You’ve never made breakfast this easy! A few simple ingredients turn into a creamy, lovely breakfast while you sleep. Mix oats, milk, and toppings before bed, and wake up to a super nutritious, customizable feast that’s ready to eat. This easy overnight oats recipe is perfect for a busy morning, or when you have a craving for a healthy start with as little fuss as possible.
How To Make Healthy Overnight Oats
Let old-fashioned rolled oats and chia seeds soak in milk (dairy or alternates) and yogurt (Greek for a creamy finish) in a jar overnight and the next morning they’ll have produced a silky cereal missing that raw taste.
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: The base of your overnight oats, providing a creamy texture and a high fiber content that keeps you full longer.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds add a nutritional punch, thickening the oats while offering omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
- Milk (of choice): Acts as the soaking liquid that softens the oats and chia seeds, making them deliciously creamy. You can use dairy or any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a boost of protein, making your oats even more satisfying.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener to add a touch of sweetness to your oats without the need for refined sugars.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the oats and toppings.
- Strawberries: Offer a fresh, juicy burst of flavor and a dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and color to your breakfast bowl.
Directions
- Mix Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, your choice of milk, and Greek yogurt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness and a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. Mix again.
- Add Strawberries: Chop some fresh strawberries and add them to the mix or save some to top off your oats in the morning.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the oats to soak up the liquid and flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: The next morning, give your oats a good stir. Top with additional strawberries or your favorite nuts and seeds for extra texture and nutrition before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Making overnight oats has been a game-changer for my mornings, and I’m thrilled to share some personal tips and tricks that I’ve learned through experience:
Finding the Perfect Oats-to-Liquid Ratio: I started with the recommended 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid, but quickly realized I like mine a bit creamier. Adding just a splash more milk made all the difference. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios after your first try to find what suits your taste best.
The Magic of Chia Seeds: Initially, I underestimated these tiny seeds, but they’re now a must-have in my oats for their thickening power and health benefits. Plus, they add a delightful little pop of texture.
Choosing the Right Container: I’ve experimented with various jars and bowls, but mason jars win hands down. Not only do they make the oats easy to grab and go, but there’s also something satisfying about peeling back the lid to a beautifully layered breakfast.
Layering for Instagram-Worthy Oats: Speaking of layers, I love layering my oats with fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or peanut butter. Starting with a layer of fruit at the bottom, oats in the middle, and more fruit and nuts on top makes for a visually appealing and deliciously textured meal.
Experimenting with Flavors: Don’t shy away from trying different mix-ins and toppings. My personal favorite discovery was adding a dollop of pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice in the fall for a cozy breakfast treat.
The Strawberry Twist: Strawberries, both in and on my oats, have been a revelation. I dice them the night before and mix some into the oats, saving a few for topping in the morning. Their sweetness intensifies overnight, infusing the oats with a fresh, fruity flavor that’s unbeatable.
Warm It Up: Even though overnight oats are typically eaten cold, I’ve found that gently warming them up on a chilly morning brings out a whole new dimension of comfort. Just a minute in the microwave and it’s like eating a hug.
Making It in Bulk: I’ve started preparing my oats in bulk at the start of the week, mixing all the dry ingredients in jars. Then, all I have to do each night is add the milk and yogurt. It’s a small step that saves a lot of time during busy weeks.
The Sweet Spot with Sweeteners: I’ve learned to be conservative with sweeteners at first, especially when using ripe fruits. You can always add more in the morning if it’s not sweet enough, but starting with less helps to keep it healthy and balanced.
Nut Butter Core: For an indulgent twist, I sometimes add a spoonful of nut butter to the middle of the jar before adding the second layer of oats. It’s like finding a treasure as you eat your way through.
Try These Breakfast Recipes
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe
Cooks in 20 minutesDifficulty: Easy
This buttermilk cracker barrel pancakes recipe is right on the money when it comes to creating a copycat recipe. We’ve expertly recreated the masterpiece breakfast you find at the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Morning has never been so sweet.
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Bisquick Waffles Recipe
Cooks in 14 minutesDifficulty: Easy
Breakfast doesn’t come better than a Bisquick waffle served with some fresh fruit. You’ll be able to make this dish quickly at home.
Wrapping Up
The ability of overnight oats to simplify your morning routine without sacrificing taste or nutrition is truly a game-changer. Not only do you have complete control over which ingredients to use so you can switch things up every day, but the preparation is really no-fuss either.
It’s a breakfast that never insults and suits absolutely every palate or schedule. Whether you prefer starting your day with something on the fruity or sweet side or with something rich and nutty, this is a perfectly nutritious and delicious option that you can make all your own.
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