Overnight Oats (Four Delicious Flavors)

Overnight Oats is one of the easiest and no-cook breakfast options! We can make it well ahead of time, and it is perfect as a grab-and-go healthy breakfast. It is creamy, delicious, easy to make, and highly customizable.

Jump to:

• What are Overnight Oats?
• Health Benefits of Oats
• Base Overnight Oats Ingredients
• How To Make Base Overnight Oats
• Flavor Ideas For Overnight Oats
• Storing Suggestions
• Helpful Tips
• More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
• Recipe Card

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What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight Oats are a blend of raw rolled oats, milk (I always use non-dairy), optional yogurt, and a choice of natural sweetener. The other optional add-ins are a pinch of salt and chia seeds. 

So basically, overnight oats are a no-cook method of making oatmeals. There is no need to cook oats; and instead, they are soaked in enough liquid. So we need to soak the oats and let them rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours to up to overnight.

While soaking, oats will absorb the liquid and will become soft. And that is how they will be softened enough to consume uncooked.

So after soaking oats overnight, you will have a healthy and ready-to-eat breakfast. The only thing you need to do is to add toppings of your choice.

Health Benefits of Oats

• Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, which helps you feel full for longer.
• They are also higher in protein than most other grains.
• Oats are very high in many vitamins and minerals.
• They also contain many powerful antioxidants.

You can find out more health benefits of oats here.

Base Overnight Oats Ingredients

1. Rolled Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and taste. You can also use gluten-free rolled oats, but do not use quick oats or steel-cut oats.
2. Milk: We can use dairy or non-dairy milk for this recipe. But I always prefer to use non-dairy milk to make overnight oats. My favorite dairy-free milk is cashew milk and almond milk. However, you can use your choice of milk. Instead of milk, we can also use water. But with water, overnight oats will not be as creamy as with milk.
3. Chia Seeds (Optional): Chia seeds will gel up in the overnight oats, making them creamy and pudding-like. Moreover, they are loaded with lots of nutrients and health benefits. So I always like to add chia seeds to my overnight oats.
4. Yogurt: It provides creaminess, protein, and a perfect touch of tanginess to overnight oats. I have used plain Homemade Yogurt, but you can also use Greek yogurt. However, you can skip yogurt if you prefer and add a little more milk. To keep overnight oats vegan, use non-dairy yogurt. 
5. Sweetener: I love using maple syrup for overnight oats. However, you can add any sweetener of your choice. Also, add as much sweetener as you prefer. 
6. Salt (Optional): I like to add a pinch of salt to overnight oats. It elevates the flavors; however, you can skip it if you want.
7. Toppings: Toppings are a fun part of making overnight oats. We can be creative here and add as many toppings as we like. For example, we can add fresh or frozen fruits, nuts, dried fruits, nut butter (my favorites are peanut butter and almond butter), seeds, protein powder, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and spices.

How To Make Base Overnight Oats

For A Single Serving

• Take rolled oats into a mason jar, bowl, or any glass cup, as you prefer.

• Add milk, yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, and a pinch of salt.

• Stir until everything is well combined and there are no clumps.

• Then cover with the lid and place it in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight.

• When you are ready to eat, add more milk if you need to adjust the consistency.
• Otherwise, add your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

For A Bigger Batch

• Suppose you are looking to make a bigger batch of overnight oats, double or triple the recipe. Or scale it up as much as you prefer.
• Stir oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, and salt into a large mixing bowl until well combined, and there are no clumps.

• Cover the bowl with the lid or plastic wrap, place in the fridge, and soak overnight.

• Scoop out the portion into a serving bowl or glass cup.
• Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Flavor Ideas For Overnight Oats

Peanut Butter and Jelly

This flavor is like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the form of overnight oats. It has a sweet and nutty taste that is so delicious and irresistible. Add peanut butter or almond butter, raspberry or strawberry jelly, and fresh raspberries or strawberries in the base overnight oats.

Blueberry and Almond

I love the combination of blueberries and almond butter. Layer the almond butter and blueberries, then top it with slivered or chopped almonds. Add more sweetener if you need to.

Apple Pie

This flavor is absolutely delicious with the combination of apples, pecans, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. It provides warmth and satisfaction in the fall and winter seasons.

Chocolate Almond

If you love chocolate, try this combo of chocolate and almonds. To the base overnight oats, mix cocoa powder, maple syrup, and almond butter. And top it with chopped almonds and optional chocolate chips or cacao nibs.

Storing Suggestions

• Whether you make a single serving or a large batch, overnight oats will keep in the fridge for up to five days.
• However, if you already have mixed in toppings and fruits, refrigerate it for up to three days. 

Helpful Tips

• Make overnight oats in a jar, mason jar, or glass container. And this way, you can use only one container for mixing, chilling, and carrying it with you.
• Use only old-fashioned rolled oats, and do not use quick oats or steel-cut oats for the recipe.
• Although overnight oats are served cold, you can warm them if you want. Microwave it for 40-50 seconds, add toppings and enjoy!
• To make it vegan, use non-dairy milk and skip yogurt or add non-dairy yogurt.
• It is best to add toppings right before serving.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes

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• Avocado Salsa (No Onion) / Avocado and Coriander Salsa
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