A fuss‑free, no‑cook breakfast—simply mix rolled oats and milk the night before, refrigerate, and wake up to a creamy, ready‑to‑eat jar of overnight oats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super simple — Only two basic ingredients (plus optional flavor boosters)
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Make‑ahead friendly — Preps in under 5 minutes, then chills overnight
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Customizable — Layer in your favorite mix‑ins or toppings for endless variations
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk of choice
Optional Add‑Ins:
¼ cup Greek yogurt (non‑fat)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Variations:
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Peanut Butter & Jelly: 1 tbsp strawberry jam, 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup diced strawberries, 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
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Apple Pie: ¼ cup diced apples, 1 tbsp chopped pecans, 2 tsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp cinnamon
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Banana Nutella: ½ sliced banana, 1 tbsp Nutella, 1 tbsp crushed hazelnuts, 1 tbsp chocolate chips
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Almond Joy: ¼ cup shredded coconut, 1 tbsp chopped almonds, 1 tbsp chocolate chips, 2 tsp maple syrup
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Blueberry Lemon Muffin: ¼ cup blueberries, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tsp honey, pinch of salt
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Maple Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt
Directions
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In a glass jar or container, combine oats and milk (and add‑ins if using).
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Stir until oats are fully submerged.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or ideally overnight.
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In the morning, stir or layer in your chosen toppings and enjoy. Add a splash of milk if needed.
Servings And Timing
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Servings: 1 serving (base recipe)
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Chill Time: 8 hours (minimum 2 hours)
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Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 5 minutes
Variations
Already covered under add‑ins and flavor ideas above. You can easily switch the toppings to create new taste combinations every day.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Great for batch prepping.
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Reheating: Eat cold or warm it in the microwave for 60–90 seconds. Use a microwave-safe container and stir before eating.
FAQs
1. Can I heat up my overnight oats?
Yes, microwave for about 60–90 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. How do I make my overnight oats creamier?
Use more Greek yogurt or full-fat milk for a richer texture.
3. Why are my oats still hard after soaking?
They may need more time or you may be using steel-cut oats. Stick with rolled oats.
4. Why are my overnight oats too thick?
The oats may have absorbed too much liquid. Stir in a little extra milk before eating.
5. Do I need to dry roast my oats before use?
No, rolled oats can be used raw and will soften as they soak.
6. Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?
Yes, flavored yogurt adds sweetness and variety.
7. Can I batch-make it all in one large container?
Yes, but individual jars make portioning and customizing easier.
8. Should I add the toppings before refrigerating?
Some toppings like bananas may brown. It’s best to add them right before eating.
9. Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they don’t soften properly without cooking.
10. How long will this keep in the fridge?
Up to 5 days when stored properly in a sealed container.
Conclusion
This easy overnight oats recipe is the perfect make-ahead breakfast—simple, healthy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you stick to the basics or mix it up with fun toppings, it’s a nutritious and delicious way to start your morning without stress.
