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This easy overnight oats recipe is my go-to solution for busy mornings. Made with rolled oats, milk of choice, and endless topping options, it’s a no-cook, make-ahead breakfast that comes together in minutes and makes mornings feel so much easier.
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Easy Overnight Oats
I reach for this overnight oats recipe because it makes mornings easier without feeling boring or restrictive. I can prep it in minutes the night before, wake up to a quick and healthy breakfast, and know it’ll actually keep me full until lunch. That alone earns it a permanent spot in my fridge.
What really makes this recipe a keeper is how adaptable it is. Some weeks I keep it simple, other weeks I load it up with different overnight oats flavors and toppings depending on what I’m craving or what’s in my fridge. It’s just one of those breakfasts that makes mornings easier without any extra effort.
Want more breakfast ideas with oats? Try my Homemade Crunchy Granola, Stovetop Oatmeal or Instant Pot Oatmeal next.
Ingredients You Need
This ingredient list is short and simple because overnight oats should be easy. You probably already have most of this in your kitchen.
For a full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Rolled oats soften overnight without becoming mushy, which is exactly what you want for good texture. I don’t recommend quick oats here as they get mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too chewy unless soaked much longer.
- Milk of choice – Use whatever you already love or have on hand. Dairy milk makes it richer, while almond, oat, or coconut milk keep things lighter. Thicker milks = creamier oats.
- Honey – Just enough to lightly sweeten things. Maple syrup works just as well if that’s your preference.
- Chia seeds (optional) – I add these when I want thicker oats and a bit more fiber. They’re totally optional.
- Vanilla extract (optional) – A small splash makes everything taste warmer and more dessert-like, especially if you’re keeping toppings simple.
- Optional Toppings:
- Peanut Butter Banana – banana slices + peanut butter
- Berry & Almond – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries + slivered almonds
- Apple Pie Style – apple chunks + walnuts (a pinch of cinnamon is amazing here)
How to Make Overnight Oats
- Add the rolled oats, milk, honey, and the optional chia seeds and vanilla extract to a jar or container with a lid.
- Stir well so everything is evenly combined (this helps avoid dry oats later).
- Cover and place in the fridge overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
- In the morning, give it a stir and add a splash of milk if needed. Add your favorite overnight oats toppings and enjoy straight from the jar or in a bowl.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes for Perfect Overnight Oats
These are the small details I’ve learned make a big difference.
- Stir thoroughly before chilling so the rolled oats soak evenly
- Adjust thickness in the morning with a splash of milk if needed
- Wait to add fruit toppings until the morning to keep them fresh
- If the oats feel too cold straight from the fridge, I warm them up in the toaster oven or let them sit out for a few minutes.
The Best Overnight Oats Ratio (So They’re Creamy, Not Mushy)
In my experience, overnight oats are all about the ratio. Nail that, and you’ll never end up with oats that are too thick or watery.
My Go-To Overnight Oats Ratio
- Rolled oats : liquid = 1:1
That means equal parts rolled oats and your milk of choice. This ratio gives you oats that are creamy, soft, and scoopable after chilling overnight – not dry and not watery.
How Add-Ins Affect the Ratio
This is where people get tripped up, so here’s how I adjust:
- Adding chia seeds?
They absorb liquid, so expect thicker oats. I usually add a splash more milk in the morning. - Adding Greek yogurt or protein powder?
These thicken the mixture. Plan to loosen it with extra milk before eating. - Like looser oats?
Add a little more milk before chilling or stir some in the next day.
The good news? Overnight oats are very forgiving. If they’re too thick in the morning, you didn’t mess anything up – they just need more liquid and a quick stir.
Overnight Oats Variations
This base recipe is just the beginning, which is why it never gets boring.
Optional Add-Ins (Stir These In Before Refrigerating)
- Nut butter – Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter add richness and help keep you full longer.
- Greek yogurt – Makes the oats extra creamy and adds protein.
- Cocoa powder – Perfect for chocolate overnight oats without adding sugar.
- Mashed banana – Naturally sweetens the oats and makes them ultra creamy.
- Applesauce or pumpkin purée – Great for fall-style oats and adds moisture and flavor.
- Protein powder – Helpful if you want a more filling grab-and-go breakfast; just add extra milk to balance the texture.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice instantly change the vibe without much effort.
Toppings (Add These in the Morning)
- Fresh fruit – Berries, banana slices, mango, peaches, or apples all work beautifully.
- Crunchy nuts & seeds – Almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, chia, flax seed, hemp hearts, or pumpkin seeds.
- Coconut flakes – Especially good with tropical or chocolate flavors.
- Drizzles – Honey, maple syrup, or nut butter for extra flavor when needed.
- Jam or fruit compote – Swirl a spoonful on top for instant flavor without extra prep.
Serving Suggestions
I usually eat these straight from the jar, but here are a few other ways to enjoy them:
- Enjoy cold, or warm them in the microwave
- Pair with a hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- Serve with fresh fruit on the side
Storing & Meal Prep Tips
- Store overnight oats in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, making them perfect for a meal prep breakfast.
- Glass jars work best and are easy to grab on your way out.
- Keep toppings separate if you want everything tasting fresh by day four or five.
Meal Prep Breakfast Ideas To Try Next
If you love having breakfast ready ahead of time, my protein-packed Ham and Cheese Breakfast Egg Bites are another recipe I make often for busy mornings. You might also love these:
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Recipes
Sheet Pan Eggs
Breakfast Recipes
Easy Sausage Egg Breakfast Biscuits
Breakfast Recipes
Sweet Potato Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole (Paleo)
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Easy Overnight Oats
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Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk, any kind you like
- 1 tablespoon honey, or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Optional Toppings
- Peanut Butter Banana: Banana slices + peanut butter
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries & slivered almonds
- Apple Pie: Apple chunks & walnuts
Instructions
- Add the oats, milk, honey, chia seeds (if using), and vanilla extract to a large glass jar or container with a lid.
- Stir well until everything is fully combined and the oats are evenly coated.
- Secure the lid and place the jar in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 6 hours).
- In the morning, give the oats a quick stir. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
