Freezing Overnight Oats: Your Shortcut to Easy Mornings!

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Hello beautiful! Today, we’re diving into a question that can simplify your breakfast routine with a quick yet nutritious breakfast: Can you freeze overnight oats? Overnight oats have become the go-to breakfast for those starting your day with a nutritious and delicious choice, especially when time is short. So, let’s find out how to make your oats last longer and work for your bustling schedule.

Storing Oats: Fridge or Freezer?

When it comes to preserving your creamy overnight oats, you might wonder whether to tuck them into the fridge or send them into the freezer. The truth is, both the fridge and freezer can be the right choice, depending on how far ahead you’re planning. 

A batch of overnight oats in the fridge can stay fresh for up to five days, making it a reliable option for weekly meal prepping. But if you want to extend their life even further, the freezer is your friend. 

Frozen overnight oats can last for up to three months, ensuring you always have a healthy breakfast on hand. Remember, the key to maintaining the taste of the oats is how you thaw and enjoy them later, which we’ll cover in our upcoming sections.

Types of Oats to Freeze

Choosing the right type of oats for your breakfast can make all the difference in texture and taste. Whether you’re a fan of quick oats, instant oats, old-fashioned oats, or steel-cut oats, you’ll find that each brings its unique qualities to your morning bowl. 

Quick oats and instant oats are great when you’re in a hurry, as they thaw faster due to their smaller size. 

However, old-fashioned rolled oats are often favoured for freezing because they keep their shape and texture better, providing a satisfying chewiness in every bite. 

Steel-cut oats can also be frozen, but remember, they have a heartier texture and might require a bit more time to thaw and reheat.

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

Let’s get into making a simple and easy overnight oats recipe that will serve as a perfect base for freezing.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of your favourite plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk or another non-dairy milk
• A pinch of salt (optional)

To make your overnight oats, combine the oats and a pinch of salt in a mason jar or bowl. Pour in a half cup of milk—this could be almond milk for a nutty flavour, coconut milk for some tropical flair, cashew milk for creaminess, or oat milk for an extra oaty boost. 

Give it a good stir to mix everything well. At this point, you can add any other ingredients you like, such as sweeteners, fruits, or seeds. Cover the jar or bowl, and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, you’ll wake up to a batch of creamy overnight oats. These can be eaten right away, or you can follow the next steps to freeze them for later use.

How to Freeze Overnight Oats

Freezing your overnight oats is a breeze, and doing it in individual portions can make your life even easier. After following your easy overnight oats recipe, let your oat mixture chill in the fridge until it’s just right. 

Then, take a large batch and divide it into portions. This way, you can grab a single serving whenever you need it. 

Scoop each portion into a glass container or a freezer-safe bag, which is perfect for keeping your oats safe and sound in the cold. 

Make sure not to fill the containers all the way to the top; your oats will need a little room to expand as they freeze. 

Seal them up tight to keep out the frosty air, and don’t forget to mark each container with the date. That way, you’ll always know how long they’ve been frozen. 

When it’s time to enjoy your oats, pick out a portion the night before and let it thaw in the fridge until morning. This method keeps your oats fresh and ready for when hunger strikes.

Thawing and Enjoying Your Oats

The key to enjoying your overnight oats after freezing is in the thawing process. 

To defrost overnight oats, transfer the desired portion from the freezer to the fridge and let it sit overnight or for about 12 hours. 

This slow thaw ensures that the taste of the oats remains as good as when you first made them. 

If you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can also thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, if the oats are too thick for your liking, you can stir in a little bit of your favourite milk to reach the desired consistency. 

Heating them up is also an option if you prefer warm oats. Simply microwave your thawed oats for a minute or two, stirring halfway through to ensure they heat evenly. This way, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of overnight oats ready to energise your day.

Freezing Overnight Oats with Yogurt

Blending yogurt with your overnight oats can turn your breakfast into a creamier and protein-packed delight. And yes, you can definitely freeze overnight oats with yogurt in the mix! I

t doesn’t matter if you’re using thick Greek yoghurt, dairy-free vegan yoghurt, or any kind of yogurt you like. Just prepare your oats with your chosen yogurt and a splash of your favourite milk. Then gently spoon this rich oat and yogurt blend into your freezer-safe containers. 

Make sure each container’s lid is snug to keep the cold in and the frost out, leaving a bit of space at the top since the mixture will expand a tad as it freezes. 

When the time comes to dig in, let your yogurt-enriched overnight oats slowly thaw in the fridge, much like you would with your standard frozen oats. This way, you’re all set for a delicious and wholesome start to your day.

Reheating Frozen Overnight Oats

Sometimes you might crave a warm breakfast, and yes, you can reheat frozen overnight oats to satisfy that craving. 

After your oats have defrosted in the fridge, pour them into a microwave-safe bowl if they aren’t in one already. Warm them in the microwave for one to two minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure they heat through evenly. 

If you prefer the stovetop, simply transfer the oats to a pot and reheat them over medium heat, adding a splash of your favourite milk if they seem too thick. Stir constantly to prevent the oats from sticking to the pot and to achieve an even, warm texture. Whether you like them hot or cold, your overnight oats are a flexible option for any season or reason.

Nutrition and Toppings

Overnight oats are not only convenient but also full of good things for your body. They are a rich source of fibre that’s excellent for your gut health. 

Sprinkling your favourite toppings boosts the health benefits even more. You can scatter slices of your favourite fruit (fresh fruit and frozen fruit are both great!) for a dose of vitamins, toss in chia seeds or any seed butter for a punch of protein, and add a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. Almond butter can be a great option too, offering a creamy texture and healthy fats. 

These additions do more than just pump up the nutrition; they make your oats taste amazing. Whether you mix these toppings in before freezing or sprinkle them on after your oats have thawed, they’ll transform your breakfast into something special.

Making the Most of Your Mornings

We know that a beautiful morning can set the tone for a fantastic day. By preparing your overnight oats in advance and freezing them, you’re setting yourself up for success. 

It’s not just about saving time; it’s about giving yourself a moment in the morning to enjoy a meal that’s good for your body and soul. And when you look at your week ahead, knowing that breakfast is sorted can be a huge relief. 

This simple step in your meal prep means more time to focus on what makes you feel beautiful, like perhaps an extra few minutes of sleep or a morning skincare routine. Overnight oats are more than just a breakfast; they’re a way to care for yourself when life gets busy.