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Overnight Oats Recipe

Overnight Oats Recipe

By What’s Baking

A creamy, customizable breakfast blend of tender oats soaked overnight with milk, yogurt, and mix-ins for a deliciously satisfying morning meal requiring zero morning effort.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
1 jar
An overhead shot of a mason jar filled with perfectly set overnight oats, the layers clearly visible through the glass. A wooden spoon rests against the rim, ready to dive in. Soft morning light streams across the scene, highlighting the varied textures of the oats topped with a vibrant array of fresh berries, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of golden honey. Scattered nuts and seeds create appealing color contrasts against the creamy oat base, while a small pot of yogurt and bottle of milk sit partially in frame, suggesting the simple preparation method. The entire arrangement sits on a weathered wooden breakfast tray with a folded linen napkin, conveying that perfect moment of tranquil morning nourishment.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g Greek yogurt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp chia seeds</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, or seeds</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">350ml mason jar or container with lid</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring cups and spoons</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Add the rolled oats to your jar or container. The type of oats matters significantly here - rolled oats (sometimes called old-fashioned oats) have the perfect texture for overnight soaking, while instant oats may become too mushy and steel-cut too firm. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Pour in your milk of choice. The liquid-to-oat ratio is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy consistency without being too wet or too dry. The oats will absorb much of this liquid overnight. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the Greek yogurt, which provides both protein and a wonderful creaminess. The natural cultures in yogurt also work overnight to slightly soften the oat texture while adding a subtle tanginess. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Sprinkle in the chia seeds. These tiny powerhouses will absorb liquid and create a pudding-like gel that binds everything together while adding omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add your sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt. The salt might seem unusual, but it's essential for enhancing all the flavors - even in sweet dishes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined, making sure to reach the bottom of the jar to incorporate all the dry oats. The mixture should look quite liquid at this point - that's perfectly normal. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Seal your container with its lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight (8-12 hours). This resting period allows the oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and soften to the perfect texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and give your oats a good stir. They should have thickened significantly into a creamy, pudding-like consistency. If they seem too thick, add a splash more milk and stir until you reach your desired texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds just before eating. Adding these fresh toppings at the last minute provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft oats. Enjoy straight from the jar for a convenient breakfast on busy mornings! </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 1 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 34 g
🍭 Sugar: 0.5 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 390 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats for overnight oats?

Steel-cut oats aren't ideal for traditional overnight oats as they remain quite firm even after soaking. If you prefer them, try a modified recipe with longer soaking time (24+ hours) or partially cooking them first. For the best creamy texture in the standard overnight timeframe, rolled oats are recommended.

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

Properly stored overnight oats will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, store without toppings and add fresh fruit, nuts or seeds just before eating. The texture may thicken over time - simply add a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Are overnight oats healthy for weight loss?

Overnight oats can support weight loss as they're high in fibre and protein, keeping you fuller longer. The basic recipe provides balanced nutrition at around 350 calories per serving. Control added sugars by adjusting sweeteners and toppings. The make-ahead nature helps prevent impulsive, less healthy breakfast choices.

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