Easy Overnight Oats (5 Ingredients)

Overnight oats are a super delicious and nutritious breakfast option that can be made in advance to save you time in the morning. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, this effortless recipe is ideal for rushed mornings!

It’s also customizable, making it with your different flavors and toppings.

This easy overnight oats recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic choice for a healthy and convenient breakfast. By preparing it in advance on a Sunday night, you can set yourself up for a hassle-free work week. The beauty of overnight oats lies in their ability to stay fresh and tasty throughout the week, making them a perfect meal prep option.

You’ll have a nourishing and ready-to-eat breakfast waiting for you each morning, saving you time and ensuring you start your day with a nutritious meal.

What are Oats?

Oats are cereal grains rich in fibre, protein, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium. Consumption of oats has been associated with numerous health advantages, including better heart health and regulation of blood sugar levels. 

Oats come in different forms, such as rolled, steel-cut, and instant oats. For this recipe, we recommend using rolled or quick oats. They are the most convenient form for overnight oats since they absorb liquid quickly.

Overnight Oats Ingredients

1. A half cup of rolled oats
2. One teaspoon of chia seeds
3. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
4. ¾ cup milk of choice (almond, soy, dairy, etc.)
5. Pinch of salt

How to Make Overnight Oats

1. Combine oats, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, milk, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed and combined.

2. Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or another lidded container, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).

3. In the morning, stir the oats before adding your favorite toppings or flavors, such as nuts, dried fruit, yogurt, or nut butter. 

Additional Making Tips for Overnight Oats

1. You can also make this recipe as an on-the-go breakfast by prepping it in individual jars or containers and having it ready to grab when heading out the door in the morning. 

2. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator, so you can make a batch for the week and have breakfast ready each morning.

3. If you use this recipe as a meal replacement, adding additional protein sources, such as nuts or nut butter, is essential to ensure adequate nutrition.

4. Also, be mindful of the sweeteners; added sugar should be limited. Substitute white sugar with a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup if preferred. 

5. In addition, make sure you’re using non-dairy milk for vegan options. 

6. Finally, take care when adding toppings. Too many can quickly add up in calories, so stick with nutritious choices like fruit and nuts.

Overnight Oats Ideas

Here are some delicious overnight oatmeal recipe ideas to try:

Classic Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Combine all ingredients in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and top with your favorite fruits and nuts in the morning.

Berry Blast Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• Mix oats, yogurt, and honey, then layer with berries. Refrigerate overnight.

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Combine all ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and garnish with banana slices and chocolate chips.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons fruit jam or jelly
• Mix oats and milk, then swirl in peanut butter and jam. Refrigerate overnight.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/2 cup diced apples
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Combine oats, milk, apples, cinnamon, and syrup. Refrigerate overnight and add extra apple slices in the morning.

Coconut Almond Joy Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup coconut milk (canned or carton)
• 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
• Mix oats and coconut milk, top with shredded coconut, almonds, and chocolate chips. Refrigerate overnight.

Mango Tango Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• Combine oats, yogurt, mango, and sweetener. Refrigerate overnight.

Benefits of Overnight Oats

• Preparing overnight oats is a wholesome and delightful way to start your day that can be made beforehand. 

• It’s a straightforward way to get your daily dose of fiber and protein, which can help you feel full for longer and improve digestion.

• Oats are also highly customizable so you can make them with different flavors, toppings, and sweeteners. 

• Furthermore, the preparation time is negligible – mix all the ingredients the night before, and you’ll be ready to enjoy it in the morning!

FAQs

What type of oats should I use for overnight oats? 

It would be best if you used old-fashioned rolled oats for overnight oats. Quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats will not work as well because they do not absorb liquid similarly.

What liquids can I use for overnight oats? 

You can use any juice you prefer for overnight oats. Popular choices include milk (dairy or non-dairy), yogurt, kefir, almond milk, coconut milk, or water.

Can I add sweeteners to my overnight oats? 

Yes, you can add sweeteners to your overnight oats. Popular options include honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or stevia. You can also add mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness.

Can I add toppings to my overnight oats? 

Yes, you can add toppings to your overnight oats. Some popular options include fresh fruit (such as berries or bananas), chopped nuts, seeds (such as chia or flax seeds), nut butter, or granola.

How long should I soak my oats? 

You should wash your oats for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.

Do I need to heat my overnight oats in the morning? 

No, you do not need to heat your overnight oats. They are meant to be eaten cold, although you can microwave them for a few seconds if you prefer warm.

Is it possible to prepare overnight oats ahead of time? 

Absolutely! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, which makes them an ideal breakfast alternative for hectic mornings.

Can I use flavoured yogurts for overnight oats? 

Yes, you can use flavoured yogurts for overnight oats. However, flavored yogurts may contain added sugars and artificial flavours, so you may want to use plain yogurt and add your sweeteners and flavours.

Can I make overnight oats with other grains? 

You can make overnight oats with other grains such as quinoa, millet, or buckwheat. These grains must be cooked before being soaked in liquid overnight.

Can I make overnight oats with steel-cut oats? 

Steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time and don’t absorb liquid as quickly as rolled or quick oats, so we recommend using rolled or quick oats for this recipe. You can also make your version of overnight steel-cut oats by soaking them in milk or almond milk overnight before heating them in the morning. This will help reduce the cooking time and make it more convenient for busy mornings.

Can I make overnight oats without milk? 

Yes, you can! If preferred, replace the milk with water or non-dairy alternatives such as almond or coconut milk. When using water, adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavour of the oats. For a richer and creamier texture, try using yoghurt or nut butter instead of liquid. Additionally, incorporating fruit juice is another option to infuse your oats with more sweetness and flavour.

Can overnight oats be frozen? 

Yes, overnight oats can be frozen for almost three months in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy. You can also prepare a big batch of oats in advance and freeze individual portions for quick meals throughout the week. Ensure it’s thawed out before eating to ensure maximum nutrition and flavour.