Overnight Oats (Recipe & Tips)
Overnight oats are a healthy, delicious, make-ahead breakfast! Find my favorite overnight oats recipe here, plus simple tips on how to change it up.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
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I’ve been making batch after batch of overnight oats, and taking notes. Overnight oats are a healthy, make-ahead breakfast option, but they’re not always enticing enough to get me out of bed.
I’m sharing my best tips and my favorite overnight oats recipe today. Ready? These overnight oats are legitimately delicious, and so easy to make!
Overnight oats are typically served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. That makes them perfect for warmer months, but you can certainly enjoy overnight oats year-round.
Overnight oats keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. So, prepare your oats on Sunday night, and you’ll have breakfast covered for the workweek. If you really want to get ahead, you can freeze jars of overnight oats and defrost individual jars overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Make the Best Overnight Oats
I make my overnight oats with old-fashioned rolled oats, toasted or regular. Then I add chia seeds for a more pudding-like texture and more fiber, and a spoonful of nut butter to make them extra creamy. (Would you believe that one serving of these overnight oats contains nearly half of your daily fiber requirements?)
Here’s what you’ll need to make overnight oats:
Oats: You can’t make overnight oats without oats! Overnight oats are typically made with plain old-fashioned oats. I actually prefer to make overnight oats with homemade muesli instead, which is made with toasted old-fashioned oats, nuts and dried fruit. The muesli offers more texture and flavor.
If you want to go the easier, more traditional route, simply use old-fashioned oats and add a dash of cinnamon. Don’t use instant or quick-cooking oats, because those will turn to complete mush.
Chia Seeds: Technically, these are optional, but I love how chia seeds absorb moisture and make the final product more creamy and luscious. Chia seeds contain healthy omega-3’s and, like oats, lots of fiber.
Nut butter: Almond butter or peanut butter makes these oats even more creamy, while adding delicious savory, nutty flavor.
Milk of choice: You can use your favorite milk here (almond milk, coconut milk from a carton, homemade cashew milk, homemade pecan milk, oat milk or cow’s milk). I suppose you could use water instead of milk, but the final result won’t be quite as creamy or flavorful.
The amount of liquid is key to the final consistency—I like my overnight oats really thick and creamy, with concentrated flavor. If you prefer a looser consistency, add a little more milk.
Fruit: Now that we’ve formed the base of the oats, I like to add fruit. If you’re following my formula with just 1/2 cup milk and using a fruit that stores well for a few days (as in, sliced strawberries, not sliced bananas or apple), you can go ahead and toss the fruit on top of the oat-and-milk mixture.
In fact, you can top the oat mixture with frozen raspberries or blueberries and they’ll defrost overnight. (Don’t try this with frozen strawberries or other large chunks of frozen fruit; they release too much water). Or, you can wait to top your oats with fruit before serving.
Optional sweetener: Overnight oats are generally sweet enough for me as-is. However, add a drizzle of sweetener if that makes your oats more enticing!
Watch How to Make Overnight Oats
That’s it! Go forth and make overnight oats to last you through the week. Please let me know how your overnight oats turn out in the comments below!
More Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Try these recipes on Cookie and Kate:
- Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal or Perfect Steel-Cut Oats
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Homemade Bircher Muesli
- My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding
In my cookbook, don’t miss the toasted coconut muesli (page 2), apple crisp breakfast parfaits (page 7) and carrot cake breakfast cookies (page 26). With so many options, you won’t want to skip breakfast.
Overnight Oats
Here’s my favorite recipe for overnight oats! Feel free to make it your own. Overnight oats are a simple, healthy breakfast that you can make ahead for busy mornings. The recipe below yields 1 serving, so make as many servings (each in a separate jar) as you’d like. Overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup homemade muesli, or ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats plus ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- ½ cup milk of choice for a very thick consistency, or up to ⅔ cup milk for a lighter consistency
- ½ cup fruit (I like fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries, or sliced fresh strawberries)
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey, if desired
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl (a working jar or 1-pint mason jar is perfect), combine the muesli (or old-fashioned oats and cinnamon), chia seeds and nut butter. Add a splash of the milk and mix the nut butter into the oats. Then add the rest of the milk and stir to combine.
- Top with your fruit of choice. (If you used more milk than ½ cup and you want your fruit to stay on top, wait to top the oats until you’re ready to serve. If you’re using fruit that doesn’t store well, like sliced apple or banana, wait to top the oats until you’re ready to serve.)
- Place the lid on the jar and refrigerate overnight, or up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you’d like, and enjoy chilled.
Notes
Make it gluten free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Make it vegan: Choose one of the dairy-free milk options listed above. If adding additional sweetener, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Make it nut free: Omit the nut butter or replace it with sunbutter. If you’re using muesli, follow my instructions for making nut-free muesli in the recipe notes for that recipe.
Warm it up: Overnight oats are typically served chilled. However, if you prefer warm oats, you can heat them in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe jar and stir frequently while you’re warming them up. Since the oats are so thick, I’m not sure this would work well on the stovetop, but you could give it a try.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
What if i only have quick oats?
Hi, Don’t use instant or quick-cooking oats, because those will turn to complete mush.
I’m looking at making this for a family reunion with over 60 people. (Yay for easy, yummy breakfast!) Not sure we’ll have the fridge space for that many individual jars. Would it work to mix it up in large bowls with plastic wrap covering them?
You could try it! Let me know what you think.
Hi Kate,
I’ve posted on a few of your recipes and am back to express my appreciation again. As one of the many who have no interest in the “return to office” I was not looking forward to lugging a days worth of food to work. One of the things that has made the transition back is this wonderful recipe! Sometimes I switch honey for maple syrup (depending on what’s easily accessible) and always make sure to have blueberries on hand. It goes without saying that if I find a recipe on your site, I know it will be great! Thank you again for your wonderful, easily searchable, multiple lifestyle diet, and delicious recipes!
This recipe is fabulous! I doubted adding the almond butter, but it was a super nice addition (and really doesn’t taste like I added it)
I’m glad yøu loved it, Priscilla!
I couldn’t wrap my head around the store bought overnight oats and found this recipe. Just finished having them this morning and they were amazing! I used califa farms unsweetened almond milk, cashew butter (my pref over almond) and topped with some fresh blueberries. I added a dash of vanilla and maple syrup when making them the night before. 10/10!
Wonderful to hear, Rae! I’m so glad you loved it.
Does the recipe make 2 servings
Hi! Each is a single serving. See the nutritional information.
LOVE THIS! I wasn’t sure about the whole overnight oats ‘thing’ but this recipe is a game changer– I made it as written (2X) this time with blueberries but I can see the add-ins could add lots of variety
Thank you for sharing, Rachael! I’m glad you loved it.
Oh my goodness, yum! This was my first time trying overnight oats. I was amazed that the texture was almost like cooked oats. Next time I would leave out the cinnamon as it conflicted with the nut butter flavor and fresh blueberries I put on the top, but it would go nicely with apple slices. Thanks for a great recipe, here’s to lowering cholesterol and getting more fiber!
I’m so glad you liked it! I appreciate your review, Karen.
Can I substitute ground flaxseed for chia seeds?
You can try it. Let me know what you think!
I use a Super Seed mix which is Flax, Chia and Hemp. It works super well in overnight oats!
Can you use steel cut oats? I read this would be helpful to bring my cholesterol down.
Hi Laurie, I recommend this recipe as written. I’m not sure how the steel cut oats would do. Sorry!
Hi Kate!
What is the advantage of overnight oats? Do you find it is difficult to digest?
I love your recipes!
Thank you for sharing!
Stacy
Hi Stacy! I find it’s a convenient and delicious breakfast for the morning. I don’t have issues digesting. I hope you try it and let me know what you think!
This is THE best overnight oats recipe I have ever tasted. I am into savory breakfasts, so I really didn’t plan on loving this so much, but WOW! I love that there is no added sugar, and the only sweetness you get is from the topped fruit. I made mine with blueberries. I recommend going with her measurements for a thicker oatmeal, as it maintains a good texture. This is now a staple in my family. Thank you for introducing a forever recipe into our home!
I’m glad you loved it, Elaine! I appreciate your review.
I was really skeptical of overnight oats because I am not an oatmeal person. But in trying to eat better and meal prep, I decided to try them out. I am obsessed. I found I prefer strawberries over blueberries, use oat milk and peanut butter, and LOVE the consistency that you get using 1/2 a cup of milk. This has become my new favorite breakfast. Thank you for this recipe!
I like to add a little plain greek yogurt to make it a little tangy. The peanut butter is also a great idea- will have to try that next. Overnight oats are often too watery so the lower milk:oats ratio is a good idea.
I’m glad you enjoy this version, Katie! I appreciate your review.
This was SO yummy! I added maple syrup with my milk to soak in overnight and then topped with chopped raw walnuts in the morning. Another winner recipe, Kate!
That’s great to hear, Lisa! Thank you for your review.
Wonderful, I added unsweetened coconut, and Peanut butter powder, perfect!
I avoided overnight oats as I thought it was cold and soggy porridge. It is like pudding. Suchba great texture. Loved this recipe so much that it will be a regular. Altered it slightly today by using 1.5 teaspoons peanut butter, two mushed up fresh dates and sugar free maple syrup. Can’t wait for breakfast! Smells so good.
I’m glad you tried it! Thank you for sharing.
Kate-where did you find your jars and lids?
Hi Brenda! Head to my shop page for all my kitchen essentials.
Would it be OK to add protein powder when preparing the overnight oats .
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure. Sorry!
How long is ‘overnight’, typically? I’m thinking I might like to make this to take to work for supper (I work second shift) so need to know how many hours in advance to make it? I guess I could just do overnight and eat them late the next day since you say they keep for several days in the fridge, but I like to make things fresh as much as possible. Thanks!
Hi Corinne, these should be good after 8 hours.
I often add some flax meal and a little unflavored protein powder. So good, so easy and portable!
Thank you for sharing! I appreciate your review, Alice.
I Love overnight oats! I use my homemade kefir as a liquid, it’s sooo good!!!
Hi Kate! I love your page!
I made the overnight oatmeal and while it turned out very nicely, I did find I was still a bit hungry afterwards. Could I make this with Greek yoghurt?
Thanks
Jane
I’m glad you loved it, Jane!
I’ve never been a morning person, until I hit 60. Now I’m up early. I take medication that requires that I wait one hour after taking it to have my coffee and breakfast. I’m not a perky morning person. My beloved late husband was. He would make coffee and sing to the cats and dog and then wake me. He knew I struggled in the morning, so he was quiet. Best man ever!! Now my dog and 2 cats know that I need an hour in the morning to chill, do yoga and then get going with coffee and these amazing morning oats!! So delicious!! I make them the night before, when I’m clear eyed and awake. My favorite is blueberry, peanut butter, wheat germ, old fashioned oats, little nutmeg, cinnamon and just a dash of coriander. A bit of maple syrup or honey, pecans and some luscious milk. I also add a small dash of salt and some vanilla. This has made my mornings triumphant! I’m fueled and ready for the day. I stay full until mid afternoon when I make dinner. Wonderful. Just wonderful. I just may become a morning person after all.
I love this recipe! I made it all last summer and lost the link to it. Yesterday I tried another recipe that included yogurt and I could have cried this morning when I tasted it. So I spent 45 minutes looking for this recipe again and found it. Can’t tell you how happy I am. Will be making it tomorrow. Thank you for this great recipe!
You’re welcome, Mie. I’m glad you find it a hit.
I just found this recipe yesterday and have my second round in the fridge tonight – so simple and delicious! Trying to boost my fiber intake and this is perfect.
I’m happy you came across it, Susan! I appreciate your review.
I mix ingredients for 7-10 at a time and spoon into Bonne Maman jars, putting extras in freezer. Add a little flax and unsweetened coconut to recipe. Add a little more almond milk for creaminess before eating. My favorite overnight oats recipe.
I’d like to try this but do I cook the oats or use just straight from the packet?thank you
Looking forward to trying this- all the ingredients I want to use. My question is, can I make as suggested, too with blueberries and put the whole lot in the freezer?
I don’t know how this will freeze. But it will last in the refrigerator for several days.
I tried your recipe for the first time a few weeks ago, it was so easy and delicious! I am going to make this for breakfast and not buy the expensive processed prepackaged stuff in market. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Paula! Thank you for your review.
My partner and I have been eating these overnight oats 5 days a week for months now – we’re obsessed! We like to mix it up with different toppings (our current favourite is frozen diced mango and desiccated coconut). I’ve never commented on a recipe page before but I felt compelled to tell you how wonderful this recipe is. Thank you!
That’s great to hear, Karma!
If I want to make a large bowl of overnight oats for let say 12 people is the method the same?
Hi! Yes, you will just need to increase the ingredients accordingly and make sure you use a large enough bowl if combining. Or, enough a jars.
Maple syrup taste really best with this recipe. We can have this overnight oats prepared in a mason jar for five days in a row and add fresh chopped different varieties of fruits everyday. I always prefer to have chopped strawberries, blueberries and apples.
I love overnight oats. I need a gluten free diet and was recently overjoyed to find gluten free oats. They work great in the recipe, and are equally yummy. There’s always a container of them in my fridge. They’re good for breakfasts and desserts. I put spoon fruit in with the oatmeal when I serve it.
Great recipe and I thank you for sharing,