Easy Overnight Oats

This simple overnight oats recipe is a healthy meal you can make ahead of time for busy mornings or an evening snack with endless topping possibilities! It’s one of the easiest no-cook breakfast options that require minimal ingredients & a cinch to whip up.

I’ve wanted to try overnight oats for the longest time & finally gave them a go! Now, I only wish I would’ve tried them sooner as it’s already become a huge household hit. If you adore recipe ideas that don’t take up a lot of time or brainpower; this one’s for you! They’re no cooking, baking, or tons of dirty dishes to clean; which makes it an all-around winner in my book.

WHAT ARE OVERNIGHT OATS?

Overnight oats are a no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, you soak the raw oats in milk. This soaking process allows for the oats to absorb the liquid & soften enough to eat uncooked.

If you’re in a rush, you only need to let your oats soak in the fridge for about 2 hours. But, it’s ideal to soak them overnight for better digestion. The next morning you’re ready to eat a delicious, feel-good meal!

Best of all, you’ll reap numerous health benefits from this nutritional powerhouse. This recipe is protein-packed, rich in fiber to help you feel fuller longer, & incredibly nutrient dense to nourish our bodies.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE NEEDED?

Rolled oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Oats are one of the healthiest grains on earth; providing a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, & antioxidants.
Milk: You can use dairy or dairy-free milk (i.e. almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk). If you’re not a milk fan, you can even use water!
Greek Yogurt (optional): A simple Greek yogurt or diary-free yogurt provides extra creaminess, & protein. I choose a vanilla-flavored yogurt, but be sure to check out the nutritional label for the added sugar content. Limit added sugar to no more than 4 grams per serving.
Chia seeds (optional): These little guys will gel up in the oats to make them creamy & thick. Plus they’re amazingly rich in nutrients. *Just make sure you have floss handy after eating, as chia seeds are notorious for getting stuck in teeth.
Maple syrup or honey (optional): If you’re using plain Greek yogurt, try adding in a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey to give your mixture a sweet taste. *I omitted sweetener since I used a vanilla-flavored yogurt.
Vanilla extract (optional): This enhances all the flavors that go into the overnight oatmeal as well as giving it sweetness without any sweetener. *I omitted vanilla extract as well.
Toppings: This is where you can have some fun & get creative! Experiment with fresh fruit, dried fruit, nut butters, nuts, seeds, & spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom). You can even sprinkle on coconut flakes or a few chocolate chips for a dessert flavor. There are many ways to customize this recipe, which makes it the perfect tailor-made treat!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST OVERNIGHT OATS:

Make them inside a glass container or a mason jar with a sealable lid. This way you’re able to eat & mix all in one convenient container. If you don’t have a lid, you can use foil or plastic wrap to place over your container overnight.
Use plain old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won’t soften enough to eat.
Warm it up if you prefer warm oats in the morning. Although overnight oatmeal is typically served cold, you can definitely eat them warm. Just place them in the microwave for one minute & be sure to use a microwave-safe jar.
Make a batch for the week. Because overnight oats typically stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days, try meal prepping on Sunday for a full week of quick grab & go meals. Be careful if you’re adding fruit beforehand because the fruit typically doesn’t remain fresh for more than a couple of days.

Easy Overnight Oats

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Chill Time 8

Total Time 8 5

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk of choice
¼ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp sweetener honey or maple syrup (optional)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (omit if using a vanilla-flavored yogurt)
toppings of choice (fruit, nuts, seeds, nutter butter, spices, etc.)

Instructions

Place oats, milk, Greek yogurt, optional chia seeds, & sweetener of choice into a glass container (that can hold 2 cups or more) & mix until combined.
Cover the glass container with a lid, foil, or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Toppings can be added the night before or immediately before serving.
Uncover & enjoy right from the glass container the next day!