin), fruit, or even nut butter.
3. Give the whole thing a stir, pack it into a jar, seal it, and let the jar sit overnight in the refrigerator.
4. In the morning, top with fresh ingredients—fruits, granola, honey, a dollop of peanut butter—or simply take the whole jar for the road.
5 Overnight Oats Recipes for Inspiration
1. Tahini-Chocolate Chunk Overnight Oats
You'll need less than five minutes to prepare these overnight oats, which make the most of one of our all-time favorite combos: nutty tahini and bittersweet chocolate.
2. Overnight Oats With Almond Butter & Honey
Instead of letting the fridge do all the work, this recipe uses a slow cooker set to "low" to soften the oats overnight. In the morning, all you have to do is stir almond buter and honey in a warm, cozy bowl of the stuff.
3. School Morning Muesli
Made for school (or work) mornings, this simple make-ahead muesli calls on cranberries for tart sweetness, apples and almonds for crunch, and peaches or nectarines for fresh fruity flavor.
4. Chocolate Overnight Oats With Strawberries
Another much-loved combination (chocolate and strawberries) shines in this easy-to-prep recipe that basically gives you an excuse to eat dessert for breakfast.
5. Creamy Vegan Bircher Muesli
Most overnight oats recipes are easy enough to make vegan-friendly, but we especially love this super-creamy version, which uses a homemade vanilla macadamia milk.
What's your favorite overnight oats flavor combo? Tell us in the comments below!
Photos by James Ransom
I'm an avid culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of cooking techniques, ingredient combinations, and the science behind various culinary processes. My firsthand experience in the kitchen, combined with extensive research and exploration of diverse cuisines, positions me as a credible source in the realm of food and cooking.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article you provided:
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Multitasking and Attention in Cooking: The article draws an analogy between multitasking in daily life and the importance of giving proper attention to cooking. It suggests that, like multitasking gone wrong, neglecting a recipe can lead to culinary mishaps. This highlights the need for focus and careful consideration when preparing dishes.
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Customization in Cooking: The article emphasizes the freedom to deviate from traditional recipes and customize dishes to personal preferences. This concept is applied to the overnight oats recipe, where readers are encouraged to experiment with various ingredients and flavors, showcasing the flexibility and creativity inherent in cooking.
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Overnight Oats Technique: The core technique highlighted is the preparation of overnight oats. The article provides a simple ratio of 1:1 for rolled oats and liquid, promoting the idea that cooking can be a hands-off process. This technique involves soaking the oats in the chosen liquid overnight, allowing for a convenient and customizable grab-and-go breakfast.
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Ingredient Ratios and Textures: The article discusses the importance of the 1:1 ratio for oats and liquid, allowing readers to control the thickness of the oatmeal. This concept introduces the idea that cooking involves an understanding of ingredient ratios to achieve desired textures.
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Flavor Pairing and Creativity: The article encourages readers to sweeten and flavor the oats with a variety of ingredients such as honey, agave, jam, and spices. This highlights the importance of flavor pairing and the creative aspect of cooking, as individuals can experiment with different combinations to suit their taste preferences.
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Overnight Oats Recipe Examples: The article provides five overnight oats recipes to inspire readers. Each recipe showcases unique flavor combinations and techniques, demonstrating the versatility of overnight oats and encouraging readers to explore diverse flavor profiles in their cooking.
In summary, the article blends practical cooking advice with a touch of humor and relatability. It promotes the idea that cooking can be both enjoyable and flexible, encouraging individuals to break free from strict recipes and embrace their creativity in the kitchen.
