Easy Overnight Oats

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Learn how to make the perfect batch of overnight oats! It’s one of the easiest, no-cook breakfast options that will leave you with healthy grab-and-go breakfasts to enjoy throughout the week. Bonus – it’s endlessly customizable!

Overnight oats in a few jars with fruits on a table.

Why You’ll have These Overnight On REpeat

If you love healthy breakfast ideas but don’t want to do a whole lot of work in the morning, overnight oats were made for you. Honestly, it’s as easy as stirring together a couple of ingredients in a jar, placing it in the fridge, and enjoying the next morning. That’s it! There’s no cooking, baking, and you don’t even get any extra dishes dirty. It’s a total winner all around. Here’s a few more reasons why I love them:

  • There are endless options: you can make them as simple or creative as you’d like! The base recipe is delicious and filling all on its own. But if you’d like to spruce it up, you can add a variety of toppings and mix-ins, including fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, spices, and jams.
  • They’re great cold or warm: In the summer I enjoy this chilled breakfast straight from the fridge (perfect on a hot summer day). And in the winter I can warm the glass jar in the microwave for 30 seconds for a cozy breakfast.
  • They’re a meal prep winner: Sure, you can prep one jar of overnight oats. But you can just as easily prep jars for the entire week. In less than 5 minutes! And who doesn’t love a ready-made breakfast?
A jar with ingredients to make overnight oats.

Overnight Oats Ingredients

While technically you only need rolled oats and milk to make overnight oats, I always add chia seeds, yogurt, and a smidge of maple syrup in my base recipe. That’s what makes them ultra creamy and tasty!

  • Rolled oats: Make sure to use old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. And remember to look for certified gluten-free oats if you’re gluten-sensitive or celiac.
  • Milk: You can use dairy or dairy-free milk (like almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk), and yes, even water works. It just depends how creamy you’d like it.
  • Yogurt: A simple Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt provides extra creaminess, protein, and that perfect touch of tangy flavor.
  • Chia Seeds: These magical little seeds will gel up in the oats to make it creamy and thick. Plus, they’re loaded with health benefits and give a nutrient boost.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey blend in beautifully. You can always add as little or as much as you’d like.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

Oatmeal versus Overnight Oats

A warm bowl of oatmeal is pretty high up on the list when it comes to healthy breakfast options. But if you have a sensitive gut (as I do), you may prefer overnight oats.

Soaking your oats overnight helps to break down the starches and reduce phytic acid. That means it’s easier to digest the oats and absorb their nutrients more efficiently.

How To Make Overnight Oats (Single Serving)

  • Stir it all together. In a small jar, stir together the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup.
  • Let it soak. Place the jar in the fridge to let the oats soak for at least two hours, though overnight is best.
  • Add toppings and serve. The next morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy! Alternatively, you can scoop the oats out into a bowl and add toppings from there.
Pouring milk into a jar with overnight oats ingredients.
Stirred overnight oats in a jar with spoon.

How To Make Overnight Oats (Large BAtch)

  • Make as much as you want. Just double, triple or quadruple the recipe listed below. It’s as easy as that!
  • Stir everything together. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup.
  • Cover and soak. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it soak overnight in the fridge.
  • Serve individually. Scoop out a portion (about 1 cup) from the bowl into a serving glass or bowl. Then add your favorite toppings!
Adding overnight oats ingredients to a large bowl.
Stirring ingredients for overnight oats in a bowl.

Ways To Make Overnight Oats Exciting

Now here comes the fun part – toppings and mix-ins! Creativity is the name of the game here. So whatever your heart desires, go for it. But if you need some inspiration, here’s some of my favorite flavor combinations!

  • Fresh fruit: Make the most of seasonal fruits, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, peaches, pears, and apples. You can also blend them into a puree or make a chia seed jam and stir it in.
  • Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, goji berries, and chopped dates lend a chewy texture and fruity flavors.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunchy texture.
  • Extra Flavor: Sprinkle on coconut flakes or cacao nibs. They’ll taste amazing with banana, strawberry, or tropical flavors.
  • Spices: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, or ginger to spice things up a bit!
  • Yogurt: Mix in any type of yogurt for extra creaminess. Plus, it’ll add extra protein and a probiotic boost.
  • Nut Butter: Choose your favorite nut butter (I always love almond butter), and stir it in or drizzle it on top. It too will provide a protein boost.
  • Protein Powder: Still want an even bigger protein boost? Feel free to add protein powder or collagen powder.
Jars of overnight oats on the table.

Jar Recommendations

While many photos show overnight oats filled to the brim with toppings overflowing, that’s just not realistic in terms of mixing. You want a jar that’s large enough to stir everything together without making a mess. So with that in mind, I recommend a 16-ounce jar if you plan to add toppings. And a 12-ounce jar works for the base recipe with a small amount of mix-ins.

  • Mason Jars: Traditional mason jars are perfect for overnights oats. The pint-sized jars are 16-ounces, and the screw top lid is secure and super easy. You can also get 16-ounce wide mouth jars if you prefer.
  • Weck Jars: While I normally love Weck Jars for so many things (like chia pudding), if you plan to “grab and go” with your overnight oats, you might lose the clips. But if you’re careful, the 1/4 liter mold jar is the perfect size for the base recipe at 12.5-ounces.

How To Store and Meal Prep

  • To Store: Overnight oats will stay good for up to four days in the fridge. If you have fruit toppings or fruit mix-ins, I recommend no more than three days, as the fruit is likely to go bad first.
  • For Freezing: Yes, you can freeze overnight oats! Similar to my meal prep chia pudding, overnight oats will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.

Common Questions

Can you use quick cooking oats?

Yes, you can. But just be aware that the texture will end up more mushy, like porridge.

Do you have to use yogurt?

No, you don’t have to. But I find that yogurt gives a wonderfully rich and creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can always use dairy-free milk and dairy-free yogurt.

Can you eat overnight oats warm?

Absolutely! Overnight oats don’t have to be eaten cold. Just warm them up on the stovetop in a small pot or in the microwave for a minute or two the next morning.

Can you eat overnight oats for dinner?

Of course! As I always say… any food can be eaten any time of any day. So feel free to enjoy overnights oats for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

More Easy, Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas

  • Breakfast Casserole: Just slice and freeze for easy reheating.
  • Chia Seed Pudding: Did you know you can also freeze chia pudding?
  • Breakfast Egg Muffins: These breakfast bites are customizable and can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
  • Sweet Potato Toast: Prep slices for the week for a veggie-heavy breakfast! It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Paleo Pancakes: When you’re craving good ol’ pancakes, these ones store well in the fridge and freezer.

If you make these overnight oats, I’d love to know how they turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.

Six jars of overnight oats.

Easy Overnight Oats (6 Amazing Flavors)

4.96 from 274 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Total: 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

Learn how to make the perfect batch of overnight oats! It's easy, healthy, customizable, and great for a grab-and-go breakfast. Watch the video below to see how I make all of the different flavors in my kitchen!

Video

Ingredients 
 

Basic Overnight Oats

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Spiced Pear Overnight Oats

PB&J Overnight Oats

  • 2 tablespoon raspberry jam or puree
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped pistachios

Pina Colada Overnight Oats

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats

Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients into a sealable jar or bowl and give it a stir until combined.
    Adding ingredients for overnight oats to a bowl.
  • Let it soak in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but it's best to soak overnight for 8 hours. This will yield a creamier consistency.
    Overnight oats mixed in a large bowl with a spoon.
  • Top your overnight oats with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
    Different flavored overnight oats in jars on table.

Lisa’s Tips

  • If you make a large batch in a bowl, once it’s set and thickened overnight scoop out about 1 cup for a single serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 104mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: healthy overnight oats, overnight oats, overnight oats recipe
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Recipe originally posted January 2021, but updated to include new information and photos for your benefit!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

4.96 from 274 votes (61 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




623 Comments

  1. Hey Lisa,
    I have made a lot of your recipes and have enjoyed them. I’m trying the overnight oats next. That banana bread.
    Thank you so much.

  2. That’s a good tip about making overnight oats in a big bowl you are not committed to the toppings till the morning. Thank you. Sandra 🇮🇪

  3. I LOVE your overnight oats recipes. I have tried the basic and the carrot cake (yummy) and will try the others soon. Thank you, Lisa, for these and your other great recipes.5 stars

  4. I eat a version of Lisa’s overnight oats nearly everyday! I put together stevia, cinnamon, chia seeds, and oats in glass jars for the week then add almond milk and yogurt to one jar for overnight. The next morning I add banana, the nuts and berries I have in the fridge. It’s simple, filling, and super healthy.5 stars

      1. This base works really well and all of the variations are great! My son’s favourite is the Pina Colada as he loves pineapple! I did find though that it is best to add the pineapple in the morning. If added the night before, it develops a bitter taste. Otherwise, great! Thanks for the recipes.5 stars

  5. I had never made overnight oats before so this recipe was perfect my major tweak was using oat milk and maple flavored yogurt. Then I put some trail mix and some chopped Peaches on top! I will never be with out a few jars of this in my fridge for a go to breakfast!5 stars

  6. I’m experimenting with Overnight Oatmeal recipes this summer. Having just discovered your website, I thought I’d try some of your recipes. After trying nearly 10 recipes from lots of different websites, your Banana Bread Overnight Oats is our family’s absolute favorite! We’ll be trying the other variations for sure. Thanks for a true winner recipe.5 stars

  7. I have long been intrigued by the idea of overnight oats. I prepared the Basic Overnight Oats last night with full-fat Greek yogurt and unsweetened almond milk. I enjoyed them for breakfast with an ounce of mixed nuts, roasted and unsalted. Wow! The thick consistency, texture, and taste were excellent! This dish will be a new breakfast staple in my kitchen. Thank you!

  8. While I appreciate the ideas for add-ins, the base for this recipe was way too soupy for me. I used the 2x recipe so I could have a full jar in the morning, which called for 1 cup of both oats and milk, and it was too much liquid even overnight. I enjoy a thicker creamy oatmeal but this was watery. I’d be willing to try it again but I’d probably only use 1/2 up to 3/4 cup of milk. Also while I enjoy Greek yogurt by itself (plain or flavored), I didn’t like the tang it added to the oatmeal but that’s just me.3 stars

  9. Hi Lisa,
    Your Strawberry Overnight Oats was a delicious, quick and easy recipe. Thank you Lisa for recycling how to enjoy this delicious seasonal fruit. Your email came right after I asked myself, “Now how can I enjoy all of these delicious strawberries? “ There you were, like magic ! Thank you!. So glad I signed up for your emails….

  10. I’ve made this several times and it’s the best! My kids eat it (4 & 8) as well as my husband which says a lot because they’re all picky eaters! I’ll mix it up, one day I’ll add chia jam, also your recipe, and bananas and another day we’ll do peanut butter and honey and then mix it up some more by adding frozen pineapple and mango. The possibilities are endless! It’s quick and as a mom I’m happy to send them off with an amazing, grab-n-go nutritious breakfast! The whole house loves it! Winning!!5 stars

    1. Hi Viviana – Thanks for leaving a review and happy to hear the whole family enjoys these overnight oats!

  11. Freezer hack is extremely helpful since i am working. However, i am bit afraid that does it really stay good for several months. Then, after preparation i have kept it in fridge just for one day but thank you for letting me know that we can keep it even longer.

  12. So delicious! I live in southern Italy in a small fishing village where food is incredibly fresh and store bought items don’t have scary ingredients. I used honey from Crete and cinnamon and it came out amazing! I too have Hasimotos, and ITP and major gut issues.But living here and eating their great food my stomach and thyroid are much happier.Lol, just wish they didn’t drive so crazy!5 stars

  13. Love this recipe I have stopped purchasing HOLOS since using your recipe, I actually like yours better plus way less expensive.
    Question: Can I substitute the yogurt for Kefir?5 stars

  14. I am wondering if I could use 1/2 yogurt and 1/2 cream cheese to make it taste like carrot cake with cream cheese frosting?5 stars

  15. I’m confused, for the other recipes, like the strawberry protein, is it the basic oats recipe plus the additional ingredients listed, or only the ingredients under that topic?

    1. Hi Delilah – You will make the base recipe and then add any other ingredients listed under each flavor. Hope that helps!

  16. I made it with honey. Oh honey, it was exquisite! Thank you Lisa for all the great, delicious y healthy recipes! I have your book too. I’m a happy Downshiftology admirer.
    You are very thin Lisa 👏👏 I would like to shed about 6 pounds, how would I go about it?5 stars

  17. Im confused the over night oats and the toppings should be separated by specifying which is which and macros are not including different toppings

    1. Hi Ray – The base ingredients are listed separately from the add-ins. Also, the nutritional information is just for the base recipe.