Learn how to make the best overnight oats with this guide featuring seven popular, creamy flavors perfect for quick breakfast ideas and easy meal prep. These no-cook breakfast recipes are ready when you wake up.
Author:maddie-thompson
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:5 min (plus overnight chilling)
Yield:1 serving 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:No Cook
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
1 teaspoon sweetener (maple syrup or honey, adjust to taste)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a jar or container, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt (if using), sweetener, and salt.
Stir all ingredients together well until fully combined. Make sure no dry oats are stuck at the bottom.
Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
In the morning, check the consistency. If the oats are too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired creamy oats recipe texture.
Add your desired toppings or mix-ins (see flavor variations below) and enjoy this grab and go breakfast immediately.
Notes
For high protein breakfast variations, increase the Greek yogurt or add 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder to the base mixture before chilling.
If you are looking for oats for weight loss, reduce the added sweetener and use unsweetened almond milk.
These are excellent breakfast recipes for busy mornings and can be prepped in mason jars for easy transport.
For Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to the base mixture. Top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting substitute (Greek yogurt mixed with a tiny bit of powdered sweetener) before serving.
For Brown Sugar Overnight Oats: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of packed brown sugar instead of maple syrup in the base mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For Berry Swirl Overnight Oats: Mix 1/4 cup of frozen or fresh berries into the base mixture, or layer them on top before chilling.
For Basic Overnight Oats: Omit yogurt and use only 1/2 cup milk. Sweeten lightly with maple syrup.