Introduction

Overnight oats are a quick and versatile breakfast option that you can prepare ahead of time. These six easy recipes combine simple base ingredients with delicious flavors like banana bread, blueberry muffin, and peanut butter chocolate chip. Enjoy a healthy and satisfying start to your day with minimal effort.

Six small clear glass jars are arranged on a rustic white wooden board with chipped paint. Each jar shows three or more layers starting with a base of light brown oatmeal. The top left jar has a drizzle of smooth golden peanut butter and sprinkled small dark chocolate chips. The top middle jar is covered with broken pecan pieces. The top right jar is topped with thin almond slices and small dark chocolate chips. The bottom left jar has whole blueberries resting on the oatmeal. The bottom middle jar is topped with chopped fresh strawberries. The bottom right jar has chopped strawberries with a thick drizzle of peanut butter on top. The background is a white marbled texture with parts of a peeled banana and small dishes of peanut butter, sliced almonds, strawberries and blueberries scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk of choice

Flavor Variations:

Banana Bread: ½ mashed banana, 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, dash of sea salt, 1 tablespoon ground flax (optional), 2 teaspoons maple syrup
Blueberry Muffin: ¼ cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon cashew or almond butter, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, dash of sea salt
Peanut Butter and Jelly: 2 teaspoons peanut butter (plus extra for drizzle if desired), 1 teaspoon chia seeds, 4-5 strawberries, mashed or chopped, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, dash of sea salt
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: 2 teaspoons peanut butter, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (mini chips preferred), dash of sea salt
Strawberries & Cream: 4-5 strawberries, sliced or chopped, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup, 2-3 teaspoons cream (half & half or heavy cream), dash of sea salt
Almond Joy: 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 tablespoon sliced almonds, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, ½ teaspoon vanilla, a small drop of almond extract (less than ¼ teaspoon), dash of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl or jar with a sealable lid, combine ½ cup rolled oats and ½ cup milk of choice.
Step 2: Add all the ingredients for your chosen flavor variation to the base mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 3: Seal the container and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours) to allow the oats to soak and flavors to meld.
Step 4: Before serving, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if the mixture is too thick. Enjoy cold or warm them up if preferred.

Tips & Variations

Use any milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or dairy, to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to add texture and nutrition.
For a sweeter touch, adjust the maple syrup amount to your liking or add a drizzle of honey.
To make a vegan version, choose plant-based milk and substitute cream in the Strawberries & Cream variation with coconut cream or omit it.
If you prefer crunchy oats, add nuts or granola right before serving instead of soaking them overnight.

Storage

Store overnight oats in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the oats thicken too much, stir in a little more milk before eating. These oats can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or gently warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast.

How to Serve

The image shows several clear round glass bowls filled with layered oatmeal dishes on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has three layers: the bottom layer is creamy oatmeal, the middle layer features various mix-ins like granola or oats, and the top layer displays different toppings. One bowl in front is topped with bright red strawberry pieces and drizzled with peanut butter. Another bowl nearby has sliced bananas and chopped nuts on top of a darker oatmeal base. A third bowl is topped with fresh blueberries and granola. Two other bowls show granola mixed with chocolate chips and oats, with one drizzled in peanut butter. The bowls are arranged closely, showcasing the different textures and colors clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats can be used, rolled oats retain a better texture after soaking overnight. Quick oats may become too mushy, so adjust soaking time accordingly if using them.

Can I make overnight oats without dairy?

Yes, using plant-based milks like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk works perfectly and keeps the recipe dairy-free and vegan.