Best Overnight Oats (6 ways)

Posted Aug 23, 2024

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This is the best overnights oats recipe, made with 5 ingredients in 5 minutes, plus 6 delicious flavor combinations (with endless possibilities). Learn how to make overnight oats for an easy, meal prep breakfast perfect for busy mornings.

4 glass jars of Overnight Oats with different toppings

Overnight oats are a quick and tasty breakfast that will keep you full all morning long.

Old-fashioned oatmeal is mixed with yogurt, chia seeds, and your choice of toppings for a protein and fiber packed breakfast that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

In this post, you will learn how to make overnight oats six different ways. Be sure to let me know which is your favorite.

Overnight Oats in a glass jar topped with chia seeds and oats

Overnight Oats Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this Overnight Oats recipe

Vanilla yogurt. I suggest Greek or Icelandic yogurt for the best flavor and texture. You can use plain yogurt, or any flavor of your choice (strawberry, chocolate etc.) depending on which flavor you choose to make. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt.
Milk. I recommend whole milk, but almond milk, coconut milk, or 2% are also good choices.
Old-fashioned oatmeal. Steel cut oats or quick-cooking oats are good substitutes.
Chia seeds. ground flaxseed works in place of chia seeds.
Toppings & Flavor combinations. See the recipe card and post for more information on toppings and flavor combinations.

overhead photo of 6 jars of Overnight Oats, all different flavors.

How to Make Overnight Oats

Let’s walk through this overnight oatmeal recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by whisking together yogurt, milk and honey in a large bowl (preferably one with a handle and spout like a batter bowl).

two photos showing How to Make Overnight Oats - whisking milk, yogurt and honey.

Then, add the oats chia seeds, cinnamon and sea salt and stir to combine.

Let the mixture set in the fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

two photos showing How to Make Overnight Oats - adding oatmeal, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon.

Next, divide the oatmeal mixture into 2 to 4 jars depending on your preferred serving size.

two photos showing How to Make Overnight Oats - pouring into jars

To Make Different Flavors

If you’d like to make different flavors of overnight oatmeal, add the mix-ins/toppings, either before or after chilling. I like to mix some into the oats and put some on top. Here are some suggestions:

Peanut Butter Banana: Add 1 Tablespoon peanut butter and half of a banana, sliced or diced. (Also try this peanut butter overnight oats recipe or chocolate peanut butter overnight oats)

two photos showing overnight oats flavors - peanut butter and banana

Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup finely diced apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

two photos showing overnight oats flavors - apple cinnamon

Berry: Mix in ½ cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.) and 1 Tablespoon jam of choice.

two photos showing overnight oats flavors - berry

Chocolate: Stir in 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder and 2 TBS mini chocolate chips into the overnight oat mixture. Top with additional mini chips! (Also try this chocolate overnight oats recipe).

two photos showing overnight oats flavors - chocolate

Almond: Add 1 Tablespoon almond butter and 2 Tablespoons sliced almonds (or candied almonds).

two photos showing overnight oats flavors - almond

Serve

Serve the overnight oats chilled with your favorite toppings (as discussed above). Some people prefer to warm them slightly, which is ok too!

5 jars of Overnight Oats with different flavors

Store/Freeze

Store overnight oats in a glass jar with a lid (airtight) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

Overnight Oats Recipe in a jar with a spoon

Overnight Oats Recipe FAQS

What is the secret to overnight oats?

The secret to thick and creamy overnight oatmeal is the chia seeds (which thicken the mixture) and yogurt.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe.

Is 2 hours enough for overnight oats?

I suggest refrigerating them for at least 6 hours so they are chilled all the way through and perfectly thickened.

Why add chia seeds overnight oatmeal?

Chia seeds both thicken the overnight oats by absorbing moisture and add nutrition (fiber, protein, etc.).

What kind of milk is best for overnight oats?

I suggest whole milk for creamy oats. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk.

4 glass jars with different flavors of overnight oatmeal in each one

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