Ever thought about making overnight oats with instant oatmeal packets (but not the normal ones for eating on their own)?
I am well aware that many of you use old-fashioned oats or rolled oats for overnight oatmeal, but instant oatmeal packets work perfectly fine, too, and honestly, they are so much easier.
This wholesome recipe gives you all the details on overnight oats with instant oatmeal packets, the correct liquid ratio, soak time, ideal toppings, and everything.
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What is the recipe about?
This recipe is for a make-ahead overnight oats breakfast, not with old-fashioned oats, rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or quick oats, but simply packaged instant oatmeal packets you can purchase at any grocery store.
You may know that instant oatmeal packets include instructions to pour the mixture into a bowl and add hot milk or hot water.
You can microwave them as well, ready in a minute or two. Except here, we are doing everything differently, instead of as overnight oats.
The good part is that you do not have to add any extra flavor or spices. The packets themselves are already available in so many great flavors: maple and brown sugar, apple cinnamon, cinnamon and spice.
Simply add your liquid to a jar or container, refrigerate it, and breakfast is ready the next morning.
How to use instant oatmeal packets?
There are two methods of making instant oatmeal packets. The first is the standard way: pour in hot milk or hot water, leave for a minute or two, or toss it in the microwave when you're short on time for breakfast.
The second way, which is what we are doing here, is leaving them overnight as overnight oats, no microwaving or hot liquid required.
Many readers have asked whether those instant oatmeal packets will work for overnight oats. Yes, they do, is my answer as I have used them a couple of times.
The packets are available in so many delicious flavors: maple and brown sugar, apple cinnamon, apple and cranberry, dates, raisins, and nuts. And each packet has so much flavor!
They're also sold as plain instant oatmeal if you'd like to customize your own flavors and toppings.
When ready, be it overnight oats or the instant way, top with what you fancy or just eat as is. Given that the packets are already flavored, you honestly don't need extra.
Disclaimer: The flavors in these little packets are from natural ingredients: maple syrup, brown sugar, apple (dried), cranberry (dried), date, and spice. Zero Artificial Flavors Zero Artificial Preservatives.
They cut the oats into smaller pieces during processing so they can absorb liquid quickly, which is why they're great for overnight oats.
Instant oatmeal packets vs. quick oats vs. old-fashioned
Instant oatmeal packets are so effective for overnight oats because they are finely cut and processed to absorb liquid quickly.
They are also flavored right away with options like apple cinnamon, cranberry, dates, nuts, and more, so you do not have to add any further toppings or sweeteners.
However, you can always enhance with some of your own if there is a need for variety.
When we talk about quick oats, it is like a normal pack of plain oats without any flavors.
They are frequently eaten like my oatmeal on the stovetop, blended into smoothies, or used to make overnight oats.
They do not have any extra flavours; therefore, you will have to add your own sweeteners, fruits, and toppings.
Old-fashioned oats take about 5 minutes to cook, while quick oats take only 1½ to 2 minutes. They are also cut finer than traditional Old Fashioned Oats, but not as thin as Instant Oats.
The difference between instant oatmeal packets and quick oats is very clear.
Instant packets come pre-flavored and portioned, whereas quick oats are plain. They are nutritionally similar, though instant oatmeal has more sodium because it is precooked and seasoned.
If you use quick oats instead, be aware that you may also need to add flavours and sweeteners before refrigerating.
Ingredients
Instant oatmeal: Use precooked packets. In this recipe, however, we are not making an instant version. I am soaking overnight for better results.
Liquid (water or milk): You can use anything to soak your oats. Milk, on the other hand, gives a creamier result.
At the same time, a healthy option is low-fat milk or any non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk. If you want a lighter option, you can make overnight oats with just water.
Toppings (optional): Toppings are optional because the packets are preflavored. However, if you want more fruit, go for freshly sliced bananas, berries, strawberries, apples, nut butter, or jams. Completely your choice.
Instant Oats to Liquid Ratio
| Packets | Liquid |
| 1 packet | ½ cup |
| 2 packets | 1 cup |
| 3 packets | 1½ cups |
| 4 packets | 2 cups |
For thicker oats, use ⅓ cup per packet; for softer oats, use ½ cup per packet. Adjust to your preference.
How Long to Soak
Soak for at least 1 hour. For the best texture, leave overnight. Instant oats are cut smaller, making them absorb liquid much faster than old-fashioned oats.
Steps to make instant oatmeal overnight oats
- Take the instant oatmeal packets (any flavor or plain) and transfer the contents into a bowl, a mason jar, or any container you prefer.
- Add any liquid, such as milk (preferred) or water, and if you use one oatmeal packet, add ½ a cup of water to soak the oats.
- Since these oats are finely cut and processed, thin in texture, ½ cup is enough to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, if you want, as an optional ingredient, and stir the mixture well.
- Cover the jar or bowl with a lid, then refrigerate.
- The soaking time can range from 1 hour to however long you like to consume.
- The minimum soaking time is 1 hour. If you want to have it for breakfast, prepare the mix and soak it overnight.
- If the soaked oats are too thick, add a little liquid of your choice until you reach your desired consistency, then stir.
- If you are unhappy with the packets' flavors, top them with additional toppings.
- Add sliced fruits of your choice, nuts, berries, jam, peanut butter, or any topping of your choice, and serve.
Duration
Since we are using an instant oatmeal packet to soak the oats, the soak time should be at least 1 hour to let the liquid fully absorb the oats and make them more flavorful.
You can also store it in the fridge overnight and have it with your favorite toppings for breakfast the next day.
Storage
For a fresher, better taste, consume within 3 days and do not store for longer than 3 days in the fridge.
Make sure to seal the jars tightly, store the mix in the fridge, and consume within a day or two for the best taste.
Tips
- These taste great with additional toppings such as fruits and nuts.
- Buy a packet of your preferred flavor to achieve the desired taste and save time preparing the toppings.
- One packet yields one serving for one person. Multiply the packets and prepare them in separate jars as the number increases.
- If preparing overnight oats for 2, soak the oats in 2 separate jars and use 2 packets.
- You can also use quick oats in place of instant oatmeal packets.
- If using quick oats, add sweeteners and toppings before you serve.
- Do not add sugar; the oatmeal packets already have it.
- You can buy packets with gluten-free options if you prefer to make gluten-free oatmeal.
Variations
While soaking, add chia seeds; if not, replace them with protein powder, cocoa powder, etc.
Replace milk with other liquids, such as almond, coconut, or non-dairy milk, to achieve a creamy texture.
Add any toppings you like, but they are optional. If you are looking for a healthy version of oats, check out my healthy overnight oats recipe. You can also blend leftover oats into my oats smoothie for a quick breakfast drink.
Scaling
Use one packet per person, double it for two people, or triple it for three people.
Make them in separate, air-tight containers, bowls, or jars to soak the oats, so it is easy to serve when making for the entire family.
FAQ
Yes, you can use it to soak quick oats in place of the oatmeal packets. Add additional toppings and flavors after soaking the oats, since quick oats tend to taste plain.
Yes, you can use cold water, cold milk, or yogurt to soak the instant oatmeal packets.
Yes, you absolutely can! All you have to do is pour the packet into a jar or bowl, mix with ½ cup of milk or water, stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. No cooking or microwaving needed.
Related
Recipe
Overnight oats with instant oatmeal (using packets)
Ingredients
- 1 instant oatmeal packet (any desired flavor)
- ½ cup milk (can use water or non-dairy milk, but milk gives an excellent creamy taste)
- 1 tablespoon mixed fruits toppings (optional)
- 1 tablespoon mixed nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Add the instant oatmeal packet to the mason jar or bowl.
- Add chia seeds or skip them if you do not prefer them.
- Give a mix.
- Add half a cup of milk to the contents.
- Stir the contents well.
- Cover the lid of the jar or bowl tightly.
- Place it in the refrigerator and soak them for at least one hour before serving.
- For breakfast, prepare and make ahead and soak it overnight if you prefer to have it as breakfast.
- Add fruit and nut toppings before serving, or have it directly.
Notes
- The calories here are calculated based on milk preferences. If using whole milk, calories are as given above, and if using low-fat milk or other milk, the calories may be reduced.
- Substitute milk or replace it with yogurt to have a creamy consistency.
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