This overnight oats recipe is simple, healthy, and quick. Bonus: no pot to clean after making them!
Jump to RecipeWhy is oatmeal good for you?
Oats contain a type of soluble fiber, called beta glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.
Can oatmeal help me lose weight?
Eating oatmeal regularly can have weight management benefits as a half-cup of rolled oats cooked in a cup of water has 165 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The fiber and protein content contribute to feeling full longer and a slower blood glucose release. Oats also are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, thiamine and zinc.
Overnight Oats Mix Ins
ADD SOME SPICE!
- Cinnamon – This is a great base to add just a little bit extra flavor to the basic ingredients. It also goes great with other add-ins.
- Nutmeg – Add a dash of fall to your oats!
- Salt – A pinch of salt can do wonders as it brings out all the other flavors.
PROTEIN POWER!
- Nut Butter – This is a great way to add in some extra protein to help fill you up. Peanut butter, almond butter, and sunbutter are all great options.
- Protein Powder – Here is another good way to add in some extra protein and flavor to your overnight oats!
- Chia Seeds – These are jam-packed with all kinds of nutrients, so they're a great way to make your overnight oats extra healthy.
- Flaxseeds – These are another great way to pack a lot of good nutrients into your overnight oats!
- Yogurt – Greek yogurt especially adds some protein and a little tangy flavor to your overnight oats!
OTHER OVERNIGHT OATS ADD-INS
- Fruit – Pretty much any fruit will go well in overnight oats! If you're going to use fresh fruit, we suggest waiting to add it until right before you eat it in the morning, since it can get soggy if it soaks overnight. If you're using frozen fruit, add it in when you make it in the evening so it'll have plenty of time to thaw before you eat it in the morning. Dried fruit is also an option!
- Vegetables – Yep, you read that right! Try adding in something like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or even cauliflower.
- Granola – You really can't go wrong by adding granola to anything! Whether it's store-bought or homemade, give it a try.
- Chocolate – Any chocolate will work here! Dark chocolate is healthy because of all the antioxidants, right?!
- Nuts – If you're a nut lover, then it's a given that you'll be adding nuts to your overnight oats. Pecans, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, the options are endless!
HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT OATS
Now you know all of the different ingredients you can add in, let's discuss how to make overnight oats. This recipe is just a base to start out with! Then you can add in all the flavor and toppings you want in the morning right before you eat it. Grab your jar and let's get started!
Overnight Oats
A delicious overnight oatmeal base recipe that you can customize to your own liking!!
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt, optional
- ½ cup liquid (milk or milk alternative)
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed, optional
- 1 Tbsp sweetener (honey, syrup, sugar, brown sugar, stevia, etc.)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Toppings & additional flavor
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add oats, yogurt, liquid, chia or flax seed and sweetener to a jar. Mix well. Store in the refrigerator overnight.
- Add in additional toppings and flavor and mix it all up right before you eat it up!
NOTES
These will last a few days in the fridge, so they're the perfect breakfast to meal prep on the weekend and eat throughout the week!
APPLE CINNAMON OVERNIGHT OATS RECIPE
This is such a delicious way to eat apples with your breakfast. It's great for any time of the year, but it'll definitely have you pretending like it's fall when you're eating it!
Add-Ins – A dash of cinnamon, 1-2 teaspoon brown sugar and ⅓ cup diced apple
BANANA BREAD OVERNIGHT OATS
If you like banana bread, then you're going to love this! Great texture and flavor in this recipe
Add-Ins – 2 teaspoon pecans, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of sea salt, ½ cup mashed banana, and 2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS
Add-Ins – 1-2 tablespoon peanut butter, 1-2 tablespoon chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon honey
This would be a great one to add a little extra vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter protein powder for an energy boost!
PB&J OVERNIGHT OATS
Here's a kid-friendly option!
Add-Ins – ⅓ cup chopped strawberries, 1-2 tablespoon peanut butter, 2 teaspoon strawberry jam, and 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
MANGO COCONUT OVERNIGHT OATS
This recipe reminds me of a pina colada on the beach! This tropical flavor combo for breakfast will have you planning your next beach vacation!
Add-Ins – ⅓ cup diced mango, ¼ cup coconut flakes, 1-2 tablespoon nut butter, and 1 teaspoon honey
Mmmmm. Now that should put a little pep in your step!
COOKIE DOUGH OVERNIGHT OATS
Don't worry about making a batch of cookie dough. Add these toppings to your oats and they'll have you thinking of fresh-baked cookies in no time!
Add-Ins – ¼ cup chocolate chips, 1-2 tablespoon peanut butter, dash of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
BANANA NUTELLA OVERNIGHT OATS
This is a family favorite! The Nutella just takes these oats over the edge almost pushing it into dessert territory. True story!
Add-Ins – 1-2 tablespoon Nutella, ⅓ cup sliced bananas, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1-2 tablespoon mixed nuts
CHUNKY MONKEY OVERNIGHT OATS
Add-Ins – ⅓ cup sliced banana, 1-2 tablespoon peanut butter, 2 teaspoon chocolate chips (melt them if you want to swirl the chocolate in), and 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Yes, please! You really can't go wrong with banana, peanut butter, and chocolate.
NUTS & BERRIES OVERNIGHT OATS
You've gotta try these classic flavors and toppings for oatmeal in the overnight version. You'll be impressed!
Add-Ins – ⅓ cup strawberries and blueberries, 1-2 teaspoon brown sugar or honey, and 2 tablespoon mixed nuts
And last but not least…
ALMOND JOY OVERNIGHT OATS
We might be a little bit nutty, but we're obsessed with these sweet toppings that make breakfast a little more like dessert… A healthy dessert! Go ahead and add dark chocolate chunks instead if that makes you feel better!
Add-Ins – ⅓ cup coconut flakes, ¼ cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoon chopped almonds, and 1 teaspoon honey
Weekday Breakfast
If you are looking for more easy weekday breakfast recipes, try this:
Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Overnight Oats - Base
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ c Greek yogurt optional
- ½ cup milk of choice for a very thick consistency or up to ⅔ cup milk for a thinner consistency
- drizzle maple syrup or honey optional
Instructions
- In a mason jar or container, combine the old-fashioned or rolled oats, cinnamon, chia seeds and yogurt. Slowly add the milk and mix into the oats to combine.
- Place the lid on the container and refrigerate overnight, or up to 5 days. When you are ready to serve, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you’d like, and enjoy chilled or warm.
Notes
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