This easy Overnight Oats Recipe is made with gluten-free oats, chia seeds, milk, yogurt, and a touch of vanilla. Delicious and easily customizable, learn How to Make Overnight Oats and enjoy topped with fresh fruit and crunchy mix-ins!
One of my all-time favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes, here you’ll find tips, tricks, and fun recipe variations like this Strawberry Yogurt, Peach, and Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe.
A Breakfast the Whole Family Loves
It’s fair to say that Overnight Oats are quite possibly the best thing to happen to breakfast. At least for my family. By some miracle, these humble little oats make everyone happy.
They make me happy. They make my husband happy. And they even, somehow, make my child happy.
Packed full of fiber and protein, I have several different oat recipes on constant rotation at my house – pumpkin is my favorite.
Incredibly easy to prepare and clean up, there’s an added bonus to this easy breakfast food (especially if you have young children) – no cereal spills or tiny toast crumbs all over the place.
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 all week long!
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are an alternative way of preparing oatmeal.
Rather than cooking oats in boiling water and serving hot, as with oatmeal, here you combine rolled oats with cold milk, yogurt (at least in this case), and chia seeds. A much more hands-off cooking technique, the oats and 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 cold, creamy, soft and chewy, luscious oats.
With dozens of variations out there, from sweet to savory, or even one made with espresso, there’s no doubt that there’s the perfect recipe out there for you!
Ingredients
Remember to have fun and add your favorite toppings!
- Oats – Classic overnight oat recipes are made with old-fashioned rolled oats and that is what I have always used. Do not substitute with instant oats or quick-cook oats as these are each very different from old-fashioned rolled oats. If you would like to use steel-cut oats, or that is all you have on-hand, keep in mind that the result will be much chewier and less creamy and they should be left to rest for at least 24 hours.
- Greek yogurt – For the healthiest outcome I recommend adding plain yogurt versus flavored as most flavored yogurt comes loaded with sugar. Adding yogurt is an easy way to add tons of extra healthy protein.
- Milk – Use any kind of milk (or even water!) you prefer. For a little added sweetness, I’ll sometimes use sweetened vanilla soy milk, but I’ll usually just use skim cow milk. For super-rich and creamy oats, try making them with canned coconut milk and freshly sliced mango.
- Chia Seeds – 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.
- Vanilla Extract – A completely optional ingredient, but a nice added flavor.
- Sweetener (optional) – I didn’t add any sweetener here. If, however, you feel it needs a little more sweetness, honey, maple syrup, and agave are all popular options.
Don’t Forget the Toppings:
- Fruit – fresh or frozen. I had raspberries, pomegranates, blueberries, and banana on hand, so that’s what you see here. But just about any fruit tastes delicious – peaches, passion fruit, pear, strawberries, cherries, pineapple, etc.
- Nuts – sliced almonds are my favorite.
- Seeds – Trader Joe’s has a great nut and seed blend that basically takes the guesswork out of what to add.
- Other stuff – honey, peanut butter, coconut chips, cocoa nibs, etc.
In other words, the ingredients are super simple and can be as few or as many as you want.
But do you know what is even simpler? Actually making it.
How to make overnight oats
This simple recipe is incredibly easy to prepare.
- Transfer your oats to a large container or large mason jar with a secure lid.
- 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.
- Cover with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to overnight.
- When ready to serve, dump the toppings directly into the jar or divide into bowls and add toppings.
Can you eat overnight oats hot?
Yes. These oats may be enjoyed hot or cold. To heat, simply transfer your jar – uncovered – to the microwave and heat for 30-60 seconds. I recommend stirring every 20-30 seconds to prevent it from bubbling over.
Wait until after the oats are warm to add your favorite toppings.
Are overnight oats healthy?
They have the potential to be extremely healthy.
- Soaking oats in milk and yogurt, although a form of cooking, is much longer and slower and done without the damaging side effect from heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and decreases the amount of naturally occurring phytic acid found in oats. What does this mean for you? It makes your oats easier to digest which is awesome for everyone but is especially those with gluten sensitivities.
- Rolled oats have lots of fiber and fiber is fantastic for digestive health. One-half cup of rolled oats contains 4 grams of fiber.
- They may help you feel full longer thanks to the extra fiber and added protein from the milk and yogurt.
But, can overnight oats be unhealthy?
Yes. Unfortunately, our obsession with sugar and a “need for sweet” can quickly turn this healthy breakfast into an unhealthy one. To keep your oats healthy, simply:
- Skip the flavored yogurt – That means no vanilla, no strawberry, no blueberry, etc. Read the label. It should say zero grams of sugar.
- Sweeten your oats with fresh fruit – Banana and strawberries are my favorites but pick whatever tickles your fancy.
- Be reasonable about your portion size – Like pudding, these luscious oats are totally delicious. But before you know it, you’ve eaten the entire container.
How to store overnight oats?
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.
These and these Le Parfait reusable glass jars are my favorites for prep and storage.
Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to add enough liquid. Whether you drink dairy milk, non-dairy milk, or something entirely different, the ratio should be somewhere around 2:1. In other words, for every 1 cup oats, you should add 2 cups liquid.
- Unless you’re also adding yogurt (as I did here). If you decide to add yogurt, 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. Were my oats thick and creamy? Yes. If you prefer yours to be a little less thick, add an additional half cup milk.
- Speaking of yogurt- highly recommended. Yogurt is creamy and full of added protein. It’s like a win-win everywhere.
- Watch the added sugars. It’s easy to turn this healthy breakfast into a loaded bowl of sugar if you’re not careful. How? Vanilla flavored milk, plus vanilla-flavored yogurt, plus honey, plus fruit. It’s too much. My recommendation would be to pick one plus the fruit (or just fruit).
- Be sure to use the right kind of oats. Rolled oats are what you’re after when it comes to making overnight oats recipes.
- 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.
- Always mix well before serving.
- Play with the flavors, toppings, liquid to oat ratios, and have fun!
- Make extra and enjoy all week long!
Substitutes
For the best results, I suggest following the recipe as instructed. 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 (instead of honey) for 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).
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Yes! However, the end result will be different than those you would get when you make oats with rolled oats. First, you’ll need to soak your oats for a longer period of time – at least 16-24 hours. Second, even after the extended soak time, the oats will maintain a chewier, tougher texture.
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
If you try making this recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
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Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk - any milk works
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- Fruit (fresh or frozen)
- Nuts: slivered almonds, cashews, pistachios
- Seeds: chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds
- Dried fruit: cranberries, blueberries, raisins
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
Notes
- These and these Le Parfait reusable glass jars are my favorites for prep and storage.
- Be sure to add enough liquid. The ratio should be somewhere around 2:1. In other words, for every 1 cup oats, you should add 2 cups liquid.
- Unless you're also adding yogurt (as with this recipe). If you decide to add yogurt, 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. Were my oats thick and creamy? Yes. If you prefer yours to be a little less thick, add an additional half cup milk.
- Watch the added sugars. It's easy to turn this healthy breakfast into a loaded bowl of sugar if you're not careful. How? Vanilla flavored milk, plus vanilla-flavored yogurt, plus honey, plus fruit. It's too much. My recommendation would be to pick one plus the fruit (or just fruit).
- Be sure to use the right kind of oats. Rolled oats are what you're after when it comes to overnight oats.
- 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.
- Always mix well before serving.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, and maple syrup (instead of honey) for 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).
Simple and Good!!
Tried it this morning for the first time, was very delish. Making more for tomorrow..thanks
what a great oat recipe that was well done indeed
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
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..