Maya Chen
Creamy, customizable oats that soak overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast—loaded with fiber, protein, and your favorite mix-ins!
Recipe Snapshot
- 🍽️ Serves: 2
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🛏️ Chill Time: 4+ hours (overnight)
- 💰 Cost Estimate: $1.20 per serving
Clever Tip:
Double or triple the recipe for meal prep—overnight oats keep well all week in the fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cooking required—just stir, chill, and eat
- Creamy and filling with endless flavor options
- Loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Perfect for meal prep, portable, and budget-friendly
- Vegan, gluten-free, and highly adaptable
Ingredient Notes
- Rolled oats: Not quick oats for best texture
- Milk: Dairy or plant-based (almond, oat, soy, coconut)
- Yogurt: Makes it extra creamy; optional but recommended
- Chia seeds: Boosts fiber and pudding-like texture
- Sweetener: Syrup, honey, or agave—add to taste
- Optional: Protein powder, nut butter, fruit, or chocolate chips for your favorite flavor combo
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 cup rolled oats
- ▢ 1 cup milk (any kind)
- ▢ 1/2 cup yogurt (regular or plant-based)
- ▢ 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ▢ 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ▢ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- ▢ Pinch of salt
- ▢ Optional: fruit, nut butter, seeds, protein powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl or jar, stir together oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, syrup, vanilla, and salt.
- Add any optional mix-ins or toppings now, or add before serving.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thickened and creamy.
- Stir, taste, and adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Top with fruit, nuts, or your favorite toppings before serving. Enjoy cold or at room temp.
Helpful Tips
- Use old-fashioned oats for the best creamy but hearty texture
- Stir well to combine and prevent clumping of chia seeds
- Add crunchy toppings (nuts, granola) just before eating
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Customize with spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), berries, or a swirl of nut butter
- Make in jars for portable grab-and-go breakfast
- Overnight oats thicken as they sit—add splash of milk before serving if needed
Meal Prep & Freezing Tips
- Prep Ahead: Make 3–5 days at once for a week of breakfasts
- Storage: Airtight jars keep oats fresh and ready to eat
- Freezing: Not recommended—enjoy fresh from the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use quick oats? Yes, but texture will be softer and less chewy
- Dairy-free/vegan? Use plant milk and yogurt
- Flavor ideas? Try PB&J, chocolate banana, apple cinnamon, or pumpkin spice
- When are they ready? After 4 hours, but even better after a full night
Conclusion
Overnight Oats bring ease, nourishment, and endless flavor—prep once, savor all week for healthy, happy mornings!
Overnight Oats
The ultimate, customizable no-cook breakfast. Prepare in minutes and grab-and-go!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk any kind
- 1/2 cup yogurt regular or plant-based
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Pinch of salt
Optional:
- fruit, nut butter, seeds, protein powder
Instructions
- Combine Base IngredientsIn a large container (or 4 individual jars), combine the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or whisk to mix thoroughly until there are no clumps and all oats are submerged.
- Chill and SoakCover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the oats to soak for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally **8 hours (overnight)**, to achieve the best pudding-like texture.
- Top and ServeThe next morning, the oats will be thick. Uncover, give it a quick stir, and top with your favorite additions (fruit, nuts, spices, or peanut butter). If the mixture is too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk or water until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Clever Customization Tips
- Peanut Butter Delight: Add 1 tbsp of peanut butter and a pinch of cinnamon to the base before chilling.
- Chunky Monkey: Top with sliced banana, chocolate chips, and crushed walnuts right before serving.
- Texture Tip: Use old-fashioned rolled oats only. Quick oats will turn to mush, and steel-cut won’t soften enough.
- Meal Prep: These keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for your Sunday prep routine.
