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Home » Breakfast » Overnight Oats Recipe

Overnight Oats Recipe

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
September 6, 2021
4.90 from 77 votes


Last Updated September 10, 2021 | 19 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

34.8K shares
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overnight oats recipe pinterest pin collaged image

This easy Overnight Oats Recipe is a healthy and delicious breakfast made with gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, and a touch of vanilla. Learn how to make overnight oats and enjoy topped with fresh fruit and crunchy mix-ins!

white bowl with sliced banana oats, over night yogurt, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries

It’s fair to say that Overnight Oats are quite possibly my favorite easy breakfast. At least for my family. By some miracle, these humble little oats make everyone in my family happy.

Packed full of fiber and protein, I have several different overnight oat recipes on constant rotation at my house – pumpkin is my favorite.

Incredibly easy to prepare and clean up, you can also meal prep the heck out of these oats. Make a big batch of a few different flavors on Sunday night and enjoy this easy make-ahead breakfast all week long!

What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are an alternative way of preparing oatmeal.

Rather than cooking raw oats on the stovetop or microwave with boiling water, here you combine rolled oats with cold milk, yogurt (optional), and chia seeds. A much more hands-off cooking technique, the oats, and the chia seeds absorb the liquid from the milk and yogurt as you sleep or go on with your day. Four to six hours later, you have ready-to-eat luscious oats that are creamy, chewy, and delicious.

Can You Make Overnight Oats with Steel Cut Oats?

Yes, you can absolutely make overnight oats with steel cut oats. However, given their tough exterior and chewy texture, steel cut oats need to be mixed with boiling water and “cooked” longer, at least 8-12 hours. Read this post to learn how to make overnight steel cut oats.

White bowl filled with overnight oats, pomegranate arils, blueberries, raspberries, and sliced banana.

What Ingredients Do You Need For Overnight Oatmeal?

  1. Oats: Make sure to use plain old-fashioned rolled oats. Do not substitute with instant oats or quick-cooking oats as they are very different from old-fashioned oats. Learn more about the different types of oats.
  2. Milk: Dairy milk or plant-based milk – your choice! For a little added sweetness, I’ll sometimes use sweetened vanilla soy milk or almond milk, but I’ll usually just use skim cow milk. For super-rich and creamy oats, try making them with canned coconut milk.
  3. Greek or vegan yogurt (optional): Adding yogurt is an easy way to add extra creaminess and yummy, healthy protein.
  4. Chia Seeds (optional): Chia seeds help give your oats a pudding-like texture (have you tried chia pudding yet?) They’re optional but highly recommended. PLUS, chia seeds come packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and have no flavor at all.
  5. Vanilla Extract (optional): Also optional, but a nice added flavor.
  6. Sweetener (optional): I didn’t add any sweetener here. If, however, you feel it needs a little more sweetness, honey, maple syrup, and agave syrup are all popular options.
  7. Toppings: The toppings and add-ins are where you can really have some fun. Try mixing it up with fresh or frozen fruit like mixed berries, sliced banana, peaches, or passion fruit. Nut and seeds, spices, chocolate chips, protein powder, and peanut butter are all fantastic.

How to Make Overnight Oats

  1. Transfer the rolled oats to a large container or large mason jar with a secure lid.
  2. In a separate bowl stir together the yogurt (if using) with the chia seeds and mix well to combine. Adding the chia seeds to the yogurt (rather than the milk) helps prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
  3. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and yogurt with chia seeds to the oats. Mix well.
  4. Cover with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to overnight.
  5. When ready to serve, dump the toppings directly into the jar or divide them into bowls and add toppings.

Can You Heat Up Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats may be enjoyed hot or cold. To heat them up, transfer your jar or bowl filled with oats – uncovered – to the microwave and heat for 30-60 seconds. I recommend stirring every 20-30 seconds to prevent them from bubbling over. Wait until after the oats are warm to add your favorite toppings.

Overhead photo of white bowl with vanilla overnight oats loaded with berries, pomegranate arils, and sliced banana.

Are Overnight Oats Healthy?

Yes, base recipe overnight oats (those made with old fashioned oats and low-fat milk or water) come with plenty of health benefits.

  • Oats are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. A half cup of rolled oats contains 4 grams of fiber.
  • They also contain more protein than most grains (5g per serving).
  • Oats contain important antioxidants including avenanthramides, which are only found in oats.
  • Overnight oats keep you feeling full for a longer amount of time thanks the the extra fiber and protein. This may, in turn, help you lose weight.

To prevent this nutritious breakfast from becoming unhealthy, wait until after they have soaked overnight and you’re ready to serve before sweetening. Give them a try first, you may be surprised by how delicious they are without added sugar. Also, swap flavored yogurt for plain yogurt instead.

How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?

I find that this overnight oats recipe tastes best and has the best texture when enjoyed within 3-4 days. However, stored safely in the refrigerator, you may continue enjoying your favorite oats for up to 5 days.

Large white bowl filled with overnight oats and topped with nuts, seeds, fresh berries, pomegranate arils, and sliced bananas.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Add enough liquid. The ratio should be somewhere around 2:1. So, for every 1 cup of oats, add approximately 2 cups of liquid. If you’re adding yogurt (as with this recipe), you can reduce the total amount of liquid by one quarter to one-half. As you can see in this recipe, I added a ratio of 1:1:1 or 1 cup oats, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup yogurt. My oats turned out thick with a perfect creamy texture. If you prefer yours to be a little less thick, add an additional half cup milk.
  2. Speaking of yogurt, I highly recommended adding a scoop. Yogurt is creamy and full of added protein. It’s like a win-win everywhere.
  3. Sweeten later. It’s easy to turn this healthy breakfast into an unhealthy one. Top with some fresh berries, your favorite nuts or seeds, and a teaspoon of honey if needed.
  4. Be sure to use the right kind of oats. Rolled oats are what you’re after when it comes to making the best overnight oats.
  5. Add the chia seeds at the same time as the yogurt and milk. As far as all those other toppings? Most are better off added later- such as fruit and nuts.
  6. Always mix well before serving.
  7. Play with different flavor combination, toppings, liquid to oat ratios, and have fun!
  8. Make extra and enjoy all week long!
White bowl filled with simple Overnight Oats with and topped with Mixed Fruit including sliced bananas, berries, pomegranate arils, and nuts

More Breakfast Recipes,

  • Freezer-Friendly Croissant Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
  • DIY Healthy Instant Oatmeal Recipe
  • Muffin Egg Cups (Breakfast Meal Prep)
  • Sweet Pepper and Sausage Breakfast Hash
  • Breakfast Naan Pizza with Sautéed Mushrooms and Shallots
  • Papaya Breakfast Bowls
  • Homemade Bakery Blueberry Muffins
  • Berry Yogurt Muffins

Have you tried making this Overnight Oats Recipe? Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

white bowl with sliced banana oats, over night yogurt, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries

Overnight Oats Recipe

4.90 from 77 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
This easy Overnight Oats Recipe is a healthy and delicious breakfast made with gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, and a touch of vanilla. Learn how to make overnight oats and enjoy topped with fresh fruit and crunchy mix-ins!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Resting Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 5 mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 cup milk - dairy-free milk or cow's milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - optional

Optional Toppings

  • Fruit (fresh or frozen)
  • Nuts - slivered almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans
  • Seeds - chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds
  • Dried fruit - cranberries, blueberries, raisins
  • Sweetener - honey, maple syrup, brown sugar
  • Nut butter - peanut butter, almond butter
  • Spices - ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Transfer the oats to a large container – Transfer the rolled oats to a large mason jar or container with a secure lid.
  • Mix the yogurt with the chia seeds – In a separate bowl stir together the yogurt with the chia seeds and mix well to combine. Adding the chia seeds to the yogurt (rather than the milk) prevents them from clumping together.
  • Mix everything together – Add the milk, vanilla extract, and yogurt with chia seeds to the oats. Mix well.
  • Refrigerate – Cover with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to overnight.
  • Serve – When ready to eat, you can dump the toppings directly into the jar or divide into bowls and add toppings.

Video

Jessica’s Notes

  • Le Parfait reusable glass jars are my favorites for prep and storage.
  • If you prefer not to add yogurt, replace it with 1 cup of milk, for a 2:1 ratio of milk to oats.
Substitutes:
  • Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, and maple syrup (instead of honey) as a sweetener.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
  • Make it sugar-free: Omit the sweetener all together or use mashed or pureed fruit in the base recipe (this is especially great with frozen fruit).
(originally published on Feb 7, 2016)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 527mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 2.6mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword how to make overnight oats, overnight oat recipe, overnight oats
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

34.8K shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Ben says

    December 9, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    Simple and Good!!

    Reply
  2. Ant says

    November 13, 2019 at 1:02 am

    Tried it this morning for the first time, was very delish. Making more for tomorrow..thanks

    Reply
  3. Mesti rukyti says

    November 2, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    5 stars
    what a great oat recipe that was well done indeed

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      October 22, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      Hi

      Reply
  4. MargeNiekamp says

    August 15, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    This oatmeal chia yogurt is very creamy. I tripled the recipe gave some to my bachelor son who rides about 130 miles a week to help improve his eating habits. Slowly but surely I want to help by adding healthy breakfast options. Thanks for sharing. Bon appetite

    Reply
  5. Sujeet Kumar says

    July 25, 2019 at 10:58 am

    5 stars
    Very interesting article! I really enjoyed reading your article. You are providing the best info about oats. Thanks for sharing with us, it’s a very useful to us. You have done a excellent Job. OMG! this is so delicious. Keep Going..

    Reply
  6. Grace says

    February 8, 2019 at 2:12 am

    5 stars
    There was so much flavor in this! It was amazing…

    Reply
  7. Kelsey says

    January 11, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    So is this recipe for 2 people I guess each serving is half a cup of oats???

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      January 12, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      Hi Kelsey,

      Yes – each serving is a half of cup of oats.

      Reply
  8. Nadine Baier says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:55 am

    5 stars
    Hello, Jessica,
    I am always looking for new recipes for delicious overnight oats. So I just landed on your great blog.

    Thanks for the great recipes, I have looked at all of them and just want to say thank you 🙂

    Thanks for the great recipes. I notice the love with which you write 🙂 This is very very beautiful 🙂

    Right tonight I will test your recipes!

    Can I also do the oats for 2-3 days in advance or do you think it is better to prepare them fresh every evening?

    Greetings to Nadine,
    Nadine

    P.S.: My English isn’t the best, but I hope it’s enough 🙂

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      October 25, 2018 at 9:46 pm

      Hi Nadine,

      Your English is great! Yes, you can do the oats 2 -3 days in advance, as that is what I regularly do.

      Reply
  9. Lorna says

    March 4, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    5 stars
    What a great way to start the day!

    Reply
  10. Barbara says

    February 13, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    Would this work with steel cut oats?

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      February 14, 2018 at 8:45 pm

      Hi Barbara,

      I have always used the old fashioned rolled oats; however, I do not see why steel cut wouldn’t work.

      Thanks,

      Jessica

      Reply
  11. lorna says

    January 28, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    5 stars
    Mine lasted a few days, and was still good. I think the trick is making sure the fruit still has plenty of life left at refrigerator temperature.

    Reply
  12. Maria says

    January 28, 2018 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe last week and it was amazing – it was a big hit with the whole family!

    Reply
  13. Diana says

    June 7, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    Hahaha! I can so relate to toddler bedtime!

    Reply
  14. Abi says

    February 23, 2017 at 10:05 am

    I made it yesterday and was amazing
    I will blog post on my website and Instagram
    Very good idea
    Thanks for understanding and sending
    Hugs ?

    Reply
  15. Michelle says

    January 16, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars

    I made this last night with the intention of having a quick and day breakfast but it didn’t work out that way. We ate it for dessert!. I’m not an oatmeal fan but have been trying to find ways to make it easier to swallow and after many failed attempts I have finally found the perfect recipe. Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s not only good for you but also delish!

    Reply

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

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