Easy Overnight Oats - Preppy Kitchen

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If you're looking for a super easy, nutritious way to start your day on the right foot, you've just hit the jackpot with this easy overnight oats recipe. It's a no-fuss, prepare-ahead breakfast that will have you waking up to a creamy, delicious treat every morning.

A jar of overnight oats with peanut butter in the middle and topped with chopped strawberries. More jars in the background.

These hearty overnight oats are all about what works for you. Want to switch up the milk? Go for it. Are you craving a specific topping? Add it on. This recipe is super flexible, so whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just trying to satisfy a certain craving, there's a way to make them perfect for you.

Not only do overnight oats save you a bunch of time in the morning, but they're also really good for you. Loaded with fibre, protein, and all the good vitamins and minerals, they'll start your day on the right foot without feeling heavy. Plus, letting oats soak overnight means you don’t have to cook anything! So, not only are overnight oats a super convenient breakfast choice, but they're also a nutritious one.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Ingredients needed to make overnight oats.

Rolled Oats — the perfect base for our overnight oats, offering a rich texture and a fantastic source of fibre that keeps you feeling full! You can use regular or jumbo rolls oats! You can also use a mix of rolled oats, jumbo oats, and porridge oats to find the perfect balance in creaminess and chewiness to suit your taste.

Milk — you can use any type! So whether you prefer dairy or plant-based, milk softens the oats and makes these breakfast oats delightfully creamy.

Plain Greek Yoghurt — adds a lovely tang and a boost of protein, making your oats even more nutritious and filling.

Maple Syrup or Honey — sweeten things up naturally! Whether you choose the rich, caramel-like flavour of maple syrup or the floral sweetness of honey, you're in for a treat. Add as much or as little to sweetened the oatmeal to you liking.

Chia Seeds — tiny but mighty, these seeds thicken the mixture while providing a punch of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants.

Salt — just a pinch to enhance all the wonderful flavours of your overnight oats.

Toppings of choice — customise your oats with a variety of nuts for crunch, fresh fruit for a burst of flavour, preserves for sweetness, nut butter for creaminess, honey for extra sweetness, or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

How to Make Overnight Oats

Set of two photos showing rolled oats added to a bowl and maple syrup drizzled in.

1. Mix your base ingredients in a large mason jar or container with a tight-sealing lid or in a mixing bowl. Pour in the rolled oats, your choice of milk, Greek yoghurt, chia seeds, and a dash of salt.

2. Add a sweetener of your choice like maple syrup or honey. Mix these well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Set of two photos showing chocolate chips added to a portion of a bowl of overnight oats and strawberry peanut butter added to another.

3. If you want to flavour the oats, add the flavourings like chocolate chips, fresh fruit, peanut butter, or jam. You can layer the flavoured oats in a jar with more peanut butter, fruit, or mixins if desired!

4. Stir the mix-ins into the base until well combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or seal the container the oats are in. Place it in the refrigerator, letting it sit for at least 8 hours, though it can stay refrigerated for up to five days. When serving, give the oats a good stir. If the consistency is too thick, you can loosen it with a bit more milk. Finally, garnish with additional toppings or flavours as you like.

A jar of overnight oats topped with blueberries with a spoonful lifted up.

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a no-cook method of making oatmeal by soaking rolled oats in liquid (such as milk and yoghurt) overnight, or about 8 hours. This process allows the oats to absorb the liquid, resulting in a pudding-like texture ready to eat in the morning without any additional preparation. It’s a convenient, nutritious, customisable breakfast option that can be flavoured in countless ways with mix-ins and toppings.

Basic Ratio for Overnight Oats

The basic ratio for making overnight oats perfectly balances the ingredients to achieve that signature creamy consistency and rich flavour. If you’re doing a volume measurement, use a 1:1:½ ratio of rolled oats to milk to yoghurt (1 cup oats, 1 cup milk, ½ cup yoghurt). If you're weighing your ingredients, it’s a 1:2:1 ratio of milk to oats to yoghurt (60g of rolled oats, 120g of milk, 60g of yoghurt).

To sweeten your overnight oats, add maple syrup or your preferred sweetener to taste. For chia seeds, use 1 teaspoon per 120ml of milk (½ cup or about 122g).

Overnight Oats Variations

Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Chip is the simplest option! Follow the recipe shown and stir in two tablespoons of chocolate chips. You can add a few more on top to finish. Try your favourite type of chocolate chips, or even go for a mixture of white, milk, and dark chocolate.

Fresh Berry

For this variation, grab 40 grams of mashed berries along with ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to balance the fruit's sweetness. Mix this with the oats, then add a few whole berries on top.

PB & J

Stir 1 tablespoon each of peanut butter and fruit jam (I love strawberry!) and ¼ cup of chopped fresh fruit into the base recipe. Fill a jar with the oatmeal—you can even swirl in more PB or jam if desired. Chill overnight and top with more fruit, peanut butter, or jam before serving.

Banana Bread

Mash one-half of a banana, then mix it into the basic recipe along with two tablespoons of chopped walnuts and one-quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon. You can also add some chocolate chips to this variation if you like; any type will work nicely. Top with a few sprinkles of walnuts, and enjoy!

What Jars are the Best Jars to Use?

Wide-mouth mason jars with tight-sealing lids are the best for making overnight oats. These jars are ideal because they provide ample space for mixing ingredients without a mess and ensure a secure seal to keep your oats fresh in the refrigerator. Wide-mouth jars also make it easier to add or remove ingredients and serve your oats directly from the jar, reducing cleanup. Glass jars are preferable as they do not absorb odours and are easy to clean, but BPA-free plastic containers with secure lids can also work well for those who prefer a more lightweight option.

Slightly overhead view of jars of overnight oats with assorted toppings.

What Is The Best Type Of Oats To Use?

My preferred type of oats for overnight oats are rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats. These raw oats have been steamed and then rolled to flatten, allowing them to absorb liquid effectively overnight, softening them to the perfect texture without cooking. Rolled oats provide a creamy yet slightly chewy texture ideal for overnight oats. Avoid using instant oats as they can become too mushy, and steel-cut oats since they may remain too hard even after soaking overnight. Rolled oats strike the perfect balance for creating a delicious, satisfying breakfast. You can also try a mix of rolled, porridge, and jumbo oats to find your perfect blend!

Should Overnight Oats Be Eaten Warm Or Cold?

Overnight oats are designed to be eaten cold, straight from the refrigerator. This chill adds to their refreshing quality, which is especially appealing during warmer months. However, overnight oats can be gently heated in the microwave or on the stove for those who prefer a warm breakfast. Just ensure to stir thoroughly to achieve an even warmth throughout, and remove any metal lid before placing it in the microwave.

How To Store

Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them an excellent option for meal prep. Ensure that the oats are kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any absorption of odours from other foods. For the best experience, add your favourite toppings just before serving, though if desired, mix-ins like fruits or nuts can be added during the preparation.

Did you know you can freeze overnight oats? I Since some fruits, spices, and mix-ins might not freeze well, keeping the oats plain when you freeze them is best. Add your favourite toppings or flavours after thawing and before diving in. Use jars or containers that are safe for the freezer, or go for silicone muffin cups. Once solid, pop them out and toss them into freezer bags. They'll stay good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just let them thaw in the fridge for about 12-24 hours.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Use Your Favourite Milk: Any type of milk (whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk or whatever you love) or even water can be used in overnight oats.
Add Texture: After the oats have soaked, throw in nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for an added crunch. This keeps them from getting too soft.
Layer Your Flavours: Consider layering your ingredients in the jar for a visually appealing and taste-bud tantalising experience. Start with fruits at the bottom, followed by the oat mixture and any additional desired toppings.
Perfect Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by gradually adding your sweeteners. This way, you can taste as you go and avoid making your oats too sweet.
Spice It Up: Don't shy away from spices! Cinnamon, nutmeg, and even a dash of cardamom can elevate the flavour of your oats significantly.
Fruit First: Consider adding fruit, particularly berries or bananas, the night before. This gives them time to meld their flavours into the oats. However, add fruits that might get too soggy, like apples, fresh in the morning.
Liquid Love: If you find your oats are too thick in the morning, don’t hesitate to stir in a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency.

A jar of overnight oats topped with banana slices, pecans, and chocolate chips with a spoon tucked in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add protein powder?

Definitely! Just throw in a scoop or two of protein powder. Mix it with the liquid ingredients first so it blends in nicely with the oats. Oh, and considering the additional dry ingredient, you might need to tweak the liquid a bit to get the consistency just right.

Do I have to use yoghurt?

Yoghurt isn't a must-have for overnight oats, but it's a fave for anyone wanting to make their oats creamier and pack in some protein. You can get that same creamy vibe with almond milk yoghurt, coconut yoghurt, or just by splashing in more of your favourite milk.

Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?

Quick oats can be used for overnight oats, but they'll be much softer, almost like porridge, compared to rolled oats. If you prefer a creamier texture, quick oats are a good choice. But, they might not stay fresh as long. Steel-cut oats need more time and liquid to soften. I don’t recommend using them in this recipe.

Do you have to cook the oats first?

There's no need to cook the oats first for overnight oats. That's the cool part - it's all about the no-cook magic! Just soak the oats in your favourite liquid overnight, and they'll soften up, soaking in all that liquid and flavour you toss in. It's like they cook themselves; no heat needed. This makes overnight oats a super convenient and quick breakfast option.

If you’ve tried this overnight oats recipe, then don’t forget to rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you!