Overnight Sensations

Why overnight oats should be your go-to breakfast

BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN

Since lunch and dinner are known to take a bit of planning and prep, no-hassle breakfasts made ahead of time are the secret to low-stress morning routines. It’s no wonder overnight oats, chia puddings, granola parfaits, and other quick breakfast recipes are in demand for those on the go.

“Oats are so versatile,” says Kris Schlesser, founder of LuckyBolt, a local farm-to-front-door meal prep service that offers overnight oats and housemade granola as part of its weekly menu.

“With overnight oats, the texture is more complex since they’re not cooked over heat, which can cause them to be sticky and homogeneous. The preparation of overnight oats gives you a rich, creamy texture, and the oats have a bit more chew,” explains Schlesser.

He says oats are trending right now because they’re healthy, and people are typically receptive to taking care of their bodies.

“People will do the right thing if you make it easy for them—that’s our motto at LuckyBolt,” he says. “After everyone was done overindulging at the beginning of the pandemic, I think they thought it was time to balance things out a bit more at home.”

Ready to make your own nutritious overnight oats? Follow this recipe from LuckyBolt. LUCKYBOLT’S HOMEMADE OAT MILK

Makes 5 pints oat milk

1 cup rolled oats 4 cups water 1¼ teaspoons salt Optional flavorings (see below)

Soak oats in water for 1 to 2 hours. Transfer to a high-speed blender, along with salt and optional flavors (see below), and blend into a smooth, homogeneous consistency. There’s no need to strain this mixture. Oat milk pro tip: If in a hurry, simply add dry oats and water to the blender without soaking and you will still get a good result. The mixture is a bit smoother if you allow the oats to hydrate before blending. Also, flex this oat milk recipe with preferred sweeteners or flavors and make it your own.

Citrus Spice Oat Milk Flavoring ½ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon orange zest

Cinnamon Vanilla Oat Milk Flavoring 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

LUCKYBOLT’S OVERNIGHT OAT PORRIDGE

Yields 5 pint jars, one for each weekday 5 16-ounce glass jars with lids 2½ cups rolled oats, divided 5 teaspoons chia seeds, divided

Prepare 5 clean glass jars by adding ½ cup of dry rolled oats and 1 teaspoon of chia seeds to each jar. Pour 1 cup of oat milk into each jar and apply lids tightly. There should be some remaining space in the jar. Shake each jar to mix the dry oats and chia seeds with the oat milk. Refrigerate jars for at least 2 hours while the dry oats and chia seeds hydrate. The longer you wait, the creamier the resulting consistency will be. You can take the oats any direction from this point but here are a few ideas: Quick & healthy: Simply enjoy the oats just as they are straight from the jar. This is an excellent low-sugar, fiberpacked breakfast or snack. If you prefer to avoid sugary foods, you’ll find these will hit the spot without adding much else to them. Quick & healthy + a little sweet: Add sliced fruit or berries along with nuts or seeds. You can use fresh or dried fruit such as raisins, chopped dates, apricots, etc. Add a little drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have fresh fruit, you can also add a few spoonfuls of jam or fruit preserves. Make it high protein: Add a generous dollop of nut or seed butter. Use it in a smoothie: Substitute your oats for storebought milk alternatives in any smoothie recipe.

An Essential Guide to Overnight Oats

What are they?

Overnight oats are prepared rolled oats that are hydrated (not cooked) until softened, creating a porridge that can be spruced up with different toppings and flavors.

What makes them a healthy breakfast option?

Oats are packed with dietary fiber, which can help lower your cholesterol, and the preparation of overnight oats makes them easily digestible. Using alternative nut milks can make for an even healthier version.

Are they easy to make?

Yes! Most people prepare them in the evening and let the oats soak in their fridge overnight for a quick grab-and-go breakfast, though the oats should be ready to eat after just a few hours.

Are they only served as a cold porridge?

Overnight oats can be heated in the microwave and served warm, added to smoothies as a thick and creamy oat base, or served as a hearty drink by adding extra liquid.

What are some popular toppings or added flavors?

Peanut or almond butter, nuts, seeds, fruit preserves, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and orange zest are all great options for toppings. Don’t forget to season with salt.

How long do they stay fresh?

Overnight oats can last in the fridge for up to five days and will keep as long as they don’t contain any added sugar.

Should I feed them to my kids?

Yes! Overnight oats are a much healthier alternative to sugary cereals and a good source of whole grains and fiber. Even picky eaters can usually find a flavor they like.