Simple Overnight Oats
Creamy, no-cook oatmeal that softens overnight in the fridge. Just stir a few pantry staples together before bed, and wake up to a satisfying, ready-to-eat breakfast that's cool, thick, and endlessly customizable.
For 4 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Combine the wet ingredients.
1.Pour the milk into a large mixing bowl.2.Add the yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.3.Whisk until smooth and well blended. - mix · ~1 min
Stir in the dry ingredients.
1.Add the rolled oats and chia seeds to the bowl.2.Sprinkle in the tiny pinch of salt.3.Whisk or stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. - assemble · ~1 min
Divide into jars and seal.
1.Spoon the oat mixture evenly into 4 individual jars or containers.2.Seal each container with an airtight lid. - rest · ~480 min
Refrigerate overnight.
1.Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator.2.Let them chill and soften for at least 8 hours, or up to 5 days.TIPA full 8-hour soak gives the oats the best creamy, tender texture. Quick oats turn mushy — stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. - garnish · ~1 min
Add toppings and serve.
1.Take a jar from the fridge and give it a good stir.2.Top with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped almonds.3.Serve chilled, straight from the jar.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick or steel-cut, for the ideal creamy texture without mushiness.
- 2Stir the mixture again before refrigerating to ensure chia seeds are evenly distributed and don't clump.
- 3Let the oats soak at least 8 hours — shorter times leave them chewy rather than tender.
- 4The oats keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
- 5If you prefer a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of milk before serving and stir well.
- 6Mash one banana into the base mixture for natural sweetness and extra creaminess.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Swap half the milk for unsweetened almond milk and add 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder; stir well to avoid clumps. Great for post-workout breakfast.
veganVegan
Use plant-based milk (oat or almond) and a thick unsweetened vegan yogurt. Replace maple syrup with agave if desired.
low sugarLow-sugar
Reduce maple syrup to 1 tablespoon and skip the banana topping; add fresh berries for natural sweetness. Suitable for lower-sugar diets.
chocolate peanut butterChocolate-peanut-butter
Stir in 1 tbsp cocoa powder and 2 tbsp peanut butter with the wet ingredients. Top with a few chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Rolled oats and chia seeds provide soluble fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Good Source of Protein
Milk, yogurt, and chia seeds contribute a moderate amount of protein to keep morning energy steady.
Contains Omega-3s
Chia seeds are a plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), beneficial for heart health.
Calcium from Dairy
Milk and yogurt supply calcium, important for bone strength. Use fortified plant milk for a similar benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Quick oats will turn mushy and gluey after an overnight soak, so we recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
