Overnight Oats - 15 NEW Recipes! (2024)

Oatmeal Recipes

by Chocolate Covered Katie

4.98 from 401 votes

How to make overnight oats, for a super healthy and filling breakfast you can take on-the-go!

Overnight Oats - 15 NEW Recipes! (2)

Breakfast Overnight Oats

1 recipe + 15 flavors = endless healthy breakfast possibilities

Be sure to bookmark this post, so you can try a new flavor every day of the week!

All of the prep work is done the night before, giving you an instant healthy breakfast the next morning whenever you’re ready. With fifteen different flavors to choose, breakfast will never be boring again!

You may also like these homemade Protein Bars

Overnight Oats - 15 NEW Recipes! (4)

Overnight oats in a jar

Any small container works here. I bought these adorable Le Parfait Overnight Jars specifically for this recipe – and now I’m obsessed and use the jars all the time for everything!

To make the recipe, simply add 1/2 cup oats and a pinch of salt to a mason jar or tupperware container. Stir in everything else, put the lid on the jar and shake well, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, just stir and enjoy.

Do you eat them hot or cold?

They are delicious either way! Just make sure to prepare the oats in a heat-safe container if you plan to microwave or warm them in the oven the next morning.

You could also transfer the prepared oats to a small saucepan and heat them up that way. If using yogurt, it’s best to not cook them; and especially in the warmer months, I like to eat them cold.

If you prefer to bake your oatmeal in the oven instead of eating it cold or cooking on the stovetop or microwave, try this recipe for Baked Oats.

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Are they good for meal prep?

Stored covered in an airtight container in the fridge, the overnight oatmeal will last about five days, so it’s great to meal prep in advance for the week. You can also portion out extra servings of the dry ingredients into ziploc bags for your own homemade instant oatmeal packets like Quaker.

The original version has 6 Weight Watchers SmartPoints.Overnight oats are the perfect healthy solution if you’re one of those people who like to have breakfast as soon as they get up in the morning.

Can you make overnight steel cut oats?

You can! The results will have a chewy texture that some might even prefer to a version made with quick or rolled oats. They’re less chewy if you make them more than a day in advance.

Can you make vegan overnight oats?

Yes, they make a great vegan breakfast. Feel free to try out different plant-based milks in the recipe – almond milk, coconut milk, ricemilk, cashewmilk, soy milk, or even oat milk – to find your favorites.

Technically, you could use water instead of milk, but the results will be much less creamy. Most regular grocery stores will sell at least one brand of nondairy yogurt, and some even have vegan Greek yogurt.

Or you can skip the yogurt and just add more milk in its place. The recipe is suitable for many gluten free diets as well and is super versatile!

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Overnight oatmeal flavors

  • Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: Add 2 tbsp peanut butter to the recipe. Throw in a handful of mini chocolate chips if desired.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie: Use vanilla yogurt or add 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract. Stir in 3-4 tsp chocolate chips, optional crushed walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon.
  • Nutella: Use your favorite brand of chocolate hazelnut spread or my Homemade Nutella recipe as the nut butter. Add 1 tbsp regular and 1/2 tbsp dutch or additional regular cocoa powder. Top with toasted hazelnuts if you want.
  • Blueberry Overnight Oats: Use fresh or frozen blueberries as the fruit. You can also use blueberry yogurt if you wish.
  • Monkey Oats: Substitute mashed banana for the yogurt. Add 1-2 tbsp peanut butter and a handful of mini chocolate chips. Or top your oatmeal with Banana Ice Cream.
  • Banana Bread: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1-2 tbsp crushed walnuts or pecans with the dry ingredients. Use sliced banana as your fruit of choice.
  • Cinnamon Apple: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or apple pie spice. Use diced apple as your fruit of choice, and add 1-2 tbsp raisins and some crushed walnuts if desired.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip: Add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract, depending on desired strength. Stir in 2-4 tsp mini chocolate chips. If you wish, you can also add a little spirulina powder for color and added nutrition.

Of course there’s also a chocolate version – just use this recipe for Chocolate Overnight Oats.

  • High Protein Overnight Oats: Stir 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder into the base recipe. Add extra milk if needed.
  • Pumpkin Pie: Substitute canned pumpkin for the yogurt. Add 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon and a few drops of pure vanilla extract.
  • Carrot Cake: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2-3 tbsp shredded carrot, and optional 1 tbsp almond or coconut butter. You can also stir in a handful of raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped walnuts.
  • Piña Colada: Use coconut yogurt and coconut milk. Add a few drops pure vanilla extract, and use diced pineapple as your fruit of choice (or skip the pineapple for plain coconut oatmeal).
  • Creamy Coffee: Add 1 tsp instant coffee to the recipe. For an even creamier result, substitute nondairy creamer for half the milk of choice. You can also add 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract if desired. (Use up leftover instant coffee in this Frappuccino Recipe.)
  • Strawberry Shortcake: Use strawberry yogurt, and replace the milk of choice with either canned coconut milk or nondairy creamer. Use strawberries as your fruit of choice, and stir in some strawberry jam at the end if desired. The same idea can be applied to raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or cherries.

Above, watch the overnight oats recipe video

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Overnight Oats

How to make overnight oats at home for a healthy breakfast you can take on-the-go!

Overnight Oats - 15 NEW Recipes! (9)

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Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Yield 1 serving

5 from 401 votes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats or quick oats
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup yogurt or additional milk of choice
  • sweetener of choice, as desired
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • optional 1/2 cup fruit of choice
  • optional 1-2 tbsp nut butter
  • optional 1 tbsp chia seeds, or add-ins of choice

Instructions

  • *This recipe is easily vegan if you choose nondairy yogurt and milk. Options include almond, cashew, soy, rice, oat, or coconut.

    Combine all ingredients in a lidded container or mason jar. Shake well, then refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply stir and enjoy! If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate it at the bottom of the post or leave a review. And if you come up with any other flavors, please do share!

    View Nutrition Facts

Notes

Readers also love these Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Have you made this recipe?

Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram

Overnight Oats - 15 NEW Recipes! (10)

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Applesauce Muffins

Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Vegan Lemon Bread

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Keto Muffins

Chia Pudding Recipes

Healthy Banana Bread – with an oil free option

Flourless Pancakes

Or these Keto Pancakes

More About The Cookbook

Overnight Oats - 15 NEW Recipes! (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What is the formula for overnight oats? ›

Making overnight oats is actually as easy as memorizing a simple ratio: Use equal parts old-fashioned rolled oats and milk, plus half as much yogurt.

What happens to overnight oats after 5 days? ›

They're definitely best on day one and two, when they are soft but still have retained some of that toothsome chew, but five days is the max. Over time, you'll find that the liquid will separate from the oats while the container sits in the fridge — just give it a quick stir to reincorporate everything before enjoying.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

What makes overnight oats taste better? ›

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won't taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you're really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

Which milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats are great with all kinds of milk, dairy (pasteurized) or non-dairy. Feel free to use your favorite! We do not recommend making Overnight Oats with water because it will result in an overly liquid texture. Did this answer your question?

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

What makes overnight oats thicker? ›

If you want your overnight oats to have a thicker, slightly tapioca-like texture, chia seeds will do that while also adding some healthy protein. Add about 1/4 the amount of oats you added. (So if you're starting with 1/2 cup of oats, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds.)

Why are my overnight oats slimy? ›

It's normal if your overnight oats are slightly slimy. Oats become “slimy” when they sit overnight because the starches in the oats release liquid over time. To avoid unappetizing, slimy oatmeal, stick to the 1:1 ratio.

What is the point of overnight oats? ›

When you soak oats, it's almost like you're cooking them without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently. Overnight oats are healthier for your gut.

Can I eat raw oats with yogurt? ›

Combine raw oats with milk or yogurt, fruits, nuts and seeds. Let it sit in the fridge overnight for a quick and nutritious breakfast. We've got a tasty recipe inspired by apple pie below. (Click through for more insight on why overnight oats are a healthy breakfast choice.)

What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

What should not be eaten with oats? ›

Insulin interacts with OATS

Taking oats along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of insulin might need to be changed.

Do you stir overnight oats before putting in the fridge? ›

In a large glass jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir.

Are oats overnight actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Why do people put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

References

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