Easy Overnight Oats

Let’s face the fact that for most of us mornings are tough from the start of the alarm going off — for me, trying to find something to feed myself (and everyone else) so that we can have a healthy start to the day can be one of the greater challenges. However, these easy overnight oats are a game-changer.

jar of overnight oats with cinnamon with text overlay for facebook


 

I can make these oats the night before, or I can make a large batch that’s ready for the week. Then, that’s one meal that’s off my mind.

A mixture of fiber-rich oats, gut-friendly Greek yogurt, and low-calorie almond milk, mixed with some sweeteners and spices, overnight oats are a healthy way to start the day with plenty of flavor.

The next time you’re thinking about ditching the cardboard box of dried food called cereal — do it! These healthy overnight oats will be a drastic upgrade to the meal that gets your day going.

overhead shot of cinnamon overnight oats

Why You’ll Love Easy Overnight Oats

If you already enjoy oatmeal in the morning, you’ll love this quick version that you can grab out of the refrigerator on the way out the door.

  • Healthy – These oats help you start the day out right since they are full of fiber but they also pack a punch of probiotic goodness with the addition of Greek yogurt.
  • Quick – It takes just minutes to make this easy recipe so it’s perfect for meal prep for the week. 
  • Customizable – You can add or change the ingredients to make this base recipe into the ideal morning meal for you. 
  • Cost efficient – While other breakfast options (especially food you can grab on the go) are usually a bit pricier, these oats offer an affordable option for a quick, healthy breakfast.
two jars of overnight oats topped with cinnamon

Ingredients

These easy overnight oats require only a few simple ingredients and nearly no effort but result in a hearty, delicious breakfast.

  • Old-fashioned oatmeal – These are rolled oats that are the perfect variety to soak up the other delicious ingredients in just a few hours. Avoid using quick oats as they can become too soggy.
  • Unsweetened almond milk – This alternative milk keeps the calorie and carb count low while also adding a touch of nutty flavor.
  • Greek yogurt – Ideally, use a vanilla or honey flavor. You can also use a fruity flavor but it might be easier to mix if the fruitiness is incorporated into the yogurt rather than being chunky.
  • Vanilla extract – This extract perfectly rounds out the flavor of the overnight oats.
  • Honey – Add this for a rich, sweet start to the morning.
  • Cinnamon – While this ingredient is optional, you can add it to bring warm flavor to your morning meal.
two jars of overnight oats topped with berries

How To Make Overnight Oats

This make-ahead breakfast really couldn’t be any easier and takes only a few quick minutes to prepare.

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
  2. Using a spoon, mix the ingredients until they are completely combined.
  3. Use a lid or plastic wrap to cover the mixture. Alternatively, you can spoon it into individual containers to create a single serving to grab and go in the morning.
  4. Place the oat mixture in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
  5. When ready to eat (or take on the go) add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips to the top of the oats.

Variations 

There are so many different ways to jazz up overnight oatmeal!

  • Fruit – You can toss fruit like fresh berries (or dried fruit like raisins or craisins) into these oats to make a fruitier version.
  • Nuts – Crush your favorite nuts and mix them in.
  • Extracts – Coffee extract is a great start to the morning and almond extract will impart nutty flavor.
  • Milk – Change up the milk to incorporate other flavors or change the texture. Use your milk of choice – oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are all options in addition to using dairy milk.
  • Lower carb – Lower the carbs by using your favorite substitute sweetener instead of honey.
  • Sweeteners – Trying using maple syrup, brown sugar, or other sweeteners that you enjoy.
  • Spices – Make your oats seasonal with spice like pumpkin spice or cloves in the fall and winter.
  • Steel-cut oats – Some have a preference for using steel cut oats for breakfast over rolled oats. If you choose to use them instead, just know that your overnight oats may have a bit thicker consistency as well as a chewy texture — also allow them more time (10 hours or more) to soak up the liquid.
  • Nut butter – Use peanut butter or almond butter to thicken the oats and add flavor. You may want to blend it with the other wet ingredients before folding in the oats to make mixing easier.
  • Salt – To round out the flavors in these easy oats, try adding a pinch of salt when mixing.
  • Protein powder – While you may need to add a little extra liquid, adding your favorite protein powder can up the nutrition on this for a powerful pre- or post-workout meal.
  • Seeds – Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds are terrific options to add for textural and nutritional value.
  • Cocoa powder – Shake a little of this into the mixture for a little bit of chocolate flavor in the morning.
overhead shot of overnight oats topped with fruit

Storage, Make Ahead and Freezing

Make-Ahead: Overnight oats are, by definition, a make-ahead meal. Quickly toss them together and you have meals for days, if you choose.

Refrigerator: Despite their name, overnight oats actually last for several nights. Store overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container like a mason jar or plastic containers.

Freezer: It is not recommended to freeze overnight oats.

collage of overnight oats for pinterest

More Easy Breakfast Ideas

spoon digging into a bowl of creamy baked oats

Banana Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Creamy blended baked oats using banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips, but with 11 other variations!
See The Recipe!
oatmeal pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and fresh fruit

Oatmeal Pancake Recipe

4.82 from 16 votes
Fluffy and hearty, these easy Oatmeal Pancakes are the perfect way to start a weekend morning! Top with maple syrup, butter and fresh fruit!
See The Recipe!
breakfast burger with a runny egg

Breakfast Burgers

4.88 from 8 votes
Breakfast burgers are the perfect protein packed way to start the day. A juicy burger with white cheddar, arugula, bacon and jammy egg.
See The Recipe!
two types of chia pudding

Chia Seed Pudding

4.63 from 16 votes
This incredibly easy Chia Seed Pudding uses only 3 ingredients. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, this pudding is nutritious and delicious!
See The Recipe!
spoon in jar of overnight oats with text overlay for pinterest
two jars of overnight oats topped with berries

Easy Overnight Oats Recipe

4.56 from 9 votes
If you're looking for a healthy breakfast that's customizable to get your day off to a solid start, these EASY Overnight Oats are for you!
Prep Time: 5 hours
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla flavored)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a large glass container and mix until combined. Cover the glass container with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Add your favorite toppings or fruit and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 212 kcal, Carbohydrates: 37 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 0.5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 0.01 mg, Sodium: 166 mg, Potassium: 157 mg, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 10 g, Vitamin A: 0.01 IU, Vitamin C: 0.1 mg, Calcium: 172 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 212
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: overnight oats
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews