Busy mornings don’t have to mean skipping breakfast or settling for something bland.
These creamy overnight oats are a lifesaver—prep them in just five minutes before bed, and you’ll wake up to a thick, pudding-like breakfast that’s nourishing, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
With oats, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, chewy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Only 5 minutes of prep the night before.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s.
- Customizable: Works with any milk, yogurt, or toppings.
- Kid-Approved: Creamy and sweet enough for little ones to enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- ½ cup (50g) rolled oats – old-fashioned oats work best
- ½ cup (125g) plain Greek yogurt – full-fat or 2% for creaminess
- ½ cup (120ml) milk of choice – dairy, almond, soy, oat, or coconut
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chia seeds
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, agave, or stevia)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Choose Your Jar: Use a container with a tight lid (a 16oz mason jar works perfectly).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add oats, chia seeds, and salt to the jar. Stir to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in milk, yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla.
- Stir Well: Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and no dry oats remain.
- Refrigerate: Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight (8–10 hours).
- In the Morning: Stir well. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Top & Serve: Add fruit, nuts, nut butter, or seeds before enjoying.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the salt—it enhances all the flavors.
- Avoid instant oats (too mushy) or steel-cut oats (too tough unless soaked much longer).
- Stir before serving to get the best creamy texture.
- Add fruit like bananas or apples just before eating so they stay fresh.
Substitutions
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder (increase milk slightly to balance).
- Flavor Options: Mix in cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cacao powder, or nut butter for variety.
What to Serve With It
- A hot cup of coffee or tea for balance.
- Extra toppings like granola, toasted coconut, or dark chocolate chips for crunch.
- Fresh fruit on the side if you’re meal-prepping several jars.
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
- Best texture is on days 2–3 when oats are fully hydrated.
- Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition & Timing
- Calories: 380–450 kcal (depending on milk/yogurt/sweetener used)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 6–8 hours (overnight)
- Total Time: About 8 hours, hands-off
✅ Final Thought: Overnight oats are more than breakfast—they’re a morning routine hack. Once you master the base, the flavor possibilities are endless!
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