Overnight Oats
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Learn to make overnight oats with my tried-and-tested recipe for creamy, never soupy oats. They’re easy to meal-prep and customize.
My overnight oats recipe is classic and satisfying
I’ve eaten more breakfasts on repeat than I care to admit, and most of them have been some form of overnight oatmeal.
That’s because they are super convenient, use pantry staples, and keep me full right until lunch… which this hangry boy loves.
There are hundreds of overnight oat recipes out there, and not all of them are equal. Some are too soupy; others are so thick you need a gallon of water nearby to get them all down.
My version sticks to the basic formula: oats, milk, and yogurt. I do add some chia seeds for thickening and some maple syrup for sweetness, but that is pretty much it.
I’ve tested various combos to make them thinner or thicker, so you truly can adjust it to your preference (it’s just a matter of reducing or increasing the liquid, that’s it!).
Bonus? They are a blank canvas. Enjoy as is, or try one of my five flavor combinations below!
Why I love this recipe
- The easiest make-ahead breakfast. Every Sunday, I like to spend 5 minutes making a week’s worth of oats (in different flavors, of course). That way, I can grab one on my way out the door.
- They can be ready in a couple of hours. ‘Overnight’ may be in the name, but you can in fact get a similar texture in as little as 3-4 hours.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I make these every night for the morning. These overnight oats are the best” – Suzanne
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, plus my kitchen notes and substitution ideas. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Oats. I tested all different kinds of oats, and I strongly recommend using rolled oats, AKA old-fashioned oats, for this recipe. Quick oats can turn mushy, and steel-cut oats need a different preparation method (try my overnight steel-cut oats).
- Chia seeds. I add chia seeds for extra fiber, omega-3s, and an easy way to thicken the oats. You could try ground flaxseed too.
- Salt. A pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the oats.
- Yogurt. Adds creaminess and helps soften the oats. I used unsweetened Greek yogurt, but any plain yogurt will work just fine.
- Milk. Softens the oats. You could also technically use water, but I find milk adds more creaminess. I typically use almond milk, but any milk works.
- Sweetener. On its own, overnight oatmeal can be a little bland, so I like to stir in some honey (or maple syrup). You can use granulated sugar, but it takes more to sweeten (I usually need two full tablespoons of brown or white sugar versus one tablespoon of honey).
Dietary swaps
- Vegan. Use dairy-free milk and plant-based yogurt (I love coconut yogurt!).
- Gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free oats.
How to make overnight oats
Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a cereal bowl or mason jar, combine the oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix in the yogurt and milk, then add the honey.
Step 2- Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
Step 3- Serve. Remove the bowl from the fridge and mix well. Add any toppings and enjoy.
Arman’s recipe tips
- For thinner oats. Oats soak up a lot of liquid, so use 1/2 cup milk instead of 1/3 cup for thinner oats.
- For thicker oats. My oats turn out thick and creamy, but for an even thicker result, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup. Just be wary that the oats will have the texture of soft-baked oatmeal.
Flavor variations
Here are five of my favorite combinations:
- Chocolate-covered banana. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips, then top with fresh bananas and chopped walnuts.
- PB&J. Stir in 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam, then top with a drizzle of creamy peanut butter and fresh strawberries.
- Fall spices. Stir 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg) into the oat mixture, along with 1 tablespoon almond butter, then top with candied pecans.
- Vanilla berry. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the oat mixture, then stir in fresh blueberries and raspberries. I also love a little drizzle of honey.
- Apple cinnamon. Make a batch of my air fryer apples (or microwave an apple with ½ teaspoon cinnamon) and dollop over the oats. You can also drizzle some caramel for something a little fancy.
Storage instructions
To store/make ahead: Store leftover oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
To freeze: I rarely freeze my oats. But you can portion them into single-serve containers and freeze them for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Easy Overnight Oats
Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- In a cereal bowl or mason jar, combine the oats, chia seeds, and salt and mix well. Add the yogurt and milk and mix everything together. Add the honey.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
- Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and give everything a good mix. Add any toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
More oatmeal recipes
Originally published 2020, updated and republished October 2026
Do you have an orange cream flavor variation? And, have you ever used dried banana slices? I’m wondering if they’ll soften (and taste good). I love your emails – I’ve learned a lot from yo!u
Hi Lisa- I don’t have a dedicated orange cream flavor, but I recently made a orange cream cold foam for my coffee which a spoonful in the oats would be magical- 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 orange zest, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
Hmmm, banana chips don’t soften well- they have like a soggy/firm texture (if that makes sense). It’s good to add fresh for some crunch.
Disappointed, the ratios made these oats way too thick and I do not think the salt is necessary, can taste it too much.
Hi there! Sorry to hear these didn’t work out as expected for you. I’m wondering if the oats you used were naturally thicker than other brands? I don’t think the salt is excessive. If anything, I find it brings out the natural sweetness of the oats 🙂
Love how versatile this recipe is and the ratios are perfect. It is not too thick and not too thin and works well with the add-ins. I made the vanilla berry version to take advantage of strawberry season where I live and it was delicious!
I love these. Such an easy and simple breakfast option. I love adding chocolate chips for a bit of a sweet treat. I always have frozen berries on hand so I love tossing those in.
I just made a few for this week, have made these many a time…great way to start the day!!
Oats are my favourite carb source in any period of day. I will follow this recipe.
I really like doing overnight oats especially with a little peanut butter, chia seeds and dates bits, also some mashed banana. It just all soaks up into the oats overnight and when I take it out of the fridge it’s all ready to be eaten. It is so cool how all the date bits break down and naturally sweeten the oats. I really enjoy the flavors and often add in a touch of cinnamon and vanilla extract.
I make these every night for morning. The only thing I do different is skip the yougert and do 1/2 cup of oat milk. I also add about a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter along with some 4 fruit preserves, about 1/2 TBS. With this combo I only add about 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. I could do without the syrup but I really like it sweet! It reminds me of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich but without the bread and much more yummy!
Tasted the banana flavour of these overnight oats for breakfast today and loved it so much that I can’t wait to try all the rest of the flavours😍
My personal favourite is making the oats with unsweetened soya milk and vanilla Skyr yoghurt (more protein, less fat and sugar than other yogs) then adding in a diced apple (personally I prefer a sweet variety like Gala apples) and adding ground sweet cinnamon and artificial sweetener to taste. It’s honestly like apple pie oatmeal! Delicious! Plus it’s one of your 5 a day!
That sounds fabulous 🙂
Hi,
Wondering if whipped cottage chesse could work instead of the yogurt? Thank you:)
Absolutely you can! Just adjust the amount of milk to suit your preferred thickness, overall. Sounds delicious Jessica!
Sieht sehr (dekadent), reichhaltig aber auch lecker aus, für sind das alles Dessert.
Wolltest du deine Rezepte nicht auch in Gramm einstellen, bitte bitte, es wäre so toll von dir?!
Viele Grüße,
Jesse-Gabriel