Do I need to add chia seeds to make overnight oats?

All of my overnight oats recipes include chia seeds. Chia seeds are not required, but, I like to include them because they help create a thicker, creamier texture by absorbing some of the liquid in the oats. (Did you know chia can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid ?) If you don't like chia seeds or don't have them, you can make the recipe without. Just be aware the consistency of the oats will be a little thinner.

Can overnight oats be served hot?

Overnight oats can be served straight out of the fridge, there is no need to heat them. But, if you want a hot breakfast, feel free to microwave the overnight oats for 1 minute on high. Stir the oats. If they need more time, continue microwaving in 30 second increments on high, stirring in between, until hot.

What kind of oats are best for overnight oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for making overnight oats. While you could use quick oats, they tend to turn a little mushy during the overnight soak. If you don't mind that, feel free to use quick oats. Steel-cut oats have the opposite problem - they have a very firm texture and it would take a long soak for them to soften up. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the perfect middle ground between quick oats and steel-cut oats. After soaking, you end up with a soft, creamy, but not mushy consistency.

Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

maple syrup being poured over overnight oats topped with fruit and brown sugar.

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Overnight oats have never been so cozy! These creamy oats are flavored with the warm flavors of maple syrup, brown sugar and vanilla.

Author: Kate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Fridge time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: breakfast
Method: stir
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (40 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
1 tablespoon (13 g) packed dark brown sugar (can substitute light)
1 tablespoon (12 g) chia seeds
pinch salt
1/2 cup (117 g) milk
1/4 cup (57 g) plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons (30 g) maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Add the rolled oats, packed brown sugar, chia seeds, and pinch salt to a bowl or glass jar. Stir to combine.
Add the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine, making sure there are no dry pockets of oats in the corners of the jar/bowl.
Cover the container and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours. When you're ready to enjoy the oats, stir them again, and add your favorite toppings (see notes for topping ideas).

Notes

The oats are on the sweeter side. In my opinion, they are sweet, but not overly so. However, if you prefer your oatmeal less sweet, you can reduce the amount of maple and brown sugar stirred in to the oats. Then, if needed, you can always add a bit more during serving.

After the initial soaking period, any leftovers can be stored for an additional 2 - 3 days, covered in the fridge.

Topping ideas: dried fruit (raisins, dates, dried figs, dried cranberries), fresh fruit (chopped apple, pear, banana), nut butters (peanut, cashew, or almond butter), chopped nuts, and/or an additional drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle of brown sugar.

The nutrition information below was calculated with low fat milk and low fat Greek yogurt. This nutrition information is an estimate only. The nutrition counts of your dish will vary based on the brands and exact amounts of ingredients used. This information was provided by an online nutrition calculator, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice. See our full nutrition disclosure policy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 444
Sugar: 40.6 g
Sodium: 162 mg
Fat: 6.3 g
Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
Carbohydrates: 61.3 g
Fiber: 6.1 g
Protein: 8.6 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg

Find it online: https://nibbleanddine.com/maple-brown-sugar-overnight-oats/