How to Make Overnight Oats
Want to learn how to make overnight oats? All you need is old fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds and milk. Add maple syrup and brown sugar for flavor or mix it up with these other ideas!
Overnight oats have arrived on If You Give a Blonde a Kitchenโvideo included! Whoever is the mastermind behind this idea I would like to personally thank them. This easy breakfast saves me time in the morning when I’m rushing out the door. My go-to oats recipe is simple and flavorfulโmaple and brown sugar oatmealโbut you can add any mix-ins you like!
Who else ate instant oatmeal as a kid before going off to school? I remember those mornings. As I grew up and attempted eating instant oatmeal in college I found that the little packets didn’t quite fill me up as much as they used to.ย I turned to overnight oats and it changed my morning routine and gave me energy for the entire day! I also love this healthy baked oatmeal with peanut butter.
What are overnight oats? Overnight oats is simply oatmeal made overnight in the refrigerator. There is no stovetop cooking. The raw oats rest in liquid overnight to thicken up so they are soft enough to eat in the morning. They soak up all the ingredients and flavors that are mixed in. It’s a filling, healthy and easy breakfast!
How to make overnight oats
Overnight oats require three ingredients: old fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds and milk.
- Mix oats, milk and chia seeds together in a mason jar or container with a lid.
- Add any mix-ins or flavors if desired (ideas below). Stir again.
- Seal container and let oats sit overnight (or at least 5 hours) in the refrigerator. Enjoy cold or heat in the microwave.
Oatmeal flavor ideas
Oh there are endless options of flavor ideas for overnight oats! I had fun making these classic oatmeal flavors with some variety. Here you go!
- Maple brown sugar oats: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon brown sugar to the mix.
- Peanut butter banana oats: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter and 1/2 banana chopped into slices.
- Apple cinnamon oats: Add 1/2 an apple chopped into small pieces and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Alternatively, you can mix in apple compote instead.
- Blueberry almond oats: Add 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and 1 tablespoon almond butter.
Love oats? Try these strawberry oat bars with crumble topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, overnight oats are healthy when made with whole ingredients. Rolled oats are loaded with whole grains and fiber as well as magnesium, thiamin and zinc. They can also control blood sugar levels while keeping you fuller longer. You can read more about it here.
Chia seeds are also packed with fiber while providing protein and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. The milk you choose is up to you. Low-fat dairy milk is a good option, but almond milk and oat milk works just as well. Choose a minimally process dairy-free alternative for the best health benefits.
Old fashioned rolled oats are best for overnight oats. They will yield creamy, smooth oatmeal. The are packed with health benefits and will absorb the liquid better than other types of oats. Steel cut oats do work, however, the texture will be dense and chewy. Quick oats also work, but they are more processed and lack as many health benefits.
Overnight oats will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure the oatmeal is in an airtight container to keep fresh.
I used a 16 ounce mason jar for this recipe so there was room for toppings after the oats expanded (12 ounce jars will work too). I think 8 ounce jars are too small as the oats and chia seeds will expand. Any airtight container that fits at least 12 ounces will work!
Yes, you can heat up the oatmeal if you prefer it warm. Remove the lid and microwave the oats for 30 seconds. Remove and stir the oats. Microwave again for 30 seconds and serve.
Related Recipes
If you love oats in your baking, I have a few recipes for you to try! They provide a naturally chewy texture and flavor. Check it out!
Did you love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ๐๐๐๐๐ rating in the recipe card below and if you REALLY loved it, consider leaving a comment further down the page.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Overnight Oats {4 ways}
Ingredients
Overnight Oats Base
- ยฝ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ยพ to 1 cup low-fat milk, or dairy-free milk1
- 1 tablespoon
chia seeds
Maple Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Peanut Butter Banana
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- ยฝ medium banana, sliced into thin pieces
Apple Cinnamon
- ยฝ medium apple, chopped into small cubes
- ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Almond Blueberry
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ยผ cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Combine oats, milk and chia seeds in a 16 ounce mason jar. Stir until combined.
- Add flavor mix-ins (if desired). Stir ingredients again.
- Cover jar securely with the top and refrigerate overnight (or at least 5 hours).
- Serve cold or reheat in the microwave for 1 minute (stirring halfway through).
Notes
- I prefer 3/4 cup milk for a thicker oats consistency. If you like a normal/thinner oat consistency, try 1 cup milk instead.
14 Comments on “How to Make Overnight Oats”
Can you substitute the milk with water
Hi Sarah – Yes, you can, but it will lack some flavor ๐
would almond milk work well with this?
Hi Paris – I haven’t tried this recipe with almond milk, but I imagine it works well!
how long can you keep these refrigerated for?
Would this particular oat recipe warm up well in the microwave? Iโve noticed some overnight oat recipes are great cold and some are yummy warmed up!
Hi Gina – I have not tried this recipe warmed up, however, I think it would taste great that way too!
This recipe is so simple and easy to make. Iโve made it a handful of times and it is delicious! I use almond milk and throw in some flax seeds. Perfect for a quick morning breakfast. Thank you!
Delicious ๐ My go to favorite for overnight oats! Great portion size and the flavor is so tasty. Thank you!
I make one of these at least 3 nights a week! Iโve been looking for a tried and true recipe for when Iโm on maternity leave and this is easily it! Thank you.
Can you use frozen fruit when prepping these for overnight? Such as strawberries or bananas?
Hi Liz – Yes, frozen fruit will work well in overnight oats. Freeze-dried fruit works too!
Hello. Thank you for this recipe. Can’t wait to try it. Can I eliminate the chia?
Thank you. Jody
From my experience, the chia seeds thicken the overnight oats. It may have a different texture without them.