Basic Overnight Oats are a quick, nutritious, and customizable breakfast that you can prepare the night before. With minimal effort, you can have a healthy meal ready to go in the morning. Simply combine oats, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and your favorite add-ins, and let them soak overnight. The result is a creamy, satisfying breakfast that’s full of fiber and will keep you energized throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Basic Overnight Oats are the perfect solution for busy mornings. The beauty of overnight oats is that you can make them ahead of time, saving you time in the morning while still enjoying a nutritious meal. This recipe is incredibly versatile—add your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, or sweeteners to customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic, simple version or one loaded with toppings, overnight oats are a delicious, hassle-free breakfast option.
Ingredients
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½ cup rolled oats
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½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
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¼ cup yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
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1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added fiber)
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1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Combine ingredients: In a mason jar or bowl, mix together the rolled oats, milk, yogurt (if using), chia seeds (if using), honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
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Refrigerate overnight: Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy texture by morning.
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Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir and add any desired toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or nut butter. Enjoy cold straight from the fridge or warm them up in the microwave if you prefer a warm breakfast.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 1 person.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
Variations
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Fruit-filled oats: Add fresh or dried fruit like berries, bananas, apples, or raisins before refrigerating. You can also swirl in fruit preserves or fruit puree.
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Nuts and seeds: Top with almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and protein.
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Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the base for a spiced flavor.
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Chocolate lover’s oats: Stir in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
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Peanut butter oats: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy, protein-packed breakfast.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats will continue to soften and thicken, so you may need to add a splash of milk or water when you’re ready to eat. They can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, or you can warm them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but they tend to absorb liquid faster and can become mushy. Rolled oats are preferred for a better texture, but quick oats will still work.
Can I make these oats without yogurt?
Yes, yogurt adds creaminess, but you can easily omit it. The oats will still be delicious with just milk (or a dairy-free alternative).
Can I make a larger batch of overnight oats?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe to make multiple servings. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, and store the extra servings in the refrigerator.
How can I make these oats sweeter?
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener of your choice. You can also use sweetened plant-based milk.
Can I add protein powder to these oats?
Yes, you can stir in a scoop of protein powder for an added protein boost. Mix it in with the other ingredients to ensure it’s well incorporated.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any kind of milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk, depending on your preference.
Can I eat these oats immediately, or do they need to be refrigerated overnight?
The oats need time to absorb the liquid and soften, so they should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Can I make these oats without chia seeds?
Yes, chia seeds are optional. They help thicken the oats and add extra fiber, but you can leave them out or substitute them with flax seeds or hemp seeds.
How do I make these oats gluten-free?
To make these oats gluten-free, ensure that you’re using certified gluten-free oats, as some oats may be processed in facilities that handle gluten.
Conclusion
Basic Overnight Oats are an easy, versatile, and healthy breakfast option that can be customized to suit any taste. With minimal prep time and endless possibilities for toppings and flavor combinations, overnight oats are perfect for busy mornings. Whether you enjoy them simple or loaded with fruit, nuts, and spices, they provide a delicious and nutritious start to your day. Enjoy the convenience and health benefits of this make-ahead breakfast!
Print
Basic Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
Basic Overnight Oats are a quick, nutritious, and customizable breakfast that you can prepare the night before. With minimal effort, you can have a healthy meal ready to go in the morning. Simply combine oats, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and your favorite add-ins, and let them soak overnight. The result is a creamy, satisfying breakfast that’s full of fiber and will keep you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
¼ cup yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added fiber)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a mason jar or bowl, mix together the rolled oats, milk, yogurt (if using), chia seeds (if using), honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and soften, creating a creamy texture by morning.
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir and add any desired toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or nut butter. Enjoy cold straight from the fridge or warm them up in the microwave if you prefer a warm breakfast.
Notes
For added flavor, feel free to mix in fruit, nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg before refrigerating.
If you prefer a sweeter version, adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking.
If you don’t have yogurt, you can leave it out or substitute with more milk or a non-dairy yogurt option.
Make a larger batch by scaling up the recipe and storing the extra servings in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
