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    Home » Breakfast

    Make ahead breakfast - overnight oats

    Published: Jun 8, 2022 · Modified: Oct 12, 2022 by StaceyRD · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    This overnight oats recipe is simple, healthy, and quick. Bonus: no pot to clean after making them!

    Jump to Recipe

    Why 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.

    white ceramic bowl with sliced banana and red strawberry

    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:

    • Cheesy Egg Bacon and Sausage Strata
    white and blue ceramic bowl with white and brown dish

    Overnight Oats

    StaceyRD
    Overnight oats are a healthy, make-ahead breakfast option and are easily customizable for your most picky eaters.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving

    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

    If you have any questions about this recipe, please leave a comment and we will respond as soon as possible. If you have other questions, please contact me here Contact Us
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    make ahead overnight oats

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