How to Make Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup steel-cut oats or old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water, non-dairy milk, or milk
• Pinch salt
• Brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener
• Dried fruit, like dried cherries, cranberries, or figs
• Fresh fruit, like raspberries, blue berries, bananas, apples, or pears
• Chopped nuts, like pecans, pistachios, walnuts, or almonds
• Splash of milk, creme fraiche, or yogurt
• 1- to 2-cup microwave-safe containers with lids

Directions

1. Add the oats, water, and salt to your container. For oatmeal that’s thick enough to eat with a spoon, use 1/2 cup of water; for a looser, more porridge-style bowl, use 3/4 cup. You can always mix in more liquid after it cooks if you want it thinner, so don’t overdo it now. Put the lid on tightly and gently swirl the container a few times so the oats are fully moistened.
2. Pack your toppings separately by putting a handful of whatever you’ve chosen into a small container. If you’re prepping several breakfasts for the week, hold off on this part and put the toppings together the night before you’re going to eat the oatmeal.
3. Chill the oats overnight, or keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days.
4. When you’re ready to cook, take off the lid and set it aside. If you’d rather, pour the oats and their soaking liquid into another microwave-safe bowl. Set the container on a microwave-safe plate to catch any overflow, then put it in the microwave.
5. Heat on high power for 30 seconds, take the oatmeal out, and stir it. Return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir again. If the liquid still isn’t very hot, microwave it for another 15 to 30 seconds, or until it’s hot enough. Microwaves vary, but in my microwave, 1 minute and 20 seconds total was just right.
6. Keep a close eye on things if you microwave for longer than 1 minute. Once the liquid begins to boil, it can foam up and spill over the sides, and smaller containers need extra attention.
7. The oats may not look quite finished yet, and you may still see a thin, foamy layer of liquid sitting on top. That’s perfectly fine. Let the oats sit for 2 to 3 minutes so they can thicken. Then stir them well; as you do, the oatmeal should turn thick and creamy. If it’s still thinner than you want, microwave for another 15 to 30 seconds, watching carefully so the liquid doesn’t foam over.
8. If the oatmeal has gotten too firm or thick, stir in a splash of milk, water, or another liquid until it loosens up. Mix in your toppings and serve. Enjoy!