Basic Formula for Overnight Oats

The key ingredients create a balanced and delicious breakfast:

• Oats: Rolled oats, also known as old fashioned oats,  provide the best texture and absorption. Quick oats and steel cut oats are no great options for overnight oat recipes. Quick oats can become very mushy in texture while steel-cut oat yeild a chewier and tough texture.

• Liquid: You can use a variety of liquids or combination of liquids such as dairy or non-dairy milk, yogurt, or even juice.

• Sweeteners: Add honey, maple syrup, or mashed fruit. Brown sugar or sugar free sweeteners can work as well.

• Extras: Chia or flaxseeds for thickness, texture and added nutrients. Nuts, fresh or dried fruits, berries, peanut or nut butter or even chocolate can be great options.

• Flavors: Enhance with vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder. A pinch of salt is also a great option to help enhance the other flavors (just a pinch though).

How to Make Overnight Oats

Our go-to overnight oat recipe is so easy! The 2 ingredient base can be used build an endless amount of variations.

Overnight Oats - 2 Ingredient Base

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup water or milk of choice

 

Step-by-Step Preparation

• Combine oats, liquid, and desired add-ins (for flavor variations below) in a jar or other airtight container.
• Stir well, cover and store overnight or for at least four hours in the fridge.
• Retrieve from refrigerator, stir, add desired toppings then serve chilled or warm it up if preferred.
• Enjoy!

Depending upon what add-ins you use, overnight oats can keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Food City's Favorite Variations and Flavor Ideas

Now make it fun and delicious. Try these variations.

Apple Pie

½ cup oats
¼ cup apple juice
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ cup diced apples
1 tablespoon pecans chopped
2 teaspoons maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
 

John's Banana Pudding Oats

¼ cup oats
¼ banana (mashed)
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sugar free banana cream pudding powder
 

Lemon Blueberry

½ cup rolled oats
5.3 oz Chobani Zero Sugar Lemon Meringue Pie Greek Yogurt
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¾ cup blueberries
1 tablespoon white chocolate chips

 

Peanut Butter & Jelly

½ cup oats
½ cup low fat milk
1 Tablespoon strawberry jam
1 Tablespoon creamy peanut butter
½  cup diced strawberries
 

Carrot Cake

½ cup oats
½ cup grated carrots
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
2 medjool dates, pitted and chopped
Topping: 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

 

Tony's Honey Cinnamon Oats

½ cup oats
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup low fat milk
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup fresh berries of choice

 

Java Oats

½ cup oats
4 -6 oz coffee, black
½ scoop protein powder or ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 
1 tablespoon nut butter
 

Pumpkin Pie 

½ cup oats
1⁄3 cup plain Greek yogurt
2⁄3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
½ cup plain pumpkin puree
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

 

Christina's Favorite

½ cup oats
2 teaspoons chia seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon honey
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
2 Tablespoons nut butter

 

Classic Berry Blend

½ cup oats
½ cup low fat milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon honey
½ cup mixed berries

 

Peanut Butter Banana 

½ cup oats
½ cup almond milk
2 Tablespoons peanut butter
½ cinnamon
top with banana slices and granola

 

Chocolate Coconut Delight 

½ cup oats
2⁄3 cup coconut milk
1⁄3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch salt
1 Tablespoon honey
2 Tablespoon cocoa powder
¼ cup unsweetened flaked coconut

 

The possibilities are endless.

Health Benefits of Overnight Oats

Overnight oats provide a wealth of health benefits:
• High in Fiber: Keeps you full longer and supports digestion.
• Sustained Energy: Slow-digesting carbs provide lasting energy.
• Versatile for Dietary Needs: Can be made gluten-free, high-protein, or vegan.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Overnight oats are ideal for meal prepping. Here are some tips for making the most of your overnight oats.

Storage

• Make a large batch of overnight oats and store them in individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. Be sure to use airtight containers. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

• Make batches 2–3 days ahead to save time. If not eating the next day you may want to label the containers with the date so you know how long they have been in the fridge.

• Oats may be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days depending upon ingredients. Recipes using mashed bananas, for example, are best used the next day.

• You can freeze overnight oats for longer storage. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before eating.

 

Additional Tips

• Wait to add toppings until right before you eat your healthy overnight oats. Crunchy toppings — like nuts or granola — will stay crunchy and fruit will be fresh

• For a smoother texture use a blender to mix your ingredients.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Too Thick? Add more liquid and stir.
• Too Watery? Reduce the total amount of liquid or add chia seeds to thicken.
• Bland Taste? Enhance with sweeteners, fruit, or spices.
• Oats Too Hard? Ensure proper soaking time or use finer oats.

 

In conclusion, overnight oats are easy, delicious, and adaptable. Experiment with flavors and find your favorite combinations. Prepare a batch ahead of time to simplify your mornings.