Learn how to make overnight oats! This easy, make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings. Find my base recipe plus 4 fun variations below.
When someone asks for an easy, healthy breakfast idea, this overnight oats recipe is always my top recommendation. Not only is it perfect for busy mornings, but it’s also a nutritious option that you can make in advance. These oats are satisfying enough to keep you full until lunch, thanks to their simple ingredients like oats, chia seeds, and optional yogurt. Best of all, making overnight oats is fun and customizable!
Readmore about overnight Oatmeal.
You might wonder, "Are overnight oats healthy?" Yes, they are! Overnight oats are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, providing sustained energy throughout the morning. Plus, this breakfast is endlessly customizable. Once you learn how to make overnight oats, you can experiment with different mix-ins like cocoa powder or vanilla extract and add toppings like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit. I’m sharing four tasty variations below to get you started. Try them out, and then get creative with your own overnight oats!
Overnight Oats Recipe Ingredients
When I first started making overnight oats, I kept them simple, using just oats, almond milk or coconut milk, and maple syrup. But after a bit of experimentation, I realized that adding chia seeds gives overnight oats a deliciously thick and creamy texture, similar to chia pudding. This addition also enhances the benefits of overnight oats by providing extra protein, fiber, and healthy fats. What's not to love?
Now, I use these ingredients in my go-to overnight oats recipe:
- Whole rolled oats – Also known as old-fashioned oats. While quick oats are a different variety, they are not suitable for this recipe as they become too mushy, and steel-cut oats remain too chewy.
- Chia seeds – For extra protein and the perfect thick and creamy texture.
- Almond milk – You can use any milk you like! Dairy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are great options; coconut milk adds a rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey can be used as well.
- A pinch of salt – To enhance the flavor of the oats.
If desired, you can also stir in Greek yogurt for more protein and an even creamier texture. Skip it to make this recipe dairy-free.
Read more about Easy Oatmeal Creampie Recipe.
How to Make Overnight Oats
My method for how to make overnight oats is incredibly simple! Here’s what to do:
- Place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, salt, and yogurt (if using) in an overnight oats container or jar.
- Pour in the almond milk and stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds at the bottom or sides of the jar!
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days.
- When ready to eat, give the oats another stir, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!
If you’re meal prepping overnight oats, set out a Mason jar for each serving. Add all the ingredients EXCEPT the milk to each jar. Then, add the milk to one jar and stir it together before adding the milk to the next. This method helps prevent the chia seeds from clumping. Once all jars are prepared, cover and refrigerate until ready to eat!
For the best results, wait to add any toppings until the morning you plan to eat your oats. This way, nuts, seeds, and granola will remain crunchy, and fruit will stay fresh and bright.
Can You Heat Up Overnight Oats?
Many people ask, “Can you heat up overnight oats?” Absolutely! While overnight oats are traditionally enjoyed cold, they can also be heated up for a warm, comforting breakfast. Just transfer the oats to a microwave-safe container and heat them for 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them on the stovetop. This is a great option, especially in the colder months, adding a cozy twist to your morning routine.
Overnight Oats Recipe Variations
Now for the fun part: overnight oats variations! Here are four delicious versions that I love:
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
This variation is perfect for fall! I stir applesauce and warm spices into the creamy oat base and top it off with diced apples and toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. If available, I also like to add a scoop of stovetop cinnamon apples to this version—they taste just like the filling of an apple pie!
- Peach Crisp Overnight Oats
Topped with sweet, juicy peach slices and crunchy granola, this overnight oatmeal is a tribute to my favorite peach crisp dessert.
- PB&J Overnight Oats
It’s a classic combination for a reason! I load this variation with creamy peanut butter and a strawberry chia jam that delivers a powerful berry flavor. Fresh strawberries and raspberries enhance that flavor even more, while toasted peanuts add the perfect crunch. For a twist, swap almond butter and toasted almonds for the peanut butter and peanuts.
- Chocolate Banana Bread Overnight Oats
I mix cocoa powder, mashed banana, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the base for a rich, chocolatey banana bread flavor. Sliced bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips top it off.
These variations offer a range of flavors and textures, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of overnight oats while keeping breakfast exciting. Feel free to get creative and make your oats your own. Try adding spices or protein powder to the base, or experiment with toppings like seasonal fresh fruit, dried fruit, coconut flakes, nuts, seeds, or nut butters.
Overnight Oats Calories and Nutrition
One of the best aspects of overnight oats is their customizable calorie and nutritional content. By adjusting the ingredients, you can create a breakfast that fits your dietary needs. The base recipe is generally low in calories, but adding ingredients like nuts, seeds, and sweeteners can increase the overnight oats calories. However, these additions also enhance the nutritional value by adding healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
More Favorite Healthy Breakfasts
If you love this overnight oats recipe, you might also enjoy these healthy breakfast options:
- Chia Seed Pudding
- Instant Pot Steel-Cut Oats
- Baked Oatmeal
- Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Healthy Blueberry Muffins
- Energy Balls
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Overnight Oats: Rate This Recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves 1
Learn how to make overnight oats! This healthy, make-ahead breakfast is easy to customize. Try one of the variations in the recipe above, or create your own combinations of mix-ins and toppings.
Equipment
- Overnight oats container with lids (like Mason jars)
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- ½ cup whole rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup, plus more for serving
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup whole milk Greek yogurt, optional
- ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
Variations:
- Apple Pie: 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice, diced apple, chopped pecans, cinnamon apples (optional)
- Peach Crisp: Peach slices, granola
- PB&J: Chia Jam (see note), peanut butter, chopped strawberries, raspberries, chopped peanuts
- Chocolate Banana Bread: ½ banana (mashed), 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, pinch nutmeg, banana slices, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the base recipe: In a Mason jar or other lidded jar, place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, salt, and Greek yogurt (if using). Add the almond milk and stir until the mixture is well combined and there are no clumps of chia seeds at the bottom of the jar. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days.
- In the morning, top with your desired toppings and serve with drizzles of maple syrup.
For Apple Pie Overnight Oats: Stir the applesauce and cinnamon into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with diced apple, chopped pecans, and cinnamon apples, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
For Peach Crisp Overnight Oats: Make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with peach slices, granola, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
For PB&J Overnight Oats: Make the plain overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with chia jam, peanut butter, chopped strawberries, raspberries, and chopped peanuts.
For Chocolate Banana Bread Overnight Oats: Stir the mashed banana, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the overnight oat base. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Chia Jam Recipe
- 1 pound strawberries
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
Place the strawberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the strawberries, keeping a few a little chunky. Remove from the heat and stir in the chia seeds. Transfer to a jar and let cool, uncovered, at room temperature, then cover and chill in the fridge.
By using the right overnight oats container and following these simple steps, you can enjoy a nutritious, delicious breakfast every day of the week!
