If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s creamy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, you’ll adore overnight oats! The heart of this recipe is as simple as can be: In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you set yourself up for busy-morning breakfast success—and create the perfect blank canvas for fresh fruit, crunchy almonds, or whatever flavors make you happy.

How to Make Overnight Oats
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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of overnight oats lies in how a few simple, wholesome ingredients transform into a breakfast worth waking up for. Each component plays a unique role in making every spoonful deliciously creamy and nourishing. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why every piece matters.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These hold their texture through soaking, giving you a satisfyingly hearty bite.
Milk (dairy or plant-based): Your choice sets the tone—go for creaminess or keep it light with almond, soy, or oat milk.
Plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based): Adds a luscious creaminess and a protein boost to keep you full longer.
Honey or maple syrup: The natural sweeteners bring just enough sweetness without overpowering the oats.
Chia seeds (optional): For a thicker, almost pudding-like texture and a healthy dose of omega-3s.
Vanilla extract: A splash gives your oats that cozy, aromatic backdrop.
Salt: It may seem small, but a pinch brings out all the flavors and ties them together beautifully.
Mixed berries: A colorful, fresh topping that bursts with juicy flavor.
Cinnamon: Warms and deepens the flavor—especially delicious with bananas or berries.
Banana: Adds natural sweetness and that creamy dreaminess everyone loves.
Peanut butter: For savory richness and a satisfying swirl of nutty flavor.
Cocoa powder and instant espresso: If you crave a coffeehouse twist, these create mocha magic.
Brown sugar: Lends a warm caramel note—perfect for a cinnamon roll vibe.
Cream cheese and strawberry jam: Cheesecake for breakfast? These turn it into dessert disguised as a meal.
Crushed graham crackers: The ultimate topping for crunch and nostalgia.
Pineapple tidbits and shredded coconut: For when you want breakfast to feel like a mini tropical getaway.

How to Make In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt

Step 1: Mix the Overnight Oats Base

This is where the magic starts! In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir it all together until smooth and well blended. Already, the mixture will look creamy and inviting—the perfect blank canvas for flavor add-ins.

Step 2: Add Your Favorite Flavors

Here’s where you get to play! For the classic mixed berry version, just sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon, then layer with fresh berries after chilling. If you’re craving peanut butter banana, mash in half a banana and a generous scoop of peanut butter. For a mocha morning, mix cocoa and espresso powder into a portion of your base. With each batch, you’ll discover a new favorite way to enjoy the recipe: In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt, then let your imagination run wild.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Patience is a virtue here! Cover your bowl or portion the mixture into jars, then refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). The oats will soak up all the liquid, the chia seeds will swell, and you’ll wake up to a perfectly thickened, irresistibly creamy bowl of goodness. The anticipation is half the fun!

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Just before serving, give your oats a good stir to fluff them up. Now comes the best part: top with fresh fruit, crunchy granola, extra yogurt, or another tumble of berries. However you finish it off, you’ve got the base—In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt—ready for your personal breakfast masterpiece.

How to Serve In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt

Garnishes

The right garnish elevates every bite—and overnight oats shine brightest when finished with a handful of fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a scattering of toasted nuts. The flexibility of the base means you can tailor each bowl to your cravings, whether you love a burst of color, extra crunch, or a swirl of rich peanut butter right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

While these oats are a meal in themselves, they pair beautifully with simple sides. Try a plate of citrus slices for brightness, a few cubes of sharp cheese for extra protein, or a glass of smoothie on the side. With the mix of protein, fiber, and energy-boosting carbs you get from the combination—In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt—you can keep the rest of your breakfast light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make your everyday oats feel truly special! Try layering them in mason jars with stripes of fruit and jam for a parfait effect. Or, serve in a pretty bowl, swirling in yogurt or nut butter for an eye-catching pattern. Kids especially love seeing breakfast “built” in clear glasses—such a simple way to make mornings extra fun. The foundational recipe, In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt, holds up beautifully no matter how you dress it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Overnight oats were born to be meal-prepped! Paired with airtight jars or containers, they’ll keep fresh in your fridge for up to five days. The oats will continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so you might find they thicken a bit more with each passing day—just stir in a splash of milk to loosen things up if needed.

Freezing

If you love batch cooking or want to prep a week or more in advance, you can absolutely freeze overnight oats. Portion out the prepared mixture into freezer-safe containers (leave a little room at the top for expansion), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, give them a hearty stir, and add your favorite fresh toppings before serving for the just-made taste.

Reheating

Though overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold or at room temp, you can warm them gently if that’s your style. Just microwave for 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheated, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and liven up the texture before piling on your toppings.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats are much heartier and don’t soften the same way as rolled oats, even overnight. For the best creamy texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. If you try steel-cut, allow extra soaking time and understand the result will be chewier and less pudding-like.

What’s the best milk to use?

You can use any milk you love! Dairy, almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully. Each type alters the flavor and creaminess slightly—so choose the one that best fits your tastes and dietary needs. The beauty of the recipe—In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt—is its flexibility!

Are chia seeds required?

Nope! The chia seeds are totally optional, but if you like a thicker, more pudding-like consistency (and a fiber boost), they’re a great addition. Without them, your oats will still be creamy, just a touch looser in texture.

How can I adjust sweetness?

Easy! Taste before chilling and increase or decrease the honey or maple syrup to your preference. If you’re watching sugar, you can reduce the sweetener or opt for unsweetened toppings. The base—In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt—is deliciously adaptable.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this breakfast safe and scrumptious for most diets.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try. Once you’ve mastered the basic mix—In a bowl, combine 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional, for thickness), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt—you’ll find yourself looking forward to breakfast like never before. Happy prepping, and may every morning start with a spoonful of something delicious!

How to Make Overnight Oats

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious and customizable overnight oats with this easy step-by-step guide. From classic mixed berry to indulgent mocha coffee, these recipes will make breakfast a breeze!

Instructions

Start with the base recipe: In a bowl, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, plain Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add flavor ingredients based on the recipe you’re making:
- Mixed Berry: Stir in cinnamon. After chilling, layer: half the oats, fresh berries, then the rest of the oats. Top with more berries and yogurt.
- Peanut Butter Banana: Mix in banana and peanut butter. Chill overnight, then top with banana slices and peanut butter drizzle.
- Mocha Coffee: Before adding cocoa and espresso, scoop out a portion of the oat mixture. Mix cocoa powder and espresso powder into the remaining oats. Chill both overnight. In the morning, layer mocha oats first, then plain oats on top.
- Cinnamon Roll: Mix in brown sugar and cinnamon. After chilling, swirl together yogurt, maple syrup, and lemon juice on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Mix in softened cream cheese. After chilling, layer oats, crushed graham crackers, oats, strawberry jam or berries, oats, and top with more strawberries and yogurt.
- Tropical: Stir in shredded coconut and cinnamon. After chilling, layer: half the oats, pineapple tidbits, then the remaining oats. Top with extra pineapple and coconut.
Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). The oats will soak up the liquid and thicken.
Before serving, stir well and add any toppings like fruit, nuts, granola, or a drizzle of honey.

Notes

Feel free to customize these overnight oats recipes with your favorite toppings and flavors.
Experiment with different fruits, nuts, and sweeteners to create your perfect breakfast bowl.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Category: Breakfast
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Various

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 300
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: overnight oats, breakfast, healthy, customizable, easy, recipes