Overnight Oats Recipe Easy

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

A quick and nutritious breakfast option that you can prepare the night before!

Harriet Collins

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-02T00:52:04.429Z

Overnight oats are a fantastic way to start your day. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. This recipe allows you to customize your oats with various toppings and flavors, ensuring you never get bored!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare for busy mornings
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and flavors
  • Healthy and filling, keeping you energized throughout the day

The Benefits of Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are not just a time-saver; they are also a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with whole grains, fiber, and protein, they provide a well-balanced breakfast that can help you stay full and satisfied throughout the morning. The combination of oats, yogurt, and chia seeds creates a creamy texture while delivering essential nutrients like calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Moreover, overnight oats can be a great choice for those looking to manage their weight. The high fiber content helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer, which can prevent mid-morning cravings. By preparing your oats in advance, you take the guesswork out of breakfast, ensuring you start your day on a healthy note.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of overnight oats is their versatility. You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a fan of sweet flavors or prefer something more savory, the options are endless. Consider adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist or swapping out the milk for a nut milk to cater to lactose intolerance.

Toppings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and nutritional value of your oats. Fresh fruits, such as sliced bananas or a handful of berries, not only add a burst of flavor but also provide antioxidants. Additionally, incorporating nuts or seeds can introduce healthy fats and proteins, turning your overnight oats into a complete meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Overnight oats are a fantastic answer for busy individuals looking to streamline their meal prep. By preparing a batch at the beginning of the week, you can ensure that you have nutritious breakfasts ready to go each morning. Simply make several jars at once, and you’ll have a quick, grab-and-go meal that requires no cooking time in the morning.

This recipe is also ideal for families. Kids can personalize their oats with their favorite toppings, making breakfast enjoyable and encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age. Plus, it eliminates the stress of morning meal preparation, allowing for more quality time together before the day begins.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Toppings (Optional)

  • Fresh fruits (e.g., bananas, berries, apples)
  • Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
  • Nut butters (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
  • Cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor

Feel free to mix and match the ingredients to create your perfect overnight oats!

Instructions

Combine the Base Ingredients

In a jar or container, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.

Add Toppings

If desired, layer in your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to add flavor and texture.

Refrigerate

Cover the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to absorb the liquid.

Serve

In the morning, give the oats a good stir, add more toppings if desired, and enjoy your convenient breakfast!

Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep!

Storage Tips

To keep your overnight oats fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can typically last for up to five days, making them perfect for meal prepping. Just make sure to avoid adding delicate toppings, like fresh fruits, until you're ready to eat to prevent them from becoming soggy.

If you find your oats are too thick after a night in the fridge, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a splash of milk or yogurt before serving. This will rejuvenate the oats and make them creamier, giving you the perfect breakfast experience every time.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of overnight oats provides a healthy balance of macronutrients. One cup of rolled oats offers about 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 27 grams of carbohydrates, along with a significant amount of dietary fiber. When combined with milk and toppings like yogurt and fruits, the nutritional profile becomes even more impressive.

By choosing various toppings, you can tailor the calorie content and nutritional benefits to fit your lifestyle. For instance, adding nut butter can increase the protein and healthy fat content, while fresh fruits add essential vitamins and minerals without significantly increasing calories.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats will require more liquid and a longer soaking time. They may not achieve the same creamy texture as rolled oats.

→ How long can I store overnight oats?

Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make overnight oats vegan?

Yes, simply use plant-based milk and omit yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

You can add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even cocoa powder for a different taste.

Overnight Oats Recipe Easy

A quick and nutritious breakfast option that you can prepare the night before!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Harriet Collins

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Base Ingredients

  1. 1 cup rolled oats
  2. 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  3. 1/2 cup yogurt (optional)
  4. 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  5. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Toppings (Optional)

  1. Fresh fruits (e.g., bananas, berries, apples)
  2. Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
  3. Nut butters (e.g., almond butter, peanut butter)
  4. Cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a jar or container, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.

Step 02

If desired, layer in your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to add flavor and texture.

Step 03

Cover the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats to absorb the liquid.

Step 04

In the morning, give the oats a good stir, add more toppings if desired, and enjoy your convenient breakfast!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 10g