Basic Overnight Oats (2024)

Get ready to jumpstart your mornings with an irresistible yet basic overnight oats recipe! Imagine a jar filled with creamy oats, mingling with juicy fruits and a hint of golden honey. I'll show you how to make overnight oats for a tantalizing breakfast adventure. It's an easy-to-prep flavor explosion that will have you doing a happy dance with every bite.

What are Overnight Oats?

Basic overnight oats are a delightful breakfast option that's all about convenience and customization. By combining rolled oats with liquid (such as milk or yogurt) and allowing them to soak overnight in the refrigerator, you wake up to a creamy, no-cook oatmeal in the morning. A little meal prep goes a long way.

The beauty of overnight oats lies in their versatility. You can top them with an array of fresh fruits like berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples for a burst of natural sweetness. Add a scoop of protein powder if desired. For those who prefer a creamier texture, swapping out milk for yogurt adds a tangy twist. And if you follow a non-dairy or vegan diet, simply use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk. The variations are endless – you can even add a scoop of protein powder to boost your morning energy. You can adjust overnight oats to suit your exact preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized breakfast experience every time.

Plus, the best part? You prep it the night before, so you can snooze a little longer and still enjoy a fantastic breakfast on busy mornings. Serve the oats with juice or coffee and add some air fryer hardboiled eggs for extra protein to round out the meal. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this fruity and honeylicious delight. Let's dive into the world of wholesome morning bliss together and learn how to make overnight oats that are exactly the way you want them!

Ingredients

• Oats – Old fashioned rolled oats are the best option as quick or instant oats tend to become too soggy when soaked overnight.
• Milk - Use your preferred milk from dairy to non-dairy (such as oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or almond milk) or substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Fruit – Top with your favorite fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or sliced bananas.
• Honey – Local raw honey adds a touch of sweetness without using refined sugar. Mix into the oats or drizzle on top. You can also use pure maple syrup.
• Mix-ins – The sky is the limit when it comes to mix-ins. Some of my favorites include nuts, chia seeds, protein powder, peanut butter, coconut flakes, almond butter and chocolate chips.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Combine oats and your milk of choice in a large airtight container. Add in any mix-ins and refrigerate overnight.

2. Divide the mixture between several jars and top as desired before serving.

Hint: A 1-to-1 ration for milk and oats is a great starting point for a base recipe. Then add in your favorite toppings and mix-ins.

How to Customize Your Overnight Oats

Not only is this recipe great for an easy breakfast, you can customize favorite flavor combinations so everyone gets a delicious breakfast that's healthy, tastes great and meets their dietary needs. Here are some easy ways to make this overnight oats recipe your own.

• Add Fruits – Mix in your favorite fresh or frozen fruits like berries, sliced bananas, diced apples, or chopped mangoes to add natural sweetness and extra flavor.
• Sweeten It Up – Enhance the sweetness by stirring in a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract.
• Get Nutty – Toss in a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.
• Go Seeds Crazy – Boost the nutritional value by adding a spoonful of chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds for a dose of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Spice It Up – Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to infuse warm and cozy flavors.
• Creamy Indulgence – Replace some or all of the milk with yogurt to create a creamier texture and add a tangy twist. Greek yogurt works particularly well.
• Protein Power – Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make your overnight oats a more filling and protein-rich option.
• Chocolate Delight – Satisfy your chocolate cravings by stirring in cocoa powder or adding a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet tooth.
• Go Tropical – Give your oats a tropical twist with additions like shredded coconut, diced pineapple, or passion fruit.
• Vegan/Vegetarian – Replace dairy milk with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use non-dairy yogurt or a creamy fruit puree for added richness.
• Gluten Free – Ensure that your oats are labeled as gluten-free, as some oats may come into contact with gluten during processing. Additionally, avoid adding gluten-containing ingredients and choose gluten-free toppings and mix-ins.
• Mix and Match – Feel free to combine any of these customization ideas to create your own unique flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless!

Equipment

To make this recipe extremely easy, mix the oats and milk in a large airtight container and pop it in the fridge overnight. Scoop out individual servings in the morning and garnish as desired. Use bowls or a mason jar for a fun twist.

If preferred, you can mix the oats and separate them into jars before refrigerating. This is perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast for the whole family, even if everyone is headed out at different times.

Storage

Store the overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It's the perfect make-ahead grab-and-go breakfast.

Freezing overnight oats is not recommended.

FAQ

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RECIPE

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