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Basic Overnight Oats: The Easy Make Ahead Breakfast for Busy Mornings

A creamy jar of overnight oats, visible through a Ball mason jar, topped with chia seeds, ready for breakfast.

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Learn how to make creamy, no-cook overnight oats. This basic recipe is perfect for healthy breakfast meal prep and serves as a foundation for many flavor variations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Gather a jar or container with a lid, such as a mason jar.
  2. Add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup (or brown sugar), vanilla extract, and salt to the container.
  3. Stir all ingredients together well until fully combined. Make sure the chia seeds are not clumped at the bottom.
  4. Seal the container with a lid.
  5. Place the container in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats to soften and the mixture to thicken.
  6. In the morning, check the consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired creamy texture.
  7. Serve cold directly from the jar. Add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or nuts before eating.

Notes

  • For high protein overnight oats, increase the yogurt or add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the initial mix.
  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more maple syrup or brown sugar when mixing the night before.
  • This recipe is excellent for weight loss breakfast goals as it is high in fiber and keeps you full.
  • For a quick breakfast for busy mornings, prepare several jars at once for breakfast prep for the week.

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