Easy Overnight Oats

5 from 31300 votes

This easy overnight oats recipe is a healthy simple breakfast that you can make ahead for busy mornings and customize with many add-ins and toppings!

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This overnight oats recipe will teach you how to make a base that can be used with any toppings or add-ins you choose. It’s super easy to remember and the perfect overnight oats recipe for beginners. Overnight oats are my morning lifesaver. They are a zero cooking grab-and-go breakfast that’s delicious and nutritious! What I love is how customizable oats are with the toppings; you can have a different breakfast every day of the week.

Easy overnight oats - 4 ways

This overnight oats recipe is a great healthy breakfast that you can prepare in advance and when stored properly will last all week. So it makes it a great meal prep idea for Sunday night to prepare for the work week. I’ve been making this recipe for over 10 years now, multiple days a week and I have yet to get sick of it. The flexibility of flavors, toppings and add-ins makes this recipe especially awesome!

Whether you’re a Peanut Butter & Jelly aficionado or an Almond Joy enthusiast, there’s a flavor here for you. And while eating one of the six flavor combos below may feel like a treat, you’re still nailing all those nutritional checkpoints. Greek yogurt amps up the protein, chia seeds adds in a dash of fiber, and your choice of milk keeps it all smooth.

This is the best recipe for overnight oats I have found, even better one of the simplest and straightforward recipes too. Absolutely delicious. I need look no further for other morning recipes 😊” – Carol Trill

Below you’ll find some tips for meal prepping them in batches, and some topping and add-in inspiration with six popular overnight oatmeal flavors

Table of Contents

  1. What are overnight oats?
  2. Recipe at a glance
  3. Base Ingredients You need To Make Overnight Oats
  4. How to make a basic overnight oats recipe – the ratio
  5. How to make 2 Ingredient Overnight Oats
  6. How I make my overnight oat base
  7. Overnight oats step-by-step video tutorial
  8. Reader fav add-ins & flavor combos
  9. My Top 6 Overnight Oatmeal Recipe Ideas
  10. Maple Brown Sugar
  11. Blueberry Lemon Muffin
  12. Tips for making the best overnight oats
  13. Popular add-ins & toppings
  14. Frequently asked questions
  15. For more oatmeal recipes:
  16. Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

What are overnight oats?

If you’ve never had overnight oatmeal, they’re basically a no-cook method of making oatmeal. So, instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, you soak the raw oats with milk. That soaking process allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften them enough to eat uncooked. You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours. But, it’s ideal if you soak it overnight…hence the name overnight oats!

The next morning you have a ready-to-eat, delicious, creamy bowl or jar of “oatmeal.” The consistency is like a porridge or pudding. It makes for an easy convenient breakfast that has a more dense and creamy texture than warm oatmeal.

Best of all, you reap all the healthy benefits of oats in a fun grab-and-go breakfast:

  1. They contain more protein than most grains (5g per serving).
  2. They’re a rich source of fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer (4g per serving).
  3. They are a nutrient dense food, which makes your feel more satiated.

Recipe at a glance

Cuisine Inspiration: American Breakfast
Cooking Method: No-Cook
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free option available
Key Flavor: Creamy and customizable to your favorite flavors
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

Summary

  • No-Cook Breakfast: This recipe takes away all morning hassle—no need to fire up the stove or oven. Just mix the night before, chill, and go.
  • Two Essential Ingredients: At its core, all you really need to make overnight oats are oats and milk. The Greek yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, and vanilla extract are highly recommended additions for enhanced flavor and texture.
  • Nutrient-Packed: High in protein and fiber, these overnight oats keep you full for longer while offering a lot of nutrients.
  • Totally Customizable: Whether you’re a fruit lover, chocolate devotee, or nut enthusiast, there’s a flavor combo for you. You can seriously add or mix in whatever you like – it’s the chef’s kiss of breakfast recipes.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare it on a Sunday night and wake up to a delicious and nutritious breakfast all week long.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats with other glasses of overnight oats in the background

Base Ingredients You need To Make Overnight Oats

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won’t taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you’re really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

  1. Oats: This is really the only ingredient that’s non-negotiable. Make sure to use plain old-fashioned oats and not quick oats because the consistency is best with rolled oats. You can also use gluten-free oats. Do not use steel cut oats.
  2. Milk: For the liquid part, you can actually make this with water! But it’s more common to use milk. You can use full fat, 2% or low-fat milk. You can also use plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk or oat milk.
  3. Chia seeds (optional): These seeds are packed with tons of nutrition, and they help give the oats a pudding-like texture. So I always like to include them in my base recipe.
  4. Greek or vegan yogurt (optional): This gives the oats a tangy flavor, creamy texture and boost of protein.
  5. Vanilla extract (optional): This enhances all the flavors that go into the overnight oatmeal as well as giving it sweetness without any sweetener.
  6. Sweetener (optional): Use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the mixture, especially because oats can be somewhat bland on their own.
  7. Toppings: This is where you can have some fun with fresh fruit, dried fruit, nut butters, nuts, seeds and spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom). There are so many topping ideas and combinations, and I think that’s what makes this such a great versatile recipe!
Ingredients needed to make easy overnight oats

How to make a basic overnight oats recipe – the ratio

It’s all about the ratios to get the consistency you like. So try the suggested ratio below and then add more milk or use less milk until you find what works perfectly for you! Once you nail down the ratio of the basic overnight oats recipe, the sky’s the limit with the flavor combinations and toppings.

The ratio you want to use for just oats and a liquid:

1 part oats + 1 part milk

Here’s my simple ratio when adding chia seeds:

1 part oats + 1 part milk + ⅛ part seeds

The above is really my ideal texture, it’s creamy with enough liquid that it doesn’t feel like soup. That being said please adjust the ratios based on your preferred texture. Sometimes it takes a little engineering to get that “just right” bite of oatmeal.

Really good base for overnight oats. In the morning just combine the add ins. We have tried banana and peanut butter and apple and peanut butter using half a banana or half an apple per person, but staying with 1 TBSP peanut butter. Thankyou!Fran

How to make 2 Ingredient Overnight Oats

  1. Add your oats to your preferred jar.
  2. Top with your milk of choice.
  3. Mix everything together until all the oats are submerged in milk.
  4. Refrigerate overnight and eat!

How I make my overnight oat base

  1. To start, combine old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, Greek or vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract. If you’re using a sweetener add it in now too.
  2. Top with your choice of milk. 
  3. Mix the overnight oats together until you see no clumps.
  4. Next, seal or cover with a lid, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

The next morning, grab a spoon, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!

Almond joy overnight oats in a glass cup with other overnight oats in background

Overnight oats step-by-step video tutorial

Reader fav add-ins & flavor combos

I first put this recipe out in 2018, and it’s been made over 1 million times, if not more. I get emails, comments, and DMs on social all the time with people saying how much they love this recipe, and they often include the flavors they dreamt up, which I love. Some of my favorites are below.

“This is a great recipe that I use as a blank canvas to flavor many different ways. Today I used Irish oats, oat milk, Siggi’s non fat vanilla yogurt, Penzey’s Pie Spice, and ¼ cup of homemade vanilla apple sauce, and a touch of maple syrup. The smell alone is making me swoon!! I can hardly wait until tomorrow morning.”Josee Marchessault

  • Pistachio Raspberry: Add a handful of crushed pistachios and fresh raspberries along with a drizzle of honey for a colorful, textured twist.
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to chocolate oats for a spicy twist on a classic.
  • Pumpkin Pie: Canned pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and a dollop of whipped cream on top has made this a fall favorite among readers.
  • Maple Sweet Potato: A spoonful of cooked, mashed sweet potato combined with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and chopped pecans.

Don’t forget to send me your favorite overnight oat recipe variations so I can add it to the list!

My Top 6 Overnight Oatmeal Recipe Ideas

I literally eat overnight oats 5 days a week because the flavor combinations and recipe variations are in the millions. Once you get your base recipe to where you like it, texture and taste wise you’ll be adding mix-ins and toppings. Below are six of my fav recipe variations that I make at home!

Peanut Butter Jelly:

It’s like having a peanut butter jelly sandwich in overnight oats form. Layer peanut butter, strawberry jelly, fresh cut strawberries and crushed peanuts. It has a sweet and salty taste that’s irresistible.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

Apple Pie

With the combination of chopped apples, pecans, maple syrup and ground cinnamon, this variation is a great fall recipe that has a warm sweet taste and satisfying crunch from the fruit and nuts.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Banana Nutella

The name of this recipe says it all – bananas and Nutella – match made in heaven, and a great flavor for kids to try! The banana and Nutella together have a rich decadent taste that makes it feel like you’re enjoying dessert, instead of a nutritious breakfast. Try also adding crushed hazelnuts and chocolate chips to enhance the flavor.

Banana Nutella Overnight Oats

Almond Joy:

This recipe is a play on the popular chocolate bar. Use shredded coconut, crushed almonds, mini chocolate chips and maple syrup.

Almond Joy Overnight Oats

This is by far the most delicious breakfast I’ve ever had never thought oatmeal would actually taste so delicious this way, especially cold. I can’t wait for more easy, quick recipes. My most 2 favorites are the *Banana Nutella* and *Almond Joy*” – Zenny B.

Maple Brown Sugar

Maple brown sugar has got to be one of the most loved oatmeal flavors of all time! The hint of molasses paired with the earthy maple and cinnamon is so good! You can eat this variation hot or cold and any time of the year!

Blueberry Lemon Muffin

Fresh blueberries with tangy lemon zest and floral honey…need I say more? So good, and it just feels like Spring in a bite. I like this one cold, but you could set it out for 15-20 minutes to take some of the chill off the oats or even microwave it to let the blueberries burst.

Tips for making the best overnight oats

  1. Make it inside of a jar or a mason jar (with measurement lines on the side). This way you can measure, mix, chill, carry and eat the overnight oats all in one convenient container.
  2. Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won’t soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately. Try this steel cut overnight oatmeal instead.
  3. Warm it up if you prefer warm oats in the morning. Although overnight oatmeal is typically served cold, you can definitely eat them warm. Just place them in the microwave for one minute and be sure to use a microwave-safe jar.
  4. Make a bunch for the week. Because overnight oats typically stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days, try making a batch on Sunday and having it on hand in the fridge for the whole week. Be careful if you’re adding fruit beforehand because they will typically not remain fresh for more than a couple days.
  5. Be mindful of the milk-to-oats ratio. Too much liquid and you’ll have a runny mess; too little and it’ll be too thick. The ideal ratio is usually 1:1, but you can adjust depending on your texture preference.
  6. Layer, don’t mix, add-ins. If you’re using fruits, nuts, or syrups, layer them rather than mixing. This helps maintain the texture of the ingredients until you’re ready to eat.
  7. Chill for at least 4 hours. While two hours might do in a pinch, a longer soak will give the flavors time to meld together better, making for a more delicious breakfast.
  8. Temperature matters. Cold milk will take longer to soak into the oats than room-temperature milk. If you’re short on time, consider using milk that’s closer to room temperature.

Fruits for Freshness:

  • Sliced bananas for natural sweetness
  • Diced apples for a bit of crunch
  • Fresh berries for a burst of flavor

Nuts for Crunch:

  • Almonds to elevate texture
  • Walnuts for earthy richness
  • Pecans for a buttery bite

Seeds for Nutrition:

  • Chia seeds for added fiber and omega-3s
  • Pumpkin seeds for a touch of zinc and magnesium
  • Flaxseeds for an extra dose of fiber and protein

Sweeteners for Flavor:

  • Maple syrup for a natural sweetness
  • Honey for a floral note
  • Agave syrup for a smooth finish

Spices for Depth:

  • Cinnamon for warmth
  • Nutmeg for a touch of spice
  • Vanilla extract for aroma and sweetness

Creamy Elements:

  • Peanut butter for a savory twist
  • Nutella for a luxurious treat
  • Coconut cream for a tropical vibe

Unexpected Twists:

  • Matcha powder for an antioxidant boost
  • Cocoa powder for a chocolaty touch
  • Lemon zest for a burst of citrus
4 ways to make overnight oats

Frequently asked questions

Can I heat up my overnight oats?

Yes, you can warm them in a microwave-safe bowl for about 60-90 seconds if you prefer your oats warm. Be cautious as the jar or container itself may become very hot.

How do I make my overnight oats creamier?

For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of Greek yogurt or try using a milk with higher fat content.

Why are my oats still hard after soaking?

If your oats haven’t softened after soaking, try extending the soak time. Alternatively, the type of oats you’re using may require cooking; double-check that you’re using rolled oats.

Why are my overnight oats so thick?

If your oats turn out too thick, the ratio of liquid to oats may be off. Try adding a little more milk and giving it a good stir before eating.

Do we need to dry roast the oats before use?

Nope you can just throw them in as is. If you want to dry roast them you can to add a more robust flavor.

Does the yogurt have to be plain? Can I use a flavored Greek yogurt?

You can use any flavor you’d like and that is actually a great way to add some flavor without using one of the recipe ideas above.

Can I make this in one large batch instead of individual containers? 

You can for sure make overnight oats in a large container. I like to portion it out to stay within the serving size, but that is really the only reason why – oh and to make the different flavors and vary the add-ins.

Do you need to wait before adding the toppings overnight or can you put the toppings immediately on after mixing the base?

Depending on what toppings you’re using (if they will oxidize like bananas before the morning), you can add them in immediately after mixing your base recipe together.

If you try this healthy-ish feel good Easy Overnight Oats recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

For more oatmeal recipes:

Easy Overnight Oats

This easy overnight oats recipe is a healthy simple breakfast that you can make ahead for busy mornings and customize with many add-ins and toppings!
5 from 31300 votes
Servings 1 serving
Course Breakfast
Calories 378
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes

Video

Ingredients
  

2 Ingredient Base

My Add-Ins

  • ¼ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sweetener honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Apple Pie

Banana Nutella

  • ½ banana sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Nutella
  • 1 tablespoon hazelnuts crushed
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

Almond Joy

Blueberry Lemon Muffin

  • ¼ cup blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Pinch of salt

Maple Brown Sugar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a large glass container and mix until combined.
  • Cover the glass container with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Toppings can be added the night before or immediately before serving.
  • Uncover and enjoy from the glass container the next day. Thin with a little more milk or water, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it an ideal breakfast meal prep to make on Sunday night for the week.
Substitutes: For best results, follow the recipe as is. However here are some common substitutes that would work well in this recipe.
  • Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, and maple syrup for sweetener
  • Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats
  • Make it sugar-free: Omit the sweetener all together or used mashed or pureed fruit in the base recipe
* Please note the nutrition label does not include any toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 378kcal, Carbohydrates: 54g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 80mg, Potassium: 485mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 198IU, Calcium: 322mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Breakfast

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Sooo…I made a peach cobbler variation. Chef’s kiss!

    Over night base +
    1/4 C diced peaches
    1/4 C Peach yogurt
    1 T chopped pecans
    1 tsp cinnamon vanilla butter flavoring
    1 tsp maple syrup

    Currently toying with a pecan pie version!

    1. Hi there! If you hover over the thumbnail image on the recipe card, a print icon will pop up so you can print the recipe.

  2. Hey, just wanted to share my (great) experience meal prepping these overnight oats.

    My husband and I are on a calorie deficit, so I halved the recipe and made a dozen jars of the base with all of the add-ins. The 8-ounce wide-mouth mason jars were perfect for a half recipe. (By the way, I’d use 16-ounce wide mouth jars for the full recipe.)

    I added the topping each morning right before eating, and we tried all six of them. They were all delicious.

    For anyone doing CICO, here is an example of the calories for a half recipe with all add-ins (YMMV depending on which brands/varieties you use):
    — Base with almond milk (179)
    — Base with oat milk (202)
    — Toppings – PB&J (120), Blueberry Lemon Muffin (33), Banana Nutella (131), Almond Joy (182), Maple Brown Sugar (40), Apple Pie (56)

    Now we’re hooked on these, so I’ll be prepping more today. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Hi. I haven’t made this yet but am going to later this afternoon. I have a question though. My mother in law loves oatmeal and we were talking about these but I am concerned about this being a good idea for her since she has been having issues with her blood pressure dropping too low. Would this help or hurt?

    1. So glad you’re interested in trying the recipe! Unfortunately, I cannot provide any medical advice around my recipes for any conditions. It’s best to check with your doctor about this recipe and the specific ingredients you plan to use. Thank you!

  4. Appreciate you sharing this delightful recipe! 😋 My go-to overnight oat base is exactly this one. I began with the simple two-component recipe and threw in peanut butter and banana (no sweetener) – it’s not only delicious but also gives me a good boost. Thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe; it’s truly amazing!

  5. I love this recipe! I’m new to overnight oats and this is definitely the best and easiest version I’ve tried. I tend to prefer savory to sweet in the morning so I’m trying to figure out some savory options (or some like sweet/salty combos?) To add a level of difficulty, I’m allergic to nuts so no salty nuts or nut butters. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them!

  6. Thank you for sharing this easy recipe!

    I’ve been looking for healthier breakfast options, and these overnight oats are not only nutritious but incredibly tasty too. I appreciate how versatile they are—added some fresh berries and it was a hit!

  7. This is by far THE BEST overnight oats recipe I’ve found. Unlike other recipes that result in runny slush or a lack of moisture, the texture of the base mix is perfect.

    Better still, the range of options provided to mix things up depending on your preferences, means there’s a favourite for everyone.

    PB&J is by far my favourite variation. I also like to do my own “Snickers” version where I swap out Nutella with chocolate protein powder (or cocoa) and Peanut Butter.

    I live in a warm climate so I generally forego the more Wintery variations, however, they do make a great dessert on the rare occasion I have them 😋

    If you like to wake up and know that breakfast is already made for you (aside from the toppings, which I always add in the morning), then this is the breakfast for you!

  8. This is my absolute favorite base recipe for overnight oats. The consistency is perfect and I love the balance of sweetness and tang! I also add a pinch of salt.

  9. Hi Yumna, how are you it’s Gp here again you might not remember me from last time, anyway I just wanted to let you know that I love this recipes I hope you have more like this to share. I started with the 2 ingredients base and my add on are peanut butter and banana no sweetener but it’s really good it feels me up. My next one would be the apple pie. Thanks again. Gp

    1. Hi there! If you click “jump to recipe” at the top of the page it will bring you directly to the full recipe card at the bottom of the page. There, if you hover over the thumbnail image of the recipe you will see a print icon that you can click on to print out the recipe. Hope this helps!

    1. Hi there, you could use flax, but the oats won’t be quite as creamy since the chia seeds really thicken the texture up.

  10. I did follow the recipe and added cinnamon. I did not have any chia seeds. I don’t see anyone who cooked theirs the next morning. I am sure it is still good cold. But not as creamy as I would like. I put mine in the microwave until it was the desired consistency. Then, I added whole milk bananas, butter, salt, and maple syrup. Thanks for a great starter recipe 🙂

  11. Hi, Thank you for this perfect base recipe for overnight oats, which me and my husband have been enjoying using for the past two weeks; the best we’ve tried so far, and the one we’ll stick with. You call it “healthy-ish” – what can we do to make it healthier, please? …Or just plain old “healthy”?

    1. Thank you so much, Deb! The recipe is pretty healthy as it is, but you can omit the sweetener to make it a tad bit healthier.

  12. All I did was taste the Peanut Butter and jelly recipe and it already is delicious. I can’t wait to have it in the morning once all the flavors are melded together. Yum. Thank you!

  13. Followed the recipe and it wasn’t that great. I was expecting the best I’ve ever had considering this has 5 stars and almost 30k reviews. How strange…

    1. Sorry to hear that you weren’t thrilled with the overnight oats, which variation did you make? This recipe has been published for 6 years now and due to it’s position on Google 30K reviews is not all that strange, but I appreciate the feedback.

  14. I eat cooked oatmeal often but I’ve never tried the overnight oatmeal. I noticed that you add chia seeds. Is this necessary? I have diverticulitis and unfortunately cannot eat seeds or nuts. Any suggestions for a substitution? Thank you!

      1. Actually seeds and nuts are now ReCoMmeNdEd for diverticulitis bc they are high in fiber and have been proven to NoT CaUsE diverticulitis in people who have diverticulosis. New evidence and a whole new world of foods!

        1. You can also grind chia seeds, in the same way as you do flax seeds.
          And by the way, I made this last night… it was great. I topped mine with peaches and blueberries. I may try less maple syrup the next time just to make them a little more healthy.

  15. Love these. My kids love them too and it’s so easy for them to grab and go! Pretty healthy with a good amount of protein (with peanut butter and Greek yogurt)…win win!

  16. These are ok, but I really prefer the method where you boil the oats first and then let them sit in the fridge overnight. These came out too chewy for me and they just feel uncooked (which of course they are, lol).

    Have you tried the boiled method? (Boil then let soak in fridge overnight). These are much softer and just like a regular bowl of oatmeal, but with all the goodness of steel cut.

  17. Great recipe, my whole family really enjoyed it! Just to note as a type 1 diabetic… replacing maple syrup or honey with mashed/pureed fruit does not make it sugar free as you’ve indicated above. I would encourage all diabetics to check the carbohydrate count for whatever sweetener/fruit you use and adjust your bolus accordingly. Thanks!!

  18. I am finally on the overnight oats bandwagon! I’m 63 years old. I’m trying to eat a lot healthier because I have Stage IIIC ovarian cancer and I want to do everything I can to make my body as strong as possible so that I can fight this battle for as long as possible. There is no cure for it at this point.

    I came across this recipe and I’ve been making it for the past 5 days or so. It’s delicious and filling. I’m diabetic too, so I use sweeteners that are sugar-free. Blueberries are great in it.

    1. I am so sorry to hear about your ovarian cancer! I’ve heard that an alkaline diet can help fight cancer, food is such a powerful thing. I wish you well and I am glad you are enjoying the overnight oats!

  19. The proportions for the base portion were perfect! thank you!

    After doing it once, I started cheating though… I use either a plant-based milk with sugar added + plain yogurt OR a yogurt with sugar + regular milk and skipped the sweetener all together but now this part of my meal prep on sunday night and the hubby and i look forward to an easy breakfast on the go! thanks!

  20. I made the PB&J overnight oats and my four year old daughter and I both loved them! Delicious, healthy and so easy! Printing to add to my recipe binder to make again!

    1. Hi, Yoe. I would check with your doctor, I am not a liberty to say if it is okay for people with kidney disease.

  21. Why does the top part say 1 cup of oats and milk and then the bottom part says half a cup of oats and milk?? It’s not consistent and is confusing.

    1. I am not sure where you are seeing 1 cup of oats and milk, it does say 1 part oats and 1 part milk inside the post, but does not say 1 cup.

  22. It was sooooooooo good! I tried the peanut butter and jelly with my mom, and now it’s the only thing we have for breakfast now! By the way we Brewing America lids so anyone who tries definetly use those!

  23. I loveeeeee this recipe sooooo much! I bought a set of mason jars especially. I quickly grab a jar and off I go in the morning to work! My favourite topping is banana and Nutella. I’m allergic to peanuts so I sprinkle some sunflower seeds on top instead- super yum! ✨

    1. Thank you so much! I am so glad you like the overnight oats – love the idea of using the sunflower seeds perfect sub for peanuts!

    1. Great question, Moyna! Nope you can just throw them in as is. If you want to dry roast them you can to add a more robust flavor.

  24. Really good base for overnight oats. In the morning just combine the add ins. We have tried banana and peanut butter and apple and peanut butter using half a banana or half an apple per person, but staying with 1 TBSP peanut butter. Thankyou.

  25. This is absolutely delicious! I am currently eating it right now and wow it’s so perfect. I used your base which is delicious by itself, and for my add ins I used strawberries and blueberries and it’s fantastic. Thank you so much!

  26. I’m wondering if there’s any reason I shouldn’t make this in one large batch instead of individual containers? I’ve only ever seen this recipe portioned out, but not sure why. Thank you!

    1. You can try it in a large container. I like to portion it out to stay within the serving size.

  27. I missed the original boat on overnight oats & find myself finally giving it a whirl! I really enjoyed the Almond Joy spin. I’m trying again for tomorrow but omitting the greek yogurt. I wasn’t a fan of tart oatmeal.

    1. So glad you liked the almond joy spin! Yeah, the tangy yogurt is an acquired taste, you can try some sweetened yogurt or just replace it with a liquid ratio.

  28. Made these a few nights ago! Turned out great. It was my first time trying them. I love oatmeal but realized I am not a big fan of super cold oatmeal (texture). I heated it just to get the chill off and topped it with fresh blueberries, it was perfect! I am making it again this evening for tomorrow, adding a dash of cinnamon! Will continue to try and eat them cold though, it will be a great hot summer brekkie! Thank you for your recipes! ❤️

    1. You’re so welcome! It does take a little getting used to. You can let it sit out 30 or so minutes before you are ready to eat if you want as well to take some of the chill off.

  29. I see the major oatmeal brand now has a quick oats version of steel cut oats that cooks in 3 minutes. I wonder if this sort of makes it equivalent to old fashioned rolled oats in that it can be soaked as it is overnight without cooking and still be tender yet more chewy.

    1. Hmm, that’s an interesting question. I am not sure; I have not seen the quick cook steel cut oats that sounds interesting. I do love the chewiness of steel-cut oats, I do have an overnight steel cut oat recipe but it has to be cooked.. If you try it with the quick-cook steel cut oats please let me know how it turned out!

  30. Do you need to wait the 2 hours before adding the toppings overnight or can you put the toppings immediately on after mixing the base?

    1. Depending on what toppings you’re using (if they will oxidize like bananas before the morning), you can add them in immediately after mixing.

  31. I used one of your Easter meals this past Sunday and it was a HIT. I didn’t use the chicken recipe but got two rotisserie chickens at Costo and carved it up. The sides were the carrots and mashed potatoes and asparagus and they were a hit.
    I am going to try out you oatmeal overnight recipes. I like oatmeal and i usually use the steel cut ones that take 20 minutes to cook.
    Thank You
    Joe

  32. Treated myself/a new toy called instagram. Was scrolling, & there you were making ice cream in a jar, shaking it, opening it 2 taste & saying oh its so good. I think i was hooked right then. Since, I’m following, also receiving recipes weekly only bcuz I’m half buried by emails right now. You’re so cute! & we’re almost neighbors! I reside in nw indiana. This is really the armpit of the US i think. Enuf abt me. MI is beautiful. Love your style. Your tomato/feta creation is on top of my wish•2do•list !

    1. Thank you so much, Nancy! I am glad you found me on IG, and can’t wait to hear what you think of my recipes!

  33. Great Recipe. I leave it out the Chia seeds because I can’t digest seeds.
    I add cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix with bananas. Yum

  34. Made it last night for this morning and it is wonderful and so easy. Since I’m severely lactose intolerant, I used oat milk and sheep milk yoghurt. Still turned out divine. I added peanut butter and blueberry jam for toppings. So yummy! Thanks for the recipe. It will now be a staple in my life. <3

  35. hi i was just wondering and what can you do to if it taste to bitter or to sweet or doesn’t have enough flavor to it? and how many hours should it be left in the fridge for?

    1. You will want to leave it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. You can adjust the taste based on how much sweetener you use or the type of oats you make. If you feel like it needs more flavor, add more of whatever ingredient you’d like. Hope you enjoy!

  36. I have been making these all week and its delicious, I even add my favorite protein powder. These are definitely a staple, thank you for sharing with us!

    1. Do you add protein powder overnight or add like topping before you eat it? Im afraid the protein powder might get clumpy?

      1. Hi Rose, great question. I would add the protein powder to the milk separately and make sure it’s completely dissolved/incorporated, and then add the oats.

      2. I actually add mine in the morning when I’m getting ready to eat it, at night it didnt mix right for me. Hope this helps!

  37. I love this recipe! I was wondering if I could substitute flaxseed instead of chia? Would that change the texture our flavor?

    1. Thank you so much! You can use ground flaxseed in place of the chia seeds. It shouldn’t change the flavor or texture too much! Let me know what you think if you try it!

  38. Looks great, just one, maybe stupid, question – you don’t have to cook it? Didn’t know this…Thank you.

    1. Hi Vanda, this is a great question (not stupid at all!). You do not have to cook it. The oats will soften overnight when it absorbs the liquid making it unnecessary to cook them. Don’t forget to come back and let me know what you think of them when you make it. Enjoy!

    1. Thank you so much for your interest in my oatmeal recipes and tips – we have a fantastic newsletter that I’d love for you to sign up for, that does have oatmeal recipes sent out in it from time to time, but it isn’t oatmeal specific. You can pick and choose what newsletters you would like. It you’re interested, you can sign up here.

    1. I don’t recommend using quick oats (although you can). They tend to turn out really mushy. The soy milk is perfectly fine, though! Enjoy!

    1. Thank you so much, Sam! The 378 is for the base recipe only. Anything additional added is not taken into account. Hope you enjoy it!

      1. This is by far the most delicious breakfast I’ve ever had never thought oatmeal would actually taste so delicious this way specially cold. I can’t wait for more easy quick recipes. My most 2 favorites are the *Banana Nutela* and *Almond Joy*

  39. Well I ‘ve tried lots of overnight recipes before, mostly for my son wich is Gymfreak, but I found yours simple, easy to prepare & delicious. So I think I’m gonna stay here for long.
    Thanks & greetings fron Athens Greece & thanks again for honnoring our traditional Greek yogurt..
    (plz excuse my English folks, I’m self educated)

    1. Hi Kostas! Thank you for making my recipe! It’s always so nice to hear from people all over the world. (You did a great job with your English!)

    2. Your English is amazing! Better than you probably think it is. 🙂

      Also, I must say, I have to credit my goal of getting down to a healthier weight this year to this base recipe and the almond joy. It has seriously kept me from getting off track.

  40. Be careful! These are over 100 more calories than is stated, the base overnight oats is 300 on its own!
    Some of the addons can almost double the calories in the meal!

  41. Hello!
    Would you have any recommendation on how to make this savory? Not a fan of eating anything sweet first thing in the morning.
    Thanks in advance

    1. Sure! My first suggestion would be to remove the sweetener and vanilla and then try shredding some vegetables in there like carrots or beets and add some nuts on top. You can also try my savory oatmeal instead…I think you’d love that one!

      1. I made them with blueberries, and coconut…exactly like your recipe and it turned out great! Will try the savory one another day.
        Thanks!

  42. Thanks for the recipe, I tried overnight oats in the past but never really got the taste or texture. Just the base recipe was nice, looking forward to trying out the topping suggestions 👍

    1. Happy to hear that the recipe worked out for you! I love overnight oats; it’s so versatile you can do so much with it!

  43. I just tried this last night w/whole milk, standard vanilla yogurt, vanilla extract, honey, blueberries & lemon zest & my husband loved it. I’m so happy to have found this – thank you!

  44. This is the best recipe for over night oats I have found, even better one of the simplest and straightforward recipes too. Absolutely delicious. I need look no further for other morning recipes 😊

  45. okay, I’m obsessed. I never had overnight oats until these but wanted something easy to ensure I eat after having my 4th baby. I just make the base recipe and it’s soooo good I’ve made it at least 6 times now. Even my kids love it. I am dairy free for my breastfed infant so I use silk next milk and dairy free yogurt.

    1. Hi Nikki, so glad you like the overnight oats! I totally get wanting to have something ready to go in the am, especially with a baby in the house and three other kiddos. We, Moms, need to eat too! lol

  46. This is a great recipe that I use as a blank canvas to flavor many different ways. Today I used Irish oats, oat milk, Siggi’s non fat vanilla yogurt, Penzey’s Pie Spice, and 1/4 cup of homemade vanilla apple sauce, and a touch of maple syrup. The smell alone is making me swoon!! I can hardly wait until tomorrow morning.

      1. It was so amazing. Tasted decadent when in fact it was healthy! How amazing is that? Right at this moment I am making two more jars with the exact same combo, for two breakfasts this week. I’m all aboard on the overnight oats train!

    1. I loved this, i appreciate the versatility for making the recipe and the substitutes I ended up using this made a great dairy free meal. I always appreciate tips when people offer recipes.

  47. This was so yummy! I made the mistake of using quick oats, the container said steel cut but I didn’t see the quick cook part. They still came out good but I’m thinking they might get more soggy as the days go on. I made 3..chocolate chip peanut butter banana, strawberry banana and banana walnut with cinnamon! I also used agave instead of honey and almond milk, very tasty!!

    1. Yay! Thank you so much. I am so glad you like the overnight oats. It’s possible to run into texture issues with the quick oats, but even so, they should still be yummy.

  48. SOO good! I can’t remember where I saw this, but adding a little sprinkle of vanilla pudding mix into this overnight is adds some extra flavor as well! I’ve never liked oatmeal before this!

    1. Thank you!! I am so happy to have helped bring you to the oatmeal side… lol Great tip with the pudding mix!

  49. This was my first time making overnight oats and they turned out great. I made the almond joy version without the chocolate. I love the simple prep for this recipe. It takes 2 minutes! I’m looking forward to experimenting with other flavours and topping now that I know how to make the perfect base.

    1. Yay! I am so glad to hear that they turned out great! It’s such a great, easy meal-prep option for breakfast you really can’t go wrong with overnight oats.

  50. Just made this recipe today. Absolutely delicious 🤤 I used chaboni zero sugar yogurt and lakanto sweetener as substitute for the syrup. Not surprised this had all five stars reviews

  51. Hi, I’m making for my athlete daughter.
    Can I sub flax seed for the chia seeds, or would that not work well soaking overnight?
    Also, I’ve read (somewhere) to add toppings in the AM instead of soaking all night. Do you agree?
    Thanks!

    1. You can definitely do that! I think it comes down to preference for the toppings. If you don’t want the topping to get soggy, definitely add it when you’re ready to eat.

  52. LITERALLY THE BEST!!!!! This is the best recipe ive EVER used. Absolutely delicious every single time. Perfect consistency, and tastes SO GOOD.

    I always make the mistake of not bookmarking this recipe and then I regret it a few days later when I want to make it again and cant find it thus ending up following another recipe that results in horrible oats…

    Nothing can top this recipe! I make it so often. I don’t think words could describe how delicious these are and how much I love them!!!!!!!

    1. For this recipe, do not use steel cut oats. They won’t soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately.

  53. The absolute best recipe for overnight oats (and I have tried so many) the taste and texture is so good. Love the options you give for flavors. So filling, delicious and healthy! Thank you!

      1. Been doing overnight oats for a long time.
        In addition to this recipe, I also use powdered collagen, flaxseed meal and a PB peanut butter powder, with a touch more almond milk.
        Turns out real well

  54. Thank you so much for posting this recipe. This has been my go to breakfast meal prep for a couple of months now. The only thing I changed is I use 2 tablespoons of chia seeds instead of one as I like mine to have a thicker consistency. I add fruit, a little muesli and some nut butter and I look forward to it every day. I have shared this with so many people. Thanks again.

  55. This was my first attempt at overnight oats and the first recipe I looked at, I love the ratios for the base! For toppings I tried banana, chunky peanut butter and chopped up Trader Joes chocolate chunks. I had good luck mixing the base before adding the toppings and mixing in.

  56. Wow. Thanks a lot for your great ideas.

    For the past few weeks, I just cut a banana into small thin pieces, then I pour some oats on it, then add some honey on top of the oats and finally soak everything into milk. I leave it into the fridge for the whole night.

    The whole preparation takes around 2 minutes 😛

    This has been the perfect/consistent breakfast for me. I feel energetic during whole morning. I am fitter than ever 😀

    Next week, Insha’Allah, I’ll buy some chia seeds and Greek yogurt to experiment. Thanks again and God bless!

    1. Always happy to share! That combination sounds delicious. I love how quick and easy it is to make! Hope you enjoy it with Greek yogurt too!

  57. Too many ads. Can barely see my screen. I am not anti-ad but the amount of ads on this website is ridiculous and takes up over half my screen on mobile. Leaving this comment in hopes website owner tones it down a little. Very annoyed

  58. Thank you for sharing, easiest recipe I’ve found with pics and without forcing me to watch videos… Also, for sharing how long can hold for in fridge and variations for adults, kids and gluten free

  59. This helped me soooo much. I made it a few times for work and it just never tasted right. I couldn’t figure it out. I was using quick oats🤦🏽‍♀️. Thank you for all the variations also. I was so tired of sliced strawberries and agave I was about to give up on this breakfast altogether.

  60. Awesome recipe! I prefer it warm on cold mornings but makes a good lunch too. I’ve never been a fan of oats or milk, but I’m totally coverted! The ease of preparation and oh so many add in options keeps it fun! Thanks!!

      1. Wonderful recipe. I am now addicted. I love coming up with creative add ins. It’s a great grab and go breakfast. Keeps me full, at least till lunch 🙂 Thank you for sharing!!

  61. Omgoshhhhh, I just put one in the fridge! I don’t like yogurt at alllll, so I tried one cup…will let you know in a couple of hours….

    1. Let me know how it turns out for you! Also, next time, you can leave out the yogurt because it is optional.

  62. These look so delicious – I will try them out soon! May I ask where the jars are from? Perfect size and shape for oats – do they come with a lid by chance?

  63. The BEST overnight oats – I dislike them cold and I’ve been having these every breakfast at work for a month straight. I make a double batch and I keep it cold and it lasts me all week and keeps me super full. My upgrades include sultanas while I’m making them (they go all nice and plump), cinnamon. When I prepare it every day, I mix in strawberries, biscoff spread or stewed apple.

    1. I am so glad to hear it! It’s such a great breakfast to prepare ahead of time. Those toppings and mix ins sound delicious!

  64. I would like to make enough of the base recipe for a few days worth. If I don’t have a glass container that’s big enough, can I make it in a plastic one?

  65. Best overnight oats!! I was struggling to find a ‘regular’ breakfast that I like – now I have this 3-4 times a week especially with warmer weather coming and this nicely replaces porridge.

  66. Love this recipe; has helped me a lot with my switch to a healthier food lifestyle (rhythm and balance). Also easy to adjust to my taste.
    And the multiplier is fantastic!

  67. Do you mix the toppings together with the base ? I’m looking to make this for my kids and layering it likely means they’ll eat the top separate from the base !

      1. Do you mix the toppings together with the base ? I’m looking to make this for my kids and layering it likely means they’ll eat the top separate from the base!

        1. You can if you want! I think it depends on what toppings you’re using and how soon you’re going to be eating it.

  68. The rating on this is well deserved. First time for me trying overnight oats. So simple, easy to assemble and tastes great. I’ve had the apple pie and the PB & J one. Will make the others for next week.

    Excellent and thank you 👏🏻

  69. You can also try this with store-bought yoghurt infused with fruits. I can’t stand the taste of pure yoghurt so I tried it like that and it tastes just as great! I didn’t know the recipe was that easy, thank you!

  70. These overnight oats are delicious! They solidified perfectly and had a great texture. The flavors were intense with the added ingredients and provided a healthy/balanced breakfast. I highly recommend and will be using other recipes on this website.

  71. Wow! I didn’t know if I was going to be a fan of this, I didn’t really like the idea of cold oats, but this turned out really good! This recipe is tasty, time efficient, and healthy! I decided to use banana and nutella as my toppings and they added a very nice touch to these oats. I was surprised how well the oats soaked. I’m definitely using this as my go to breakfast, thank you!

    1. I’m so happy to hear you decided to give it a try and enjoyed! Those toppings sound delicious. I hope you continue to enjoy it!

    2. I’d had a variant of overnight oats years ago. Thankyou for the inspiration to remake it. I’d forgot how easy, healthy and delicious it could be

  72. Can’t wait to try these recipes. They look great! Just curious, would an 8oz mason jar fit a serving, or would I need something larger? 🙂

    1. I wondered about the size of my Mason jar too. I bought 2 Ball Mason jars in 16 oz
      size with the screw-on type plastic covers from Amazon. Tried the base recipe
      last night and the 16 oz. jar worked perfectly. I had plenty of room to add the
      topping this morning. Yum!

  73. Prepped my first batch of your recipe last night, and wow, my kids and I loved them! We all used different combinations of toppings this morning (banana and Nutella for one, peanut butter and berries for another, and just berries for me), and we all can’t wait to have them again tomorrow. I used maple syrup last night when I prepped them because I really wanted to like them, but now I know that for us the added sweetener was not necessary.

    Thanks so much for putting your recipe out there for us to find! Just forwarded it to my adult son as well. Such a great option for anyone pressed for time in the morning because of work or school.

    I agree with the person who commented that these overnight oats have changed their life. I have to agree…these are a total game changer!! Thanks again!

  74. First time trying overnight oats, tried blueberries and strawberry jam and fresh strawberries on one delicious can’t wait to try again and play around with toppings

  75. Honestly, as someone who tried oats and didn’t like them, I was skeptical about these recipes. But, this morning, I had my first jar. I made the peanut butter & jelly.

    Honestly, without hyperbole, these weren’t just the best oats I ever had, but one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten.

    Honestly, thank you so much for these recipes. They are wonderful.

    You’ve just changed breakfast for me, forever.

  76. Hello! I’d love to try this! Can you tell me if the Greek yogurt in the base is plain or vanilla?
    Thank you!

  77. These are DELICIOUS! I added a tsp of sugar free vanilla pudding to mine. I am in love with this ingenious idea!

  78. First time eating overnight oats the other day and loved it. Thanks for sharing how to make it – they all look delicious and I can’t wait to try them!

  79. First time making overnight oats and they are delish! I cut the recipe in half because I only needed 2 oz of carbs so I only used 1/4 cup and I used Silk Zero Sugar Oat Milk. It was very satisfying and almost like a dessert!

  80. I’ve tried overnights oats before but wasn’t too keen. Came across this recipe and thought I’d try again – loved it 😀 I made the base recipe (no vanilla) and added ground pumpkin seeds and chopped strawberries. This made a healthy breakfast for me but also a healthy breakfast for my dogs too. Thank you.

  81. Tried the Nutella banana overnight oats and I can safely say it’s one of the best I’ve ever had! I’m obsessed 😍 thank you so much! Do you have any other topping ideas? Would love to know more!!!

    1. That makes me so happy to hear! Yay! Did you try any of the other topping recommendations in this post?

  82. I made one serving of your “Easy Overnight Oats” — very, very good! I even used plain yogurt (avoiding sugar) and I still thought it was very good. Thank you for a healthy recipe idea.

  83. Hi,
    Recipe looks lovely, can I check that the basic amount stated in your article is for one portion, and we increase it for the amount of days required?

    Thank you

  84. Hi! Thank you so much for the recipe! Definitely will try this because i’d have busy morning everyday so this would be perfect for my breakfast!

    Anyway may i ask something? As i never make an overnight oats before, let’s say if i make bunch of them on sunday to consume them at weekdays, should i eat them immediately after i take them out of fridge or can i bring the jar to my office instead? (it took me approx 1.5 hour from home to work)

    Once again, thank you and have a great day!!

    1. You’re so welcome! Can’t wait for you to give it a go. It should be fine on the way to work, but I’d probably keep an ice pack with it.

      1. Ahh, i see! Thank you for the answer, you’re so helpful, i hope you have a very great day! ^^

      2. As a UPS driver this would be a great lunch idea as well, thanks for clarifying putting them on ice to make them last.

  85. Absolutely loved these recipes. So easy to follow with clear measurements and alternative options. Breakfasts, sorted. Thank you.

  86. ITS SO SO GOOD TOTALLY RECOMMEND 💯 MY FAMILY LOVES IT ITS HEALTHY LIGHT FILLING AND CUSTOMIZABLE U NEED TO DO THIS ASAP 💗💗💗💗

  87. I made this last night and it was so good! I added in 1 grated apple to the oat and chia mix in place of sweetener and it worked out great. I added berries in the morning but I’m definitely going to try the different recipe toppings! So easy and healthy! Love it!

  88. Excited to try this recipe and give overnight oats another try! What size of mason jar would work best? Thanks!

    1. Excited for you to give it a try! I would use a half pin or pint mason jar (depending on how many toppings you add).

  89. I love these. It’s been my go to meal. And the different options. So far I love the Banana Nuttela, but I’m planning on trying the other two pb&j and the apple crisps.

  90. My go to meal 3 to 4 days a week! The endless topping options! The convenience! Love, love this recipe! Peanut butter and jelly is my absolute favorite!

    1. The chia seeds are optional! You can completely omit it without adjusting the amounts of the other ingredients in the recipe.

  91. Hi Yumna , I tried your overnight oats recipe , I am in love with it. I am on a weight loss journey and I keep looking for yummy and healthy food. This now is going to be on my meal plans for coming months 😋
    I am going to buy beautiful little Mason jar for making these oats because this recipe deserves to look beautiful 😍

  92. Thanks for sharing. I loved it as written. I did the Almond joy version and man was it delicious.

    I like the fact that I stay full longer. And that breakfast for the week is already prepared.