Overnight oats are the ultimate no-fuss breakfast, perfect for busy mornings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prep a nutritious, delicious meal the night before and wake up to a creamy, ready-to-eat breakfast.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 8 hours
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours
Servings: 1
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Quick & Effortless – Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy—no cooking required!
- Healthy & Satisfying – Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full.
- Completely Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, texture, and toppings to your liking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make several jars at once for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
- Great for Busy Mornings – No prep needed in the morning—just stir and eat!
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Creates a creamy texture; avoid quick oats, which can get too mushy.
- ½ cup milk – Any type works: dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk for extra flavor.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and a protein boost; swap with extra milk if needed.
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey – Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional) – Helps thicken the oats and adds fiber and omega-3s.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Pinch of sea salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- Toppings of choice – Fresh fruit, nut butter, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, granola, or chocolate chips.
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips – Adds rich, melty chocolate flavor for a sweet treat.
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter – Creates a creamy, nutty richness for extra flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work best.
- 1 Tablespoon strawberry jam or chia jam – Enhances the fruity sweetness and texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a jar or airtight container, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until fully combined.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. If short on time, let the oats soak for at least 2-4 hours; the longer they sit, the creamier they will be.
Step 3: Stir & Adjust Consistency
In the morning (or when ready to eat), remove the lid and stir well. If the oats seem too thick, add a splash of extra milk and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl. Top with fresh fruit, nut butter, granola, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Chip: Stir 1 Tablespoon of chocolate chips into the oat mixture before refrigerating. In the morning, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top before serving.
Peanut Butter: Mix ½ Tablespoon of peanut butter into the oats before refrigerating. Before eating, drizzle the remaining peanut butter on top for extra flavor.
Berry: Stir 2 Tablespoons of berries into the oat mixture before refrigerating. When ready to eat, top with a layer of jam and the remaining fresh berries.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be much softer since instant oats absorb liquid quickly. If you prefer a chewier consistency, stick with rolled oats.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
Overnight oats stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes them perfect for meal prepping multiple servings at once.