The Basics of Overnight Oats

Learn the basics of overnight oats with seven delicious flavor options, from piña colada and peaches & cream to salted caramel and cookie dough!

I know I’m super behind on this whole “Overnight Oats” thing, but hey, maybe there’s someone out there just as oblivious to this ready-to-go breakfast movement as I am. But for a newbie overnight oat-er, the sheer quantity of recipes out there can be a bit overwhelming (anyone else get stressed out by oats? no? just me?…).

But first, what exactly are overnight oats? They’re a not-morning-person’s best friend. Mix together some oats, chia seeds, fruits, and milk at night. Stick it in the fridge. When you wake up…breakfast!

Anywho, I’m all about efficiency. Oat-y, tasty efficiency. So, I crafted a formula for 7 different flavors, all made with the same 5 ingredient base. Just prep the base and then add your flavorings!

What you need for the Overnight Oats Foundation

First, let’s talk about the foundation of the oats. For all of ’em, you need to start with 5 main ingredients. These are the same for each flavor!

1. Oats: First, you need ½ cup of old fashioned rolled oats. (What’s the difference between rolled oats, steel cut, and instant? Read it here!)
2. Milk: Follow the oats with ½ cup of milk. You can use whatever you like, whether it be soy, almond, cow, sweetened, unsweetened… whatever is to your liking (or whatever is in your fridge)!
3. Chia Seeds: Next, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Doing so adds a bit of thickness to the recipe, along with a whole lot of vitamins and minerals.
4. Sweetener: Add some sweetness with 1 tablespoon of your preferred sweetener. I recommend honey, maple, or brown sugar.
5. Salt: Finally, finish things off with a pinch of salt!

How to make overnight oats

Once you’ve chosen your flavor combo, you’re ready for assembly. It’s as simple as layering everything and then letting it sit!

1. Assemble: In a 16-oz mason jar or bowl, combine the Foundation ingredients with your chosen Flavor Option ingredients. Stir to combine.
2. Rest: Seal shut and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight), until the oats are soft.
3. Serve: When ready to eat, give it a good stir and then dig in! If the oats appear dry, add a splash of milk.

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

First up, we have banana bread overnight oats! This one’s a classic, and it’s perfect if you’re a banana bread lover.

• 1 mashed banana
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Milk, honey, or brown sugar to taste

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Next we have cookie dough oats, which basically gives you the excuse to enjoy dessert for breakfast!

• 2 Tbsp chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Milk or maple syrup to taste

Peaches & Cream Overnight Oats

Peaches and cream ovrenight oats taste like a creamsicle or your grandma’s classic peach cobbler. It’s quite the treat.

• ¼ cup chopped peaches
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Coconut milk or honey to taste

Nut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

Craving an old school pb&j? Enjoy an ~adult~ version by combining it with overnight oats!

• 2 Tbsp nut butter, any type
• 2 tsp of your favorite jelly
• A splash of milk

Pina Colada Overnight Oats

Give yourself the tropical vibes with piña colada overnight oats. This one is really fun and one of my favorites!

• ¼ cup chopped pineapple
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Milk or honey to taste

Salted Caramel Overnight Oats

Next up, we have salted caramel. It tastes like your favorite caramel macchiato, without the espresso!

• 4 chopped dates
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Any milk or maple syrup to taste

Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats

Last but not least, strawberries and cream! Load up on the strawberries — it’ll be worth it!

• ¼ cup chopped strawberries
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Coconut milk or honey to taste

Try these oatmeal recipes next

The oat-filled breakfasts don’t stop there! If you’re looking for some more ways to incorporate the flavor and benefits of oatmeal into your morning meals, try some of these recipes.

• Savory Oatmeal with Avocado and Poached Egg
• Overnight Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
• Cherry Oat Smoothie
• Egg White Oatmeal

Or make a to-go version of the overnight oats concept with these homemade instant oatmeal packets!