Can you freeze overnight oats? The short answer is yes! I'll show you how to prep ahead and save time in the mornings so that you can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast any day of the week!
Overnight oats have become a breakfast staple in my house on busy mornings, and for good reason. They're a tasty and nutritious way to start the day and can be prepped ahead of time with just a few simple ingredients. They're the perfect make-ahead breakfast! Some of my favorite overnight oat recipes are my high-protein overnight oats, blueberry overnight oats, and apple cinnamon overnight oats.
Overnight oats are nutritious, customizable, and ready-to-eat options that are perfect for the morning rush. You can make a batch on the weekend and enjoy them over the next few days. They will generally keep well for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
But what happens when you've whipped up a big batch and can't finish it? Can you just pop it in the freezer for another day?
The answer is yes, you can freeze overnight oats! Freezing overnight oats is a convenient and practical way to meal prep and ensure you always have a nutritious breakfast option on hand.
Overnight oats can be frozen in single servings for up to 3 months. By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can freeze overnight oats with confidence and enjoy them whenever hunger strikes.
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What are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are a no-cook method of preparing oatmeal that involves soaking old-fashioned oats in liquid (such as milk, Greek yogurt, or water) overnight in the refrigerator. As the raw oats absorb the liquid, they soften, creating a creamy oatmeal dish that's ready and waiting for you the next morning.
Overnight oats are popular because they're so easy to make and are endlessly customizable. They can be adapted for different diets (vegan, gluten free, etc) and have so many different flavor options.
You can make overnight oatmeal in a bowl, Tupperware or a jar like a mason jar or these overnight oats containers. Just stir all your ingredients together and eat it directly out of the container in the morning.
Doctor's Tip: Overnight oats are also incredibly good for you and have many health benefits. From promoting heart health to aiding in weight management, whole grain oats are packed with nutrition to kickstart your day!
How to Freeze Overnight Oats
1. Choose Your Recipe
Prepare your overnight oats as you normally would, using your favorite ingredients and flavor combinations. My basic recipe uses ½ cup of rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) soaked in a mixture of ½ cup milk of choice (such as dairy milk or non-dairy milk like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk), ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of sweetener like maple syrup or honey (optional).
While you might be tempted to add your favorite toppings now, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to eat. Certain ingredients, like fresh fruit (bananas, apples, berries) or nuts, will become soft and mushy when frozen and defrosted. Spices like ground cinnamon can also lose brightness and intensity. So it's best to add them after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
2. Mix Ingredients Together
Combine your ingredients together in a bowl and stir everything well to ensure the oats are fully soaked. Then, portion the soaked oats into individual freezer-safe containers or bags. This makes it easier to thaw and enjoy later.
Glass mason jars or overnight oats jars are great for this. Just be sure that they have a tight seal. Plastic containers work too, as long as they're freezer-safe.
Remember, liquids expand when frozen, so leave about an inch of space at the top of your container to prevent any messy surprises in the freezer.
3. Seal and Label
Seal the containers or bags tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve the freshness of the oats. If you are using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the top.
Label each container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of what you have and ensure you use them within an optimal time frame.
4. Place in Freezer
Place the containers or bags in the freezer and store them for up to 3 months.
Tips for Freezing Overnight Oats
- Freeze the overnight oats in single servings for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Use sturdy, airtight freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness. If using glass or plastic containers, be sure that they are freezer-safe. You can use traditional glass mason jars like these 16-oz wide mason jars or these fun glass overnight oats containers. You can also use freezer-safe plastic overnight oats jars.
- Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the oats freeze.
- For best results, add your toppings only when you're ready to enjoy your oats in the morning. This will give the best taste and consistency. Freezing ingredients like nuts, seeds, nut butter, yogurt, or fruit can significantly alter their texture and flavor.
How To Defrost Overnight Oats:
By following these simple steps, you can easily defrost your frozen overnight oats and enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast any day of the week!
1. Refrigerator
- The best way to thaw overnight oats is in the refrigerator overnight. The night before you plan to enjoy your oats, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw. The cold temperature of the fridge will slowly soften the oats and allow them to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a creamy and delicious texture by morning.
2. Microwave
- If you're in a rush, you can thaw the oats in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion of frozen overnight oats to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on a low or defrost setting in short intervals. Stir between each, until oats are thawed and warmed to your liking.
3. Stovetop
- Transfer the frozen overnight oats to a pan and heat on the stovetop until warm.
4. Cold Water Bath
- Submerge the sealed container of frozen overnight oats in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed. This typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
5. Room Temperature
- Allow the sealed container of frozen overnight oats to sit at room temperature until thawed. However, you should not let the oats sit out for more than 2 hours, otherwise you increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
No matter which method you choose, remember to give the oats a good stir before serving. If they are too thick after thawing, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Once thawed and stirred, your overnight oats are ready to enjoy! You can enjoy them cold straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing breakfast option. If you prefer a warm and comforting meal, you can heat them up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
After defrosting, overnight oats are safe to leave in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not refreeze defrosted oats. Doing so can result in a significant decline in quality and there's an increased risk of bacterial growth.
Final Words
Yes, you can freeze overnight oats. It’ll make your mornings smoother and keep that breakfast delicious and nutritious without any morning hassle.
Doing so will also give you a variety of yummy, healthy breakfasts ready to go. So mix up a big batch of your favorite flavors, pop them in the freezer, and give yourself a high-five for nailing breakfast meal prep.
Let's keep breakfast fun, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
FAQs
I wouldn't recommend freezing overnight oats with fresh fruit in them as freezing can alter the taste and texture of the fruit, making it softer or mushier when thawed. Also, fruits contain water, which may release during freezing and thawing, potentially causing the oats to become more watery or runny.
Frozen overnight oats can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
The best way to thaw frozen overnight oats is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat them. They’ll be ready to enjoy by morning. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw them in the microwave or on the stove top. You can also thaw them in a cold water bath or at room temperature.
Overnight Oats Recipes
About the author
Dr. Sonali Ruder
Meet Dr. Sonali Ruder aka The Foodie Physician- ER doctor, chef, culinary creator & mom.
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