Basic Overnight Oats Recipe

I created this Easy Overnight Oats base as a no-cook, make-ahead foundation that lets me mix and match limitless toppings and flavor combinations.

I never thought breakfast could hide so many possibilities but these Basic Overnight Oats turned my hurried mornings into something I actually look forward to. With rolled oats and milk or plant based milk as the simple base, it thickens and waits for you, ready to be made into whatever mood you have.

I usually toss it in a jar because Overnight Oats In A Jar saves time and makes me feel like I planned ahead even when I didnt. This felt like an Overnight Oats Recipe Easy that became my Best Overnight Oats Recipe, and yes it fits in a Quick Oats, Oat Recipes Healthy rotation.

Why I Like this Recipe

– I love how it’s ready when i wake up, saves me time and makes mornings less stressful.
– I like the creamy but slightly chewy texture, it’s satisfying and keeps me full.
– I can tweak it fast, throw in whatever I have and it still tastes great.
– It keeps well in the fridge so I can grab it on rushed mornings and it travels easy.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: keeps you full with fiber, slow energy and chewy hearty texture usually.
• Milk or plant milk: adds creaminess, calcium and protein, choose dairy free if needed.
• Yogurt: boosts creaminess and protein, gives tangy flavor, probiotics often help digestion and immunity.
• Chia seeds: soak up liquid to thicken, rich in fiber, omega 3s and texture.
• Maple syrup or honey: adds natural sweetness, antioxidants in maple, honey adds floral notes.
• Vanilla extract: tiny touch makes flavors pop, pinch of salt balances sweetness and depth.
• Fruit, nuts and seeds: fresh fruit adds brightness, nuts give crunch and healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats, not instant)
• 1/2 cup milk or plant based milk (almond, oat, soy etc)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, optional but makes it creamier)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (helps thicken the oats)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional mix ins and toppings: fresh or frozen fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter, cinnamon, coconut flakes
• Makes about 1 serving; multiply quantities for more jars

How to Make this

1. Add 1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats, not instant) to a jar or bowl sized for one serving.

2. Pour in 1/2 cup milk or plant milk and scoop in 1/4 cup plain yogurt if using it; yogurt makes it creamier but you can skip it.

3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (or adjust to taste), 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if you like, and a pinch of salt over the oats.

4. Stir everything really well so the chia seeds dont clump and the sweetener and vanilla are evenly mixed.

5. Seal the jar or cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 4 hours but ideally 6 to 8 hours or overnight for best texture.

6. In the morning give it a good stir. If it’s too thick add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin add a little more yogurt or another 1/2 teaspoon chia and wait 10 minutes.

7. Add your mix ins and toppings: fresh or frozen fruit, nuts, seeds, a spoonful of nut butter, cinnamon, coconut flakes, etc. Put crunchy toppings on at the end so they stay crisp.

8. If you prefer warm oats microwave the jar or bowl for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through, or heat gently in a saucepan.

9. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days. This makes about 1 serving; multiply the ingredients for more jars. Quick hacks: frozen fruit on top acts like an ice pack during chilling, mashing a ripe banana adds sweetness and creaminess, and shaking the jar before opening mixes everything if you didnt stir well the night before.

Equipment Needed

1. Mason jar (12 oz) or any jar/bowl with a tight lid, easy to shake and chill
2. Measuring cups (1/2 cup and 1/4 cup) for oats, milk and yogurt
3. Measuring spoons (1 tbsp and 1/4 tsp) for chia, sweetener and vanilla
4. Small whisk or fork, so the chia seeds dont clump when you mix
5. Spoon or small spatula for stirring and adding toppings
6. Microwave-safe bowl or jar (or a small saucepan) if you want your oats warm in the morning
7. Cutting board and knife for chopping fruit or nuts
8. Airtight container or extra jars for storing leftovers or making multiple servings ahead

FAQ

Basic Overnight Oats Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Rolled oats: swap with quick oats if you’re in a hurry (they soak faster but get softer), or try 1/2 cup quinoa flakes for a glutenfree-ish, nutty option.
• Milk or plant milk: use soy, coconut, cashew or oat milk; or thin yogurt with a little water, or even brewed chai or coffee for a flavor twist.
• Plain yogurt: replace with dairyfree coconut or almond yogurt, or stir in 1/4 cup mashed banana or applesauce for creaminess and sweetness if you dont want dairy.
• Chia seeds: use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for similar thickening and omega 3s, or 1 tablespoon hemp seeds for protein, or just add a bit more oats and let it sit longer to thicken.

Pro Tips

1) Texture control is everything, dont be scared to tweak: if its too thick add a splash of milk, if its too thin stir in a little more yogurt or 1/2 tsp chia and wait 10 minutes, repeat if you need to until you like it.

2) For best overnight oats let them chill 6 to 8 hours, but if youre short on time warm the milk a bit first or give the jar a good shake then let sit 30 minutes, it speeds things up.

3) Use frozen fruit on top while it chills, it acts like an ice pack so the fruit wont go soggy, then add fresh fruit or crunchy stuff right before you eat so those stay crisp.

4) Sweetness and creaminess hacks: mash a ripe banana into the mix or swirl in a spoonful of nut butter, both add flavor and body without extra sweetener, just dont overmix if you want layers.

5) Make-ahead and reheat tips – store jars covered up to 3 days but eat within 2 for best taste, shake the jar before opening if you didnt stir well the night before, and if you want it warm microwave 60 to 90 secs stirring halfway or heat gently on the stove.