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

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Overnight Oats Ratio (10)

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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 ratio of oats to liquid for 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.)

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 ratio of oats to milk? ›

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 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.

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.

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.

What is the ratio of oatmeal to formula? ›

Use 1 tsp at first to see how your baby tolerates it, or follow your doctor's instructions. You might add more oatmeal if your doctor says it's okay. The maximum amount of oatmeal that you can add to a bottle is 1 tsp (2 g) of oatmeal per 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of formula.

Is oatmeal a 2 1 ratio? ›

As I stated above, oatmeal tastes best with a 2:1 ratio of milk to water. If you're using ½ cup of oats, then use 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of water to cook the oatmeal. If you're looking to make your oatmeal extra creamy, use all plant milk.

How to fix watery overnight oats? ›

If your blended oats are too runny, there are multiple ways to fix it. The next time you try the recipe I would recommend adding less liquid. You could also add extra chia seeds to create a thicker consistency.

Which milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats are great with all kinds of milk, dairy (pasteurized) or non-dairy. Feel free to use your favorite! We do not recommend making Overnight Oats with water because it will result in an overly liquid texture. Did this answer your question?

Does water or milk make oatmeal thicker? ›

Adding dairy products including yogurt or other milk early in the cooking process of oatmeal is a great way to create a creamier texture.

How do you measure water for oats? ›

Microwave Cooking Instructions

The ratio is 1:2. The usual serving size is ½ cup oats to 1 cup of water. You could switch the water for milk, but it may take longer to cook, so I usually just stick with water and add a splash for milk at the end for the best consistency, or do a mix or water and milk as pictured below.

How much liquid do you soak oats in? ›

Add 1 cup oats to a large saucepan and top with 2 cups water (or, if making more or less, just make sure there is double the water as there are oats). Cover and soak for 6 hours or overnight (see notes for shortcuts). This will improve digestibility and also slightly speed cooking time.

How much liquid for half a cup of overnight oats? ›

Make sure you have at least double the liquid per each serving of oats (so, 1 cup of milk to ½-cup of oats), increasing the amount if you want a soupier texture. We love the chewy, hearty texture of steel-cut oats, but they're too firm to use for overnight oats.

Why does oats overnight say not to use water? ›

Can I use water? No. Adding enough water to make your oats drinkable will greatly damage the taste. Think of it like eating cereal with water, don't do it!

What is the ratio of 1 3 oats to water? ›

For a single portion that's 1/3 cup oats, 2/3 cup liquid.

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