Easy Overnight Oats Recipe (VIDEO)
Easy and creamy Overnight Oats are the best make-ahead breakfast. There is no cooking required, just stir the ingredients together and refrigerate overnight to get a creamy and enjoyable bowl of oatmeal.
It’s easy to make several servings at once for weekly meal prep. You can add your preferred toppings ahead or when you’re ready to enjoy them.
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Overnight oats have become crazy popular over the past couple of years. I first discovered this from Chungah’s Meal Prep Cookbook and from Lisa of Downshiftology, who were both inspirations for this version that we make on our regular breakfast rotation.
We love make-ahead breakfasts from Overnight Cinnamon Rolls to French Toast Casserole and of course Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches. If you are a fan of breakfast meal prep, this Overnight Oats Recipe is a must-try!
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What are Overnight Oats?
Oats overnight is a method of preparing oatmeal with no cooking required. Rolled oats are combined with your milk of choice which softens the oats as they rest in the refrigerator overnight. Overnight oats are typically served cold but can be heated if desired. Here’s why we love it:
- Easy Meal Prep – they can be assembled several days ahead to enjoy throughout the week or to take with you wherever you go.
- Scalable – this recipe takes under 5 minutes to make and you can make 1 or 10 jars at once. It’s so easy when you set it up like an assembly line.
- Easy to digest – soaking oats rather than cooking them helps break down starches so your body can get the most nutritional benefit from the oats.
- Versatile – you can add just about any milk, any yogurt, and any sweetener. There are also dozens of toppings and add-ins you can try. See our favorites below.
- Save money – a single serving will probably cost about 50 cents to make, plus any toppings you want to add.
Ingredients for Overnight Oats
- Rolled Oats – also called old fashioned oats
- Almond milk – or you can use your milk of choice
- Greek yogurt – we use non-fat but whole yogurt would work
- Maple syrup – our go-to sweetener because it incorporates easilly (see substitutiosn below)
- Chia seeds – helps to thicken up the creamy base of the overnight oats while adding fiber, antioxidants and other health benefits.
If using sweetened yogurt – you can skip the additional maple syrup since a flavored yogurt usually adds enough sweetness Flavored yogurt is also a great way to change up the taste of your overnight oats. Try blueberry, strawberry, or vanilla yogurt.
How to Make Overnight Oats
- Add ingredients to a mason jar. Stir to combine, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Add toppings – when ready to serve, add your favorite fruit, nut or seed toppings and enjoy.
Common Questions
Rolled oats are sometimes called Old Fashioned Oats. Rolled oats are essentially steel-cut oats that have been processed and rolled or flattened into oval disks for faster cooking.
Yes, you can absolutely use your favorite milk such as coconut milk, oat milk, hemp milk, or even dairy milk.
Oats are good for you and are loaded with fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients. Also, the process of soaking oats overnight breaks softens the oats in a way that is easier to digest than cooked oats.
Oats are generally gluten-free, but be sure to buy rolled oats that are labeled “gluten-free” to ensure that your oats are not cross-contaminated.
Try liquid honey, agave, stevia, or your favorite sweetener.
Toppings for Overnight Oats
We love to use a variety of fruit toppings for overnight oats, depending on what is in season. Here are some of our favorite flavor combinations:
- Blueberry lemon: 1/4 cup blueberries + lemon zest
- Strawberry chocolate: 1/3 cup strawberries + mini chocolate chips
- Raspberry peach: 1/3 cup peaches or nectarine + raspberries
- Banana nut: 1/2 banana + chopped pecans
Have you discovered this amazing breakfast idea yet? I would love to hear about your favorite toppings for overnight oats in the comments below.
More EASY Breakfast Ideas
- Breakfast Quesadillas
- Green Smoothie Bowl
- One-Pan Breakfast Sandwich
- Breakfast Egg Muffins
- Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
- Easy Breakfast Shakshuka
Easy Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
For Each Serving of Overnight Oats:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats, old fashioned oats
- 5 oz almond milk, (just under 2/3 cup) or your milk of choice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, fat free or whole yogurt*
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
Topping Combinations:
- Blueberry Lemon: 1/4 cup blueberries + lemon zest
- Strawberry Chocolate: 1/3 cup strawberries + mini chocolate chips
- Raspberry peach: 1/3 cup peaches or nectarine + raspberries
- Banana nut: 1/2 banana + chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a mason jar, add all of your ingredients: rolled oats, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Stir until well combined then cover and refrigerate overnight.
- To serve, add your favorite toppings and enjoy it out of the jar, or transfer to a bowl and sprinkle on your favorite fruit or nut toppings.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Oh, how we love these for breakfast! My husband, 17-year-old daughter, and I love this recipe, Natasha! We have tried several overnight oatmeal recipes and one pre-made one from the grocery store. This is the only one we all enjoy and have made a few times. We make it with oat milk (it’s so creamy), my favorite way to top it off is fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and some fresh lemon juice right over the top. WOW! So good.
That’s so inspiring for us, Jana. Thanks so much for your awesome feedback, we appreciate it!
Was wondering if you can use a protein shake instead of milk for this recipe ?
Thank you for all your great recipes.
Hi Candy, that sounds like a good idea but I really haven’t tested that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, we’d love to know how it goes!
Great Recipe. I leave it out the Chia seeds because I can’t digest seeds.
I add cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix with bananas. Yum
Sounds good, I’m sure those were great too!
Made these a few nights ago! Turned out great. It was my first time trying them. I love oatmeal, but realized I am not a big fan of super cold oatmeal (texture). I heated just to get the chill off and topped with fresh blueberries, it was perfect! I am making again this evening for tomorrow, adding a dash of cinnamon! Will continue to try and eat them cold though, it will be a great hot summer brekkie! Thank you for your recipes! ❤️
Hi Elisa! Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you loved them.
Can be used quaker’s regular oats ? Instead of old fashioned rolled oats?
I haven’t tested that but I suspect it could work well with quick or regular oats. The texture would be a little different though. If you experiment, let me know how it goes.
Hi Natasha, Love your recipes. Can you tell me what size mason jars you use for this recipe. I clicked on mason jars in your recipe but it said page could not be found. Thank you and can’t wait to try this.
Hi Beverly, this is the mason jar that I used and I tested the link and it works.
Thank you Natasha . I can’t wait to try this. This link works now that you gave me.I am going to order some now.
Sounds great! 🙂
im a little confused natasha, am i supposed to cook the rolled oats first? also you stated i can use any yogurt i want so if i use yoplait strawberry then i can skip maple syrup because the yogurt has flavor already? rather can i use honey instead of maple syrup?
Hi Daria! No, you do not need to cook the rolled oats first, they will get soft as they sit overnight from the moisture in the dish. Just be sure to use “rolled oats” and not steel-cut oats. You could use whichever yogurt you prefer and honey instead of maple syrup will work great too! I hope you enjoy them.
I have been eating overnight oats 3 times a week since last year when I first saw your post! I love to add frozen cherries overnight. It’s yummy! TY for great recipe ideas & the entertaining way you present it.
You’re welcome, Sharon! I’m glad you love the recipe. Thank you for the feedback.
Hi Natasha. Thank you for all your marvellous recipes. I refer to them quite often.
My question is can I use frozen mixed fruit with overnight oats and if so when do I add them and do I need to defrost them. They have a very strong taste to eat on their own. Thanks
Hi Eunice, you’re welcome. Yes, you could use frozen fruit if you prefer.
I haven’t tried this yet but if you wait to put your fruit in the morning, is this something you can heat up for hot oatmeal?
Hi Katerina! You absolutely can serve it warm, just heat it up and stir it together. Heat just until warmed through. It would probably be best to keep the fruit off if you heat it and add it on afterward.
What if I don’t have yogurt? How much more milk should I add?
You can add just about any milk, any yogurt, and any sweetener. Just add a little more almond milk instead of the yogurt, although the overall product wouldn’t be quite as creamy.
Natasha, HELP!!! I cannot eat yogurt. It gives me a migraine and…I don’t like the sour taste. What can I substitute for it in the yummy recipe? Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It sounds and looks delicious!
Hi Maria, you could either use flavored yogurt or leave it out. Yogurt adds protein and also adds a nice creaminess to the overnight oats, but you could add something like a smashed banana or just add a little more almond milk instead of the yogurt, although the overall product wouldn’t be quite as creamy.
Natasha, Thanks for replying so quickly!!! I will try it with a smashed banana and see what happens. I’ll let you know how it works out.
I cannot eat Chia seeds ,can you please give me some ideas as to what else I can use .thank you
Hi Marina, we love it with chia seeds, but it should work without them! I hope you love this recipe!
Just found out I am prediabetic.Could I makeenough for a week?
Hi Judith. I’ve enjoyed these for up to 5 days in the refrigerator (depending on the toppings). To make them last longer, I would wait to add the fruit when you eat them.
Hi Natasha
I just want to say to thank you so much for the amazing recipes. I love love the things you make and oh the creativity!! I am baking and enjoying it so much and you make it such fun. Got to love you.
Yolandi
Thank you for your good comments and feedback, Yolanda. I’m glad you are enjoying my recipes!
This is my new go-to healthy breakfast. I mistakenly bought Vanilla Greek yogurt instead of plain and, Oh my goodness, it was so good. Now I’m going to experiment with other flavored yogurts.
Yum! Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing, Stacie!
Hi Natasha,
I love your recipes!
I made the over night oats for breakfast this morning, it was great!! Instead of using maple syrup I used a little strawberry rhubarb jam. And added diced strawberries before eating!!
Yum! That sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing, Dolores!
Love the overnight oats. Where has this been all my life? I used coconut yogurt instead of Greek so I didn’t need the syrup. Great for hot summer days! Love your videos and I use so many of your recipes.
That’s wonderful! Coconut yogurt sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Made this last night and added 1T melted coconut oil for a healthy fat plus toasted sliced almonds with fresh berries in the morning. Also used collagen protein powder in place of chia seeds until I found chia seeds nearby. Love your recipes!
I’m so happy you’re enjoying my recipes, Dianne! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!
No yogurt on hand. Could I use sour cream instead? I always have sour cream!
Hi Karen, Yogurt adds protein and also adds a nice creaminess to the overnight oats, but you could add something like a smashed banana or just add a little more almond milk instead of the yogurt, although the overall product wouldn’t be quite as creamy.
Hi Natasha,
Could you use frozen fruit…like blueberries and or strawberries
Hi Shirley! Yes, you could use frozen fruit if you prefer.
Love all of your recipes. Can’t wait to try this oatmeal tomorrow morning. You have an awesome family.
P.S. Love your kitchen
Thank you, Noelle! I hope you love this recipe as well. 🙂
I generally make a big batch of overnight oats from a different recipe but this is great for a one-time serving. I did just make it in a deep bowl as I had no jar handy. Covered with plastic wrap overnight. And I think these amounts could be two servings especially with added fruit. Quite filling for me!
Great idea! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Carol!
What size mason jar is used for this recipe? 8 oz or 16 oz? I feel like 16 would be too much but I can’t really tell what size you’re using.
Hi Paula, the jars I used were Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [6 Pack] With mason jar lids and Bands.
I love your energy.
I also love your recipes 😋
Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Pinnie!
This was delicious! Kept me full until lunch! Another good recipe from Natasha.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Liana!
I don’t like yogurt at all, do you have any suggestions for something that could be substituted in its place? Thank you.
Hi Sherry, Yogurt adds protein and also adds a nice creaminess to the overnight oats, but you could add something like a smashed banana or just add a little more almond milk instead of the yogurt, although the overall product wouldn’t be quite as creamy.
Hi Natasha 🤗
I was wondering if you could substitute the Chia seeds in The breakfast oatmeal mason jar recipe with tapioca? Chia seeds are just not one of my favorites 😬 thank you so much for being you! ♥️
Hi Pamela, I have not tried that yet but feel free to do an experiment. We’d love to know how it goes.
Can you use steel cut oats? I know that rolled is basically steel cut but with hubby being prediabetic he has been advised to only use steel cut
Hi there, I think that will work but it will be chewier than regular oats.
Love all your recipes! Read the comments quickly – didn’t see anyone saying that they microwave the jars before eating…. I prefer my oats on the warm side. Thank you 🙂
Just tried this recipe and absolutely loved it!
Overall, is this a healthy a meal? Do you have any recommendations to decrease the carbs in this? Thank you!
Hi Alissa, I would say so. Oats are good for you and are loaded with fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients. It is hard to reduce carbs in this recipe because oats are vital. You could possibly use fewer oats? It may change the consistency a bit but I’m sure it would still taste great. The only other suggestion that I would have is not to use maple syrup or use an alternative sweetener. I would also be mindful of the toppings you select as those can add additional carbs.
You have the best recipes! Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in the overnight oats? For some reason I don’t like maple syrup lol
Yes, you can! You can substitute with liquid honey, agave, stevia, or your favorite sweetener.
This recipe is great! I generally do not care for cooked oatmeal because not matter what I do it tastes like cardboard. But this method of prep really preserves the natural taste of the oats. I will make this often!
Hello Sally, great to know that you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for sharing that with us!
I’m allergic to yogurt. I can I substitute with something else?
Hi Lana, Yogurt adds protein and also adds a nice creaminess to the overnight oats, but you could add something like a smashed banana or just add a little more almond milk instead of the yogurt, although the overall product wouldn’t be quite as creamy.
Made this last night – it’s super easy and tastes great. I highly recommend!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review, Debbie!
Just made these overnight Oats, served them up the next day. Hubby says it’s a winner and a keeper. He really enjoyed them. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m happy to hear that!
Made these Natasha and they are so delicious. Grandson who is a fussy eater loved them too.
Great to hear that he loved this recipe too!
This recipe is outstanding! I made a big bowl of it and it’s already gone. Making more tonight, wonderful breakfast and evening snack.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Mary!
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for all your great recipes! Can I make this without the chia seeds? Every recipe I’ve seen includes this, but I don’t have any. Thanks!
Hi Lin, we love it with chia seeds, but it should work without them! I hope you love this recipe!
How many days to the oats keep? Trying to estimate how many to prepare.
Hi Jeania, it’s best to enjoy these within five days of making them.
Just prepped 6 jars for my family for the morning. I softened some Granny Smith apples with a bit of agave and cinnamon, then promptly plopped them in the jars on top of the stirred oats. Hopefully adding the fruit now doesn’t disappoint. Thanks!❤️
❤️
Please update us on how it goes so we can try that next time.
Hi. The jar link doesn’t work for me. Can you tell me how many ounces your jars are? Thank you.
Hi Nancy, that link should take you to an Amazon Shop. Try this link HERE instead. It’s the same link. The jars I used were Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [6 Pack] With mason jar lids and Bands. I hope this helps!
It works! Thank you so much! I love overnight oats and cannot wait to make these.
I hope you love it!
They did not disappoint. This is my new favorite breakfast. Yum!
I’m so glad you found a favorite, Nancy! It is seriously so good!
My boys loved this!!! Such and easy breakfast to prep night before! Natasha never disappoints with her recipe!
You’re so nice! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
This is one of my favorites! Love it! I use all organic ingredients and load mine up with pecans. Thank you Natasha! You’re the best! Love! Love! Love!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Steven!
Any vessel you can suggest to use other than Mason jars? thanks.
Hi Phoebe, a Tupperware container or clear plastic to-go cups would work great.
Love It! Can a few of these be made ahead and frozen? If so, do I freeze them with or without stirring? I assume I add the fruit once thawed and ready to eat?
Hi Marla, they can be assembled several days ahead to enjoyed throughout the week or to take with you wherever you go, be sure to keep them refrigerated. I have not tried freezing these to advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Hi there. I love your receipes, and have tried several! For this one, would adding cinnamon work?
Hi Lynda, I haven’t tried adding cinnamon to this recipe yet to advise. I have another Maple Cinnamon Recipe if you’d like to try that one instead.
I made this last night, stirred in a tablespoon pumpkin butter and few sprinkles of pumpkin pie spice! Hello Fall!! Was an absolutely delicious breakfast!
So glad you enjoyed this for breakfast! Thank you for your review.
I typically don’t like oatmeal especially cooked makes me sick for some reason but tried this overnight oats recipe and fell in love with it! Doing on repeat!
That is awesome news! Thank you for your review, Mariya. Happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe.
I’ve tried several overnight oat recipes before and didn’t like them because the consistency was pasty or something. This was creamy and delicious, and almost, dare I say, refreshing? 😁
Thank you for your awesome feedback, Lezlie. Great to hear that you finally found an easy overnight oats recipe that you love!
Perfect! Thank you for sharing!
What’s the size of the jar you used in the picture? It looks different than the ones you linked in your recipe (a bit smaller perhaps?). Thanks!
Hi there, here’s an amazon affiliate link to the jars that I use.
Love this recipe, easy and so delicious 😋
Thank you, love your recipes!
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Mavi! I’m glad you love my recipes!
Hi Natasha! I tried your recipe and my husband loves it! Is there a way to make a chocolate version of it? I tried some recipe I found but the cocoa didnt mix well and the liquid separated and oats sunk to the bottom! Thanks!
Hi Lea, I honestly haven’t tested that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
Try the chocolate almond milk, it is delicious on it’s own.
Oh that’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Natasha. What could I replace yoghurt with? I just can’t handle it.
Hi Gina, you could either use flavored yogurt or leave it out. Yogurt adds protein and also adds a nice creaminess to the overnight oats, but you could add something like a smashed banana or just add a little more almond milk instead of the yogurt, although the overall product wouldn’t be quite as creamy.
Nice . Is it light to digest with all these fibres ?
Yes, it is!
How long will they keep in the refigerator? If I am meal prepping, can I make a weeks worth?
Hi Michelle, it’s best to enjoy these within 5 days of making them.
Natasha, if you add greek yogurt to the regular milk, you will get prostokvasha
As always, yummy, yummy in my tummy :-). Next time I’ll add a dash of vanilla. Thanks for a delicious start to my morning.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Eva!
Love the addition of chia seeds. I usually make this with rolled oats or chia but never thought of mixing them. Hubby grudgingly eats the chia pud so this is a great way to get it into his system 😬
Thanks! Love your recipes ❤️
You’re welcome! Hope you love it.
Can you use Steele cut oats? What can you do to make this more carb friendly? And what size mason jars?
Hi Chris, We used rolled oats here. Rolled oats are essentially steel-cut oats that have been processed and rolled or flattened into oval disks for faster cooking. I can’t say that it will work for overnight oats properly. YOu’d have to soak them for some time to work without them being chewy or dense.
We sometimes mix half and half rolled and steel cut oats because it gives variety to the texture.
That’s interesting! Thanks for sharing. Is it quick-cooking steel-cut oats?
Yes you can use Steele cut oats. That’s what I used and it was excellent!
Did you cook them first then placed them overnight in mason jar? Thank you
Probably a duh question, but I am brave & humble.
Do you heat the oatmeal in the canning/glass jar prior to eating? I don’t like cold oatmeal.
Also, I love these screw-on plastic lids from Amazon. They come in colors or all white. Very handy if you don’t want to use metal rings that come with mason jars.
Hi, that is a great question. You absolutely can serve it warm, just heat it up and stir together. Heat just until warmed through. Thanks for the tip on the jar lids. I have a couple of those but for smaller jars. I don’t know why I didn’t think to look for them.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Hi Mike, We used rolled oats here. Rolled oats are essentially steel-cut oats that have been processed and rolled or flattened into oval disks for faster cooking. I can’t say that it will work for overnight oats properly. YOu’d have to soak them for some time to work without them being chewy or dense.
I’m here for Anything that makes mornings easier and healthier! These overnight oats were just perfect!
YES! We love easy morning recipes! I’m so glad you enjoyed these, Lisalia!
I’ve been wanting to try these for a long time and when I saw that you made them, I knew I had to try them because I love all of your recipes!
This was no different than the rest. It was SO good, thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jessica!
Can I use the i minute quick oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?
Hi Madhavi, I haven’t tested that but I suspect it could work well with quick oats. The texture would be a little different though. If you experiment, let me know how it goes.
Oh yeah, I love overnight oats! I had never thought to do chia seeds before. Such a great addition, and almond milk to make them a bit more healthy. Love this recipe! 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful review, Matt!