Easy Overnight Oats
A perfect base recipe, these easy overnight oats can be customized to satisfy whatever flavors you’re craving. They are also perfect for an on the go breakfast.
Oatmeal has always been one of my favorite breakfasts. When overnight oats came on the scene it was a game changer for me. Perfect for on the go breakfast, great for when your traveling and the best part you can make it hot or cold and use whatever fruits or flavorings you want.
Keeping the base overnight oats recipe simple ensures you can change up your flavors easily. I tend to make enough for 3 or four days and like to put them in old jam jars for individual servings. However, you can also make one big batch in a bowl and store it that way, scooping out what you want as you need it. Either way works just as well. I prefer the jam jars because I tend to take the oats with me on a travel day or to our shore home. It would also work well if you like to eat your breakfast later in the morning at work. Just grab and go.
Simple Ingredients
OATS – You can use regular or gluten-free rolled oats. Stay away from quick oats for this as they are more processed.
MILK – Regular or your favorite non-dairy milk is best. You can even try a vanilla flavored non-dairy milk if you want. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
CHIA SEEDS – Full of nutrients and helps to thicken the oat mixture.
YOGURT – For added richness and creaminess. You can use plain or vanilla, dairy or non-dairy.
SPICES – Try adding in seasonal spices like chai, apple pie, gingerbread etc. However cinnamon is pretty neutral and goes with most things so this is a good base spice if you’re interested in adding a spice to your mix.
VANILLA EXTRACT (OPTIONAL) – If your using vanilla flavored milk or yogurt then omit it.Â
MAPLE SYRUPÂ (OPTIONAL) – If you’re trying to reduce the amount of sugar in your food, save this for your topping. I promise you won’t miss it.
How To Make Overnight Oats
If you are portioning your oats out for individual servings, then just add each element to the jar starting with dry ingredients, mix well, cover, and store overnight in the refrigerator. If you are making one big batch, just add everything to a bowl, mix well, cover, and store in the refrigerator overnight. Super easy right?
What To Put On Overnight Oats
There are so many variations to choose from when topping your overnight oats. Should you go savory or sweet? I tend to lean towards sweet but am looking to add some savory to switch things up. When topping overnight oats, try to go with what’s in season.Â
In the summer it’s berries, in fall it’s apples and pumpkin, winter brings in all the warming spices like chai and gingerbread, which pair well with bananas.
You can also stir in nut butters when topping your oats, or you can stir them in when you’re making them to save time. There are times I omit the nut butter and just add some toasted/candied nuts or pumpkin/sunflower seeds, or even some granola on top.
Here’s a favorite recipe that I sometimes usefor a topping Sweet and Spicy Roasted Nuts.
Topping Suggestions
Fresh Fruit
Favorite Jam or Compote
Nut Butter
Toasted Nuts or Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower)
Flax Meal
Hemp Seeds
Maple Syrup
Granola
Spices
Easy Overnight Oats
Materials
- 2 Cups Regular or Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 3 Cups Regular or Non-dairy Milk Unsweetened
- 4 Tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon Can sub in other spices if desired
- 4 Tbsp Dairy or Non-dairy Yogurt, Plain or Vanilla
- 1 TSP Vanilla Extract (Optional)
- 4 Tbsp Nut Butter (Optional)
- 4 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Optional)
Instructions
To Make Individual Jars
- To each jar add: 1/2 cup of oats, 1 Tbsp of chia seeds, 1 Tsp of cinnamon and stir. Then add 1 tbsp of yogurt, 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tbsp of nut butter (if using), 1 tbsp of maple syrup (optional).
- Add 3/4 cup of milk/non-dairy milk to each jar. Stir until well combined then let sit 5 minutes. Stir again, top with lid and store in your refrigerator overnight.
- Next morning, warm the oats then top with your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, etc. Or you can eat cold topped with your favorite toppings.
To Make One Big Batch
- Add all ingredients except milk to a medium size bowl. Mix well then add the milk. Stir, let sit 5 minutes, stir again then cover bowl and set in the fridge overnight.
- To serve, scoop some into a bowl, warm if desired or alternatively eat cold topped with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Yogurt can be omitted if desired. The oats will be just a bit more runny.
- If using Vanilla flavored milk or yogurt omit the vanilla extract.
- Maple Syrup will make the oats sweeter but if your trying to reduce calories don't put in the mixture just drizzle on top when adding toppings.
Nutrition
Other Recipes You May Like
