I’m riding the overnight oatmeal train and I don’t plan on jumping off anytime soon. They’re just too easy! I’m obsessed with my strawberry overnight oats, pumpkin overnight oats, filling vegan overnight oats, and chocolate peanut butter overnight oats but summer produce means we just gotta do up the blueberry oats!
Ingredients
Old-fashioned oats: Also known as rolled oats, this is the whole grain base of our blueberry overnight oats recipe. Be sure not to use instant, quick cook or steel cut oats here. Check out my favorite snack recipes with oats, too! Almond milk: I always have this on hand so it’s my go-to for the liquid base, but you can use any milk you like, like cow’s milk or oat milk. Greek yogurt: Nonfat, 2% or whole all work to add protein, thickness, and creamy texture. I love blueberry yogurt here but plain, vanilla, and lemon are all delish too. I use Siggi’s or Skyr Icelandic brand. Chia seeds: To thicken the mixture and add plenty of fiber and healthy fats. Almond butter: I love the creamy mouthfeel and sweetness almond butter adds. Cashew butter would also work. Honey or maple syrup: A natural liquid sweetener to add a light pop of sweetness. Add it to taste. I’ve tested this with both sweeteners and they’re both delicious. Blueberries: Stick to fresh versus frozen since frozen will release a bunch of liquid. Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds amazing flavor. Salt: Salt is so important for flavor yet so many overnight oat recipes don’t include it. A key ingredient for rounding out the flavors!
Substitutions and dietary preferences
Dairy free: Use a thick dairy free yogurt, like coconut milk or almond yogurt. Gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats. Nut free: Use oat or soy milk and tahini or sunflower seed butter.
How to make
Are overnight oats healthy?
Yes, overnight oatmeal a healthy option! They key is balancing the carbs in oatmeal with plenty of protein and fat to create a balanced breakfast that keeps you fuller longer and helps stabilize blood sugar. As a dietitian, I appreciate how accessible, affordable, and easy oatmeal is for breakfast. More health benefits of oatmeal include:
It’s packed with filling beta-glucan soluble fiber, which improves the diversity of the gut, aids in constipation, and increases satiety. It boasts 6g plant protein in ½ cup plus a wide variety of micronutrients like manganese (190% of daily value in ½ cup), iron (20%), phosphorus (41%), magnesium (34%) and zinc (20%).
Flavor variations
Blueberry cacao: Add a tablespoon of cacao powder and an extra teaspoon of sweetener. Blueberry banana: Add half a mashed banana (like my banana bread overnight oats). Blueberry lemon: Add the zest of half a lemon, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and ¼ tsp lemon extract. PB&J: Swap the almond butter for peanut butter and serve topped with peanuts. Protein oats: Add a scoop of protein powder for even more staying power.
Storage
Store oats in the refrigerator in an air-tight container with a lid for up to 4 days.
Can you freeze overnight oats?
Yes, you can freeze overnight oatmeal! Freeze portions in a greased muffin tin. Once frozen, place portions in a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and top as you would normally.
