We’ve all heard that breakfast is “the most important meal of the day,” though it’s probably the meal we give the least attention.
At my house, mornings are like this: rush around packing lunches, getting people dressed (so much harder than it sounds), gathering everything we all need for school and work. Make breakfast for the kids, but then leave the house without having eaten anything myself. Oy!
Enter Overnight Oats.
When I first read about Overnight Oats on Kath Eats, I was intrigued but not sold. Cold, soaked oats for breakfast? How was this any different from regular oatmeal and why make it the night before?
Then I made a batch in a nearly empty peanut butter jar and realized just how tasty raw oatmeal – that’s absorbed the flavors of whatever liquids you’ve mixed it with – can be. Making overnight oats has revolutionized my morning routine and really helped to improve my daily eating habits.
The Creamy Vanilla Overnight Oats I’m sharing with you today are so easy to make, it’s almost embarrassing. Just three ingredients – quick oats, chia seeds Organic Valley’s Organic Balance Protein Shake – is all you need to make this perfectly sweet, delicious, high protein meal.
Why use Organic Balance? Because it provides the perfect flavor, sweetness and a big dose of protein thanks to real filtered milk, not protein powders or derivatives.
As far as I know, this is the only protein shake on the market that’s 1) organic and 2) made with protein from real food. I keep a couple bottles on-hand at all times for on-the-go snacking, since high-quality “portable protein” can be hard to find. And now that I use Organic Balance for easy overnight oats, it’s even more of a staple at my house.
Of course you could add other ingredients to these oats – sliced banana, frozen mango chunks, cinnamon, coconut flakes, etc. You can also heat the oats for 1-2 minutes before eating, if you prefer a hot breakfast. But if you don’t have time for anything other than mixing the oats, seeds and Organic Balance, rest assured you will still enjoy a creamy, flavorful breakfast.
- ½ cup quick oats
- 8 oz Organic Balance Milk Protein Shake
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- Combine the oats, chia seeds and Organic Balance in a jar or lidded container and let sit overnight (at least 8 and up to 24 hours) in the fridge.
- Optional: Add chopped fruit and/or cinnamon for additional flavor and texture.
- In the morning, eat as is or heat for 1-2 minutes in the microwave (if heated, let cool before enjoying). Top with any toppings you like.
Also - I don't recommend using old-fashioned oats in place of quick oats here, since the quick oats absorb more liquid and make a creamier bowl of oatmeal.
If you don't care for chia seeds, just leave them out. The oatmeal will be a little thinner in consistency but still delicious.
This post is sponsored by Organic Valley. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Eating Made Easy alive!
15 Comments
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons
May 26, 2015 at 11:27 amI love overnight oats all through the summer, because I just can’t stand the thought of eating a hot breakfast when it’s so warm and steamy outside. Making them with a protein shake? Genius! Doing this for breakfast next week!
Amelia Winslow
May 27, 2015 at 10:05 amI totally agree – cold creamy oats are perfect for summer!
Nicole
May 26, 2015 at 8:43 pmOvernight Oats are my favorite breakfast! I’ll have to try it with this Organic Balance Milk Protein Shake next time.
Reisha
May 27, 2015 at 12:00 amGreat post! Because it is a milk product does it need to sit in the fridge overnight? Thank you!
Amelia Winslow
May 27, 2015 at 10:04 amYes, it should definitely sit in the fridge! I’ll clarify that in the recipe, thanks for pointing that out.
TidyMom
May 27, 2015 at 3:13 amThis sounds fabulous, we love overnight oats!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
May 27, 2015 at 11:33 amI always make overnight oats when I have an empty nut butter jar I’ve just almost finished!
Amelia Winslow
May 28, 2015 at 10:41 amThat’s one of my favorite tricks too. I especially love it when I have some lingering Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter! That would be a fab addition to these overnight oats.
Emily
May 28, 2015 at 5:06 amMy favorite breakfast! I looovvee this bowl. Just curious where it is from?! Thanks!
Amelia Winslow
May 28, 2015 at 10:41 amThe bowl is from Anthropologie – I have a rainbow of colors and they’re so great for brightening up neutrally colored foods like oatmeal!
Carolyn
May 28, 2015 at 6:51 amSuch an easy breakfast. Lots of great protein too!
rachel
May 28, 2015 at 7:33 amGreat recipe and idea!! I will have to try this. Thanks for sharing.
adam
June 11, 2015 at 1:38 pmI’m curious why you would recommend a processed protein drink for this recipe. Is it truly healthy to have 23 grams of sugar in one meal? That would be roughly 6 teaspoons of sugar, or an entire day’s amount for most women, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Why would it be any better than simply milk?
Amelia Winslow
June 11, 2015 at 1:58 pmHi Adam,
There’s about 12g of naturally occurring sugar (lactose) in every cup of low-fat milk, so since this bottle is 11 oz, about 16 grams of the sugar in this drink are from lactose. The remaining 7 grams of sugar = a little less than 2 tsp, which is an amount someone might put in a bowl of oatmeal anyway. You’re right that this is a sweet drink and not the same as regular milk, but for those who like overnight oats to taste slightly sweet and offer protein, it’s a great option. If you are satisfied with unsweetened oatmeal and aren’t looking for additional protein at breakfast, you could of course just make overnight oats with plain milk and call it a day.
brandee
June 20, 2015 at 12:36 pmAnyone know how to save ur fav recipes on this website so I can re-find them easily?