These 6 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes are healthy, delicious and some of the easiest meal prep for breakfast you can do. Overnight oats can be customized in so many different ways, making them a fantastic healthy breakfast option that anyone can make.
Healthy, make ahead and delicious! What is not to love about that combination when talking about breakfast. If that is what you are looking for, overnight oats is the perfect recipe for you. School time is right around the corner, and I am already in meal prep mode. I know that one of the easiest meal preps that I can do for those busy mornings is overnight oats.
With so many different flavor combinations, everyone can have their favorite. Plus, I can feel better knowing that everyone is starting their day off with a nutritious and filling breakfast.
We love overnight oats in this house, not just because they are super easy to make and can be made in advance, but because they are so good. The yogurt and chia seeds not only add wonderful nutritional value but a nice creamy texture to the overnight oats.
The base recipe is delicious on its own, but if you want to add different flavors you can easily customize it. Like this Banana Nut Overnight Oats recipe.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
Overnight Oats Ingredients
The base recipe for overnight oats is easy to make and absolutely delicious by itself.
- Rolled Oats- Old fashioned rolled oats with yield the best texture.
- Yogurt- ANY kind of yogurt can be used when making Overnight Oats. Just keep in mind the sweetness and flavor of the yogurt will affect the entire dish.
- Milks- Overnight Oats can be made with many different types of milk. I like to use almond milk or whole milk. You can use whatever you prefer.
- Sweeteners- I love using honey to sweeten overnight oats. Maple syrup is also a great sweetener. Keep in mind if you are using a flavored yogurt that it already contains sugar so you may not need to sweeten the overnight oats.
- Chia Seeds- Are a great addition for nutrition boost as well as texture. The chia seeds will thicken up the overnight oats and give them a lovely texture. They are optional, but I highly recommend adding them.
Additional Ingredients
The base recipe for overnight oats is fantastic on its own, but to really boost the flavor I love to add in additional ingredients. Some of these ingredients can be added when you are mixing the base ingredients together and some can just be used as toppings. Keep in mind when customizing your overnight oats, a good ratio to follow is a 2:1 ratio, 2 parts liquid (milk & yogurt) to one-part oats.
- Fruit- Probably one of my favorite ingredients to add to overnight oats. From mashed banana mixed into the oats to berries as a topping, you cannot go wrong with fruit in your overnight oats.
- Nuts- I love using almonds, pecans and walnuts for topping overnight oats. Nuts add great flavor, nutrition and texture to overnight oats.
- Spices- Cinnamon is my go-to for overnight oats. Spice blends like Chai are equally as fantastic in overnight oats.
- Other Add-Ins-Nut butters, chocolate chips, cocoa powder and shredded coconut are all great ingredients to add to overnight oats for additional flavor.
How to Make Overnight Oats
It is really just as simple as combining all of the ingredients in a bowl or jar, mixing and chilling overnight. Which is why overnight oats recipes are so popular, you literally don’t have to do much prep work to have a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
For your flavor add-ins, you simply add them in with the base ingredients and mix until fully combined.
For toppings, you can either add them when you make the overnight oats the night before or top the overnight oats when you go to eat them. Your choice!
Why are Overnight Oats Good for You?
My favorite nutritional fact about overnight oats is that the oats are easier for your body to digest. Soaking the oats overnight is like cooking them but done much slower than cooking them and without the heat. This long and slow process helps to breakdown their starches and reduce their phytic acid. Which in turn makes them easier for your body to digest an absorb their nutrients more efficiently.
Overnight Oats are high in fiber and protein, which is really good way to start the morning. They also provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making them a great heart healthy breakfast or snack option.
How to Eat Overnight Oats
Give your overnight oats a good stir, add your toppings and dig in. If the oat mixture is too thick you can add in more of your milk of choice, mix and enjoy!
Overnight oats can also be warmed before eating. They are meant to be eaten cold but are still really good when warmed slightly in the microwave.
1. Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats
I love Chai spice and when added to overnight oats it really shines. This recipe is just the simple base recipe with the addition of chai spice and vanilla extract.
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt. I find that greek yogurt works best but regular yogurt can be used.
- 1/2 cup almond milk or your milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chai spice
To make Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, mix well. Place in a container, cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Before serving the overnight oats, stir well and enjoy!
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats
This overnight oats recipe has quickly become my kiddos favorite flavor combination. I have added a little more honey to this recipe since I use cocoa powder. If you don’t want the additional sweetness, you can omit the additional tablespoon. You can certainly swap out the peanut butter for any other nut butter if you want.
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt. I find that greek yogurt works best but regular yogurt can be used.
- 1/2 cup almond milk or your milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 banana (ripe) mashed
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
To make this overnight oats recipe start by mashing 1/2 a banana in a bowl. Then add in the remaining ingredients. Mix until well combined, place in a container, cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Before serving, give the overnight oats a stir, add any additional toppings and enjoy!
3. Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt. I find that greek yogurt works best but regular yogurt can be used.
- 1/2 cup almond milk or your milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 banana (ripe) mashed
- 4-5 strawberries chopped
To make this overnight oats recipe start by mashing 1/2 a banana in a bowl. Then add in the remaining ingredients. Mix until well combined, place in a container, cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Before serving, give the overnight oats a stir, add any additional toppings and enjoy!
4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
I consider this overnight oats recipe to be more of a snack, or even dessert than breakfast. But if you want this one for breakfast, go for it! The addition of brown sugar, vanilla and chocolate chips gives this recipe all the flavors of delicious chocolate chip cookie dough. The kids really love this one!
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt. I find that greek yogurt works best but regular yogurt can be used.
- 1/2 cup almond milk or your milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Chips- as many as your heart desires!
To make this overnight oats recipe combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Mix until well combined, place in a container, cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Before serving, give the overnight oats a stir, add any additional toppings and enjoy!
Do you love Overnight Oats? My family loves this Cinnamon Maple Pecan Overnight Oats recipe and this Coconut Raspberry Overnight Oats recipe. My oldest son’s favorite is this Blueberry Overnight Oats recipe. Check them out!
5. Cinnamon Overnight Oats
One of my favorite go-to overnight oats recipes. You really cannot go wrong with just simple cinnamon in overnight oats! This basic recipe is fantastic topped with granola and nuts, bananas or apples.
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt. I find that greek yogurt works best but regular yogurt can be used.
- 1/2 cup almond milk or your milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
To make this overnight oats recipe combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Mix until well combined, place in a container, cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Before serving, give the overnight oats a stir, add any additional toppings and enjoy!
6. Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats
My family cannot get enough of this combination! During peach season, this recipe stays in constant rotation. Try it topped with your favorite granola!
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt. I find that greek yogurt works best but regular yogurt can be used.
- 1/2 cup almond milk or your milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup fresh peaches, small diced
To make this overnight oats recipe combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Mix until well combined, place in a container, cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Before serving, give the overnight oats a stir, add any additional toppings and enjoy!
How long do Overnight Oats last?
Overnight oats can last for up to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. When making overnight oats I like to make a large batch to get us through the week. I simply make the base in a large bowl, without the sweetener, then divide and make each flavor combination in their separate containers.
Do Overnight Oats really need to chill overnight?
Overnight Oats need to chill for at least 4 hours before the textures are right. If eaten before 4 hours the oats will not have had enough time to soak and soften. Which makes the mixture kind of weird, in my opinion. If you are looking for the full nutritional benefits for easier digestion, I recommend letting the oats chill overnight before eating them.
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6 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes
Everything you need to know about making this healthy and delicious breakfast. Plus 6 easy flavor combinations to start with!
Ingredients
Chai Overnight Oats
Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats
Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats
Instructions
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How To Make Overnight Oats
In a bowl combine the oats, yogurt, milk, honey and chia seeds. Add in other ingredients (listed above) and mix until fully combined.
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Place in an airtight container with a lid and chill overnight (or at least 4 hours).
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Before serving, give the overnight oats a stir, then add toppings if desired. Enjoy!
Note
Each recipe is enough for 1 serving.
Chai Spice Blend
1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/3 tsp. ground cardamom
1/2 (heaping) tsp. ground ginger 1/3 tsp. ground allspice
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
This makes more than what you need for 1 serving of the Vanilla Chai Overnight Oats Recipe.
