How to Make Overnight Oats (Easy Recipe)

This basic Overnight Oats recipe uses my easy formula of equal parts old-fashioned oats, Greek yogurt, and milk. Add in chia seeds, then customize with berries, peanut butter, granola, or whatever sounds good each morning.

Learning how to make overnight oats might be one of the easiest ways to make mornings a little less chaotic. Even though I no longer have kids at home, between workouts, chicken care duties, and work, sneaking in a high protein breakfast is always important.

Jar of overnight oats topped with berries and granola, surrounded by fruit, oats, and a red napkin.

Aimee’s Oat Notes

Smiling woman with brown hair in a floral blouse standing in a bright kitchen.

I’ll admit, I was late to the overnight oats party. As someone who spent years baking muffins, breads, and breakfast casseroles, cod oatmeal didn’t immediately sound like something tasty.

Then I actually tried it.

With a little tweaking, I wanted a recipe that was easy, and memorable. Something I could whip up quickly. By using equal amounts of the three basic ingredients, it’s easy to double, triple, etc this breakfast.

I’ve tested with ratios and different kinds of oats, milk, and yogurt, so be sure to check my notes below for substitutions as well as topping ideas (the fun part!).

And texture is amazing. I was worried about mush, but these are creamy and flavorful, and you can add toppings to enhance the flavor (and add more crunch) if you prefer.

xo,

Ingredients for Overnight Oats

You only need four ingredients for my basic recipe. How you serve them is completely up to you, and there are so many ideas.

The Basics:

Old-Fashioned Oats- for the best texture use these rolled oats. Don’t substitute steel cut or quick oats here as they will turn your oatmeal chewy or mushy. Old-fashioned oats are the goldilocks choice- just right!

Greek Yogurt- This ingredient can be customized in so many ways. I choose Greek yogurt for it’s flavor, protein content, and texture. However, ANY TYPE of yogurt can be used, as well as any flavor! My personal favorite is Oikos Zero Sugar, high protein vanilla.

Milk- Any milk works in overnight oats. Almond, oat, dairy, etc. My personal choice is a Premier Protein vanilla shake. Adds extra protein and a little vanilla flavor too.

Chia Seeds- these absorb some of the liquid as the oats sit, which helps create a thicker, creamier consistency. They also provide a massic amount of fiber, in such a small serving. Perfect for digestion, weight control, and energy!

The Best Overnight Oats Ratio

My Overnight Oats Ratio:

1/2 cup oats + 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1/2 Tablespoon chia seeds

A jar of overnight oats with chia seeds, surrounded by granola, berries, and spoons on a white table.

FAQs for Overnight Oats

How long do Overnight Oats need to sit?

I recommend refrigerating overnight oats for at least 6 hours. This gives them time to absorb the liquid and soften them up.

My overnight oats are too thick, now what?

Adjust the consistency in the morning easily by adding more milk (whichever choice of milk you used). This will thin them out to your desired consistency.

How long do overnight oats last?

Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator (in mason jars with lids, or plastic storage containers) for up to 5 days. Prep enough for the week!

Do you eat overnight oats cold?

Yes! Eat your overnight oats straight from the refrigerator. If you prefer, you can warm them up in the microwave, but you may want to add a splash of milk first.

Jars of overnight oats topped with berries and granola, surrounded by fresh fruit and a red napkin.

Overnight Oats Toppings and Mix-Ins

My basic recipe is just the starting point. By using vanilla yogurt you can add a whole variety of toppings!

Fruit– berries and bananas are my go-to choices
Granola– sugar free granola or a crunchy cereal you love
Flaxseed– mix it right in before serving
Peanut Butter– or almond butter for nutty flavor
Nuts– chopped almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and pecans are great options
Cinnamon
Unsweetened coconut– shredded
Mini chocolate chips
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Flavor combos:

Strawberry- use strawberry yogurt with fresh chopped strawberries.
Chocolate peanut butter banana– stir in peanut butter (or peanut butter powder), chocolate chips and sliced bananas.
Apple cinnamon- diced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Easy Breakfast Recipes

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In a pint sized mason jar, add all four ingredients.
Place a lid on the jar and give it a quick shake, or stir with a spoon.
Refrigerate overnight oats for at least 6 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Yogurt– I like to use a high protein vanilla flavored Greek yogurt. Use any flavor or brand you prefer.
Milk– I use vanilla flavored protein shake (Premier Protein), but any type of milk works great here, including non-dairy.
Oats– don’t use steel cut oats or quick cook oats for this recipe. One will be too chewy, one will be too mushy. You want this “just right” as Goldilocks would say.
Optional additions– chia seeds, 1 teaspoon flax seed, 1 Tablespoon peanut butter. All delicious options.
Toppings- Add fresh berries and a sprinkle of sugar-free granola if desired.
Store overnight oats for up to 5 days. I use a pint size mason jar for a single serving of overnight oatmeal. Be sure to choose the wide mouth jar for easy eating.
Can easily double, triple the amount.

Serving: 1jar, Calories: 347kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 84mg, Potassium: 456mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 201IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 210mg, Iron: 2mg